BMW offers style and functionality

Car manufacturers listen to what customers want and with BMW it is no exception, a lot of research was carried out to bring this newcomer to market.

It is a vehicle which combines an understated coupe-like silhouette to the luxurious interior of a 7 Series, while at the same time giving the functionality of a 5 Series Touring or X5.

Aimed at buyers who feel they have to make a compromise when choosing between a conventional saloon, an estate or a SUV, the 5 Series GT covers all three.

The 5 Series GT aims to appeal to the small portion of BMW customers that seek something different while also tempting a much broader church of competitor car buyer because of its originality.

This is the 19th distinct model shape to be offered in the BMW portfolio and it has a vehicle length nearly on par with a 7 Series to create a greater feeling of space for those inside.

The 5 Series GT offers the second greatest amount of legroom of any BMW while headroom is equivalent to that of an X5. Boot space can be enhanced from 440 litres up to 1,700 litres, only 50 litres behind the capacity of the X5 and the second largest space compared to all current BMWs.

Available as either a four-seat Executive specification car for a luxurious, spacious feel or in a five-seat SE configuration for a blend of sophistication and practicality.

The most distinctive feature is a two-piece tailgate which is a first in the premium segment. There are two ways of opening the rear of the vehicle depending on the objects needed to be stowed.

A more conventional saloon style boot opening provides access for smaller objects and this allows the cabin area to remain warm and without noise intrusion. The hatch-style opening combined with a flexible partition comes into play should the owner wish to make full use of its load-lugging capacity.

The rear seats can be moved 100mm fore or aft to either increase boot space or provide greater legroom for rear seat passengers. With the rear seats moved forwards, the seat backs folded virtually flat and the parcel shelf removed and stowed beneath the luggage compartment floor.

The engine line up includes, 530d, 535i and 550i. The 530d is a 2,993cc six-cylinder that features third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors for the best in diesel refinement and efficiency. It produces 245bhp to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 149mph. Fuel economy is exceptional with a combined fuel consumption figure of 43.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 173g/km.

The 535i is a 2,979cc six-cylinder power plant and is the first ever to combine

a single turbocharger with VALVETRONIC, BMW’s system that varies how much the engine’s valves open for optimum efficiency.

Power output is 306bhp and rest to 62mph in 6.3 seconds and top speed is 155mph, yet combined consumption is 31.7mpg CO2 emissions are 209g/km.

Top of the range, the 550i, powered by an acclaimed 407bhp 4,395cc V8 engine with twin-turbocharger and rest to 62mph takes 5.5 seconds and an electronically-limited 155mph top speed. With this engine the 5 Series GT has a combined consumption figure of 25.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 263g/km.

BMW’s new eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard and is six per cent per cent more fuel efficient than the previous six-speed automatic.

The 5 Series GT also comes with many of the EfficientDynamics technologies already shown on other BMWs to enhance overall performance.

Drive Dynamic Control is another standard feature that allows the driver to fine tune the chassis configuration to suit their needs. Drivers can specify Normal, Sport and Sport+, with each setting changing the steering assistance, throttle response and gear change characteristics.

I drove the new BMW over some excellent routes and in the worst possible weather conditions and with all the driving and safety aids, this vehicle really impressed.