2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Overview

2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Overview

The 2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the attributes of a luxury sedan and an SUV, thanks to its unique rear tailgate, which includes a smaller integrated trunklid, so owners have two ways to access the sedan's fully enclosed trunk area. The tailgate features a soft-close feature and a low-loading sill for easy access when loading cargo. An acoustic partition separates the cargo area from the main cabin, ensuring a quiet ride for passengers.

Based on the Italian grand touring sedans of the 1950s, which offered both sport-oriented handling and plenty of room for luggage, the four-door 5 Series Gran Turismo borrows its exterior design from the standard 5 Series sedans and adds a number of exterior enhancements, including coupe-like lines and frameless side windows. In addition, the Gran Turismo stretches 5.6 inches longer than the other 5 Series sedans (196.8 inches vs. 191.2), allowing for an elongated hood with the distinctive twin-kidney grille slightly raked forward. The side windows are segmented into three sections, carrying on a traditional BMW design. L-shaped LED taillights complete the exterior design elements.

Under the hood, the 5 Series Gran Turismo sports a 4.4-liter, 400-hp TwinPower Turbo V8 engine with piezo direct fuel injection and four overhead camshafts. In addition, the engine incorporates Double-VANOS variable valve timing, which helps improve performance and fuel efficiency. The engine mates to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes. The powerplant, which produces 450 lb-ft of torque, pushes the Gran Turismo from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds and posts fuel economy numbers of 15/21 mpg.

The Gran Turismo's long wheelbase results in a spacious interior with a contemporary yet elegant contoured design. As expected, BMW uses premium-quality materials throughout the cabin. Comfortable, supportive seats, designed for long-distance traveling, are wrapped in Dakota Leather upholstery, as are the armrests, headrests, doors, center console, and gear shift knob. Dark wood trim accents the leather upholstery. The front seats feature 10-way power adjustment with four-way lumbar support and memory for the driver's seat, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors.

The dual-panel panoramic moonroof provides good views for passengers and gives the cabin a spacious feel, as do the frameless windows, which are slightly larger than standard framed windows. The Gran Turismo comes standard with a wide range of upscale features, including a power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, interior ambience lighting, Bluetooth, dynamic cruise control, remote keyless entry, a Black Panel instrument display, and a start/stop button.

A voice-activated, hard-drive-based navigation system, which also comes standard, includes real-time traffic information. HD radio and a 205-watt, 12-speaker audio system, with an amplifier and two subwoofers located under the front seats, keep passengers entertained. The Gran Turismo also comes equipped with an updated version of BMW's iDrive system, which owners can use to control the sedan's audio, climate control, and navigation systems.

The Gran Turismo rides on a self-leveling rear air suspension, which provides a smooth, capable ride, while an electronic limited-slip differential ensures sporty handling. Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control, Brake Fade Compensation, and a Start-off Assistant come standard. Safety equipment also includes antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control. A full range of airbags, including a front and rear Head Protection System, helps protect passengers in the event of an accident. The 5 Series Gran Turismo rides on 18-inch light-alloy wheels with run-flat all-season tires.