2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Trims and Specs

Though a bit of a marketing mongrel, the 2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 535i still manages to provide the cachet of a true Beemer. This four-door, five-passenger fastback/hatchback is loaded with standard features, with one of its star attractions being a bodacious dual-action liftgate that can be raised in segments or all at once. Standard exterior amenities include a power sunroof with remote and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, this hefty hauler sports 60 cubic feet of cargo space (with the rear seats folded) complementing split-folding and reclining rear seats, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, power accessories, including reverse-tilt and heated outside mirrors, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, and steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Posh touches like dual-zone climate control and leather, alloy and wood dash, steering wheel, and cabin accents are Beemer staples in the Gran Turismo, while memory for two drivers' seat settings completes the ensemble. Additionally, Beemer’s exclusive BMW Assist provides roadside assistance, driving directions and, with some help from Bluetooth, communications technology, while iDrive electronic interface technology is also standard. Entertainment, meanwhile, is provided by a standard 205-watt single-CD player with 12 speakers.

Standalone options include Integral Active Steering (all four wheels turn), Nappa Leather, Active Cruise control, head-up windshield display, heated front seats, rear-seat entertainment, smartphone integration and DVD navigation. Nine different options packages add rear-, top- and side-view cameras, adaptable suspension, 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, power-opening rear hatch, power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated rear seats, and a 600-watt audio upgrade with satellite radio service.

Safety-wise, the 2011 5 Series Gran Turismo 535i boasts standard four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection to complement its considerable heft. Further safety equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, standard daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, self-leveling HID headlights, emergency braking preparation, a remote anti-theft alarm, and BMW Assist Emergency Service, Airbag Deployment Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Tracking. Optional safety features, meantime, include Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, as well as Active Roll Stabilization with the Dynamic Handling Package and active front head restraints with the Sport Package.

Powering the 2011 5 Series Gran Turismo is a standard 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine (I6) that combines with an 8-speed auto-manual transmission and rear limited-slip differential for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Variable valve timing, meanwhile, allows this heavy hatchback to get an estimated 20/30 mpg.

Though it sounds like something out of an old Star Trek episode, the “xDrive” in the 2011 5 Series Gran Turismo 535i xDrive actually boils down to plain old all-wheel drive (AWD). This posh, four-door, five-passenger, mutated hatchback is sort of unique in that it’s more cargo-friendly than a sedan, plusher than a run-of-the-mill wagon, and less versatile than a crossover. It is, however, a traction-savvy Beemer with all the corresponding bells and whistles. Starting with its racy body shape, exterior features also include 18-inch alloy wheels, a neat dual-action rear liftgate/hatchback, and a power glass sunroof. The cabin, meanwhile, in addition to boasting 60 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded, sports leather upholstery and leather, alloy and wood interior trim accents. Standard comfort and convenience amenities include power-adjustable front seats, power accessories, including reverse-tilting heated exterior mirrors, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, dual-zone climate control, a new and improved iDrive shortcut-laden electronic interface system, and BMW Assist service that features roadside assistance, driving directions, and Bluetooth wireless communications. Finally, entertainment is provided through a 205-watt single-CD player with 12 speakers.

Options include standalones such as Integral Active Steering, where all four wheels can be turned, Nappa leather upholstery, active cruise control, head-up windshield display, heated front seats, rear-seat entertainment, smartphone integration and DVD navigation. Nine options packages add in rear-, top- and side-view camera systems, an adaptable suspension system, 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, power-opening rear liftgate, heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable rear seats, and a 600-watt stereo system with satellite radio.

Safety is far from neglected on the 2011 5 Series Gran Turismo 535i xDrive, with four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and a front head-restraint whiplash protection system all standard. Additional standard safety equipment includes daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, self-leveling headlights, emergency braking preparation and BMW Assist emergency notifications. Meanwhile some optional safety items include Night Vision with Pedestrian detection, Active Roll Stabilization with the Dynamic Handling Package, and active front head restraints with the Sport Package.

Standard power for the 2011 5 Series Gran Turismo 535i xDrive is a turbocharged 300-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder (I6) engine. Complementing these ponies is a standard 8-speed auto-manual transmission that has the 535i xDrive throwing down 300 lb-ft of torque under the auspices of a rear limited-slip differential. Variable valve timing helps the I6 achieve a respectable 20/30 mpg burning premium-grade gasoline, while a mechanical center differential and a rear and center limited-slip differential are the centerpieces of the full-time AWD (xDrive) system.

A step above the 535i, yet certainly as unique, is the rear-wheel-drive 2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 550i four-door, five-passenger luxury hatchback. This hefty family hauler is delivered with such external amenities as 18-inch alloy wheels and a power glass sunroof, as well as a very cool dual-opening rear hatch. Inside, this plush Beemer features standard leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather, alloy, and wood cabin accents complementing dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats and reclining rear seats. Techno-wizardry includes telescoping tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, power accessories, including reverse-tilting heated outside mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, iDrive electronic interface technology, memory for driver's settings, and Bluetooth-boosted BMW Assist driving directions, communications, and roadside assistance. Over and above its 535i brethren, the 550i boasts a standard universal remote garage door opener, voice-activated DVD navigation and auto-dimming inside and outside mirrors.

A plethora of standalone options can be showered on the 550i, including four-zone climate control, four-wheel Integral Active Steering, Nappa leather upholstery, active cruise control, head-up windshield display, heated front seats, rear-seat entertainment, smartphone integration and satellite radio. Options packages, of which there are no less than nine, offer such available extras as a heated steering wheel, top-, rear- and side-view cameras, an adaptable suspension, 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, power-opening rear hatch, heated, ventilated and power-adjustable rear seats, and a 600-watt premium stereo system.

Standard safety equipment in the 2011 5 Series Gran Turismo 550i includes four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags, and front head restraint whiplash protection. Further safety items delivered with this fastback fashion leader include daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, self-leveling HID headlights, emergency braking preparation, and a remote antitheft alarm. Also standard is the highly touted BMW Assist emergency service, including airbag deployment notification, and stolen vehicle tracking technology. Optional safety equipment includes Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, Active Roll Stabilization with the Dynamic Handling Package, and active front head restraints with the Sport Package.

Distinguishing the 2011 5 Series Gran Turismo 550i from its more plebian siblings is a standard twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 powerplant that’s capable of some 400 hp. An 8-speed auto-manual transmission helps the V8 churn out 450 lb-ft of torque and is bolstered by a rear limited-slip differential and brake hill holder. Despite variable valve timing, the twin-turbo V8 is estimated at only 15/22 mpg using premium gas.

Need a quirky-looking fastback/hatchback with plenty of go, plenty of posh, and all-wheel drive (AWD)? Check out the four-door, five-passenger 2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 550i xDrive. Some 60 cubic feet of cargo area, with the rear seats folded, places this niche-defying Beemer a notch above the 5 Series sedan for usefulness and cabin comfort, while turbocharged power gives it the ability to more than get out of its own way.

On the outside, complementing its racy appearance, are standard 18-inch alloy wheels and a power glass sunroof, as well as a slick dual-action hatchback that can be opened in sections or in total for easier cargo access. Inside, standard leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather, wood, and alloy cabin accoutrements add a touch of posh, with the power-adjustable front seats complemented by dual-zone climate control. Standard techno-gadgetry, meanwhile, includes telescoping tilt-wheel steering, power accessories, including heated, reverse-tilting outside mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, and BMW Assist boasting roadside assistance, driving directions, and Bluetooth-aided hands-free communications. Entertainment is delivered with a 205-watt single-CD player and 12 speakers, and, along with the climate control system, is made more occupant-friendly with BMW's iDrive electronic interface technology. Finally, a voice-activated DVD navigation system, universal remote garage door opener, and auto-dimming inside and outside mirrors are added standard features that elevate the 550i xDrive a notch above its lesser siblings.

Options for this plush AWD hatchback include Integrated Active Steering, where all four wheels turn for more precise maneuvering, Nappa leather upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, active cruise control, head-up windshield display, heated front seats, satellite radio, rear-seat entertainment, and smartphone integration. A total of nine options packages, meanwhile, add in a heated steering wheel, top, side, and rear camera systems, adaptable suspension system, 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable rear seating, and a 600-watt premium sound system upgrade.

Standard safety items for the traction-savvy 5 Series Gran Turismo 550i xDrive include four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front head restraint whiplash protection, and dual front side-mounted airbags. Further safety equipment includes daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, self-leveling HID headlights, a remote antitheft alarm, and emergency braking preparation, while the standard BMW Assist service adds emergency assistance, airbag deployment notification, and stolen vehicle tracking technology. Optional safety equipment, meantime, can include Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, as well as Active Roll Stabilization with the Dynamic Handling Package and active front headrests that are part of the Sport Package.

A standard twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, pounding out 400 hp, powers the 2011 5 Series Gran Turismo 550i xDrive. A standard 8-speed auto-manual transmission allows for some 450 lb-ft of torque, with a center-mounted mechanical differential as well as a center and rear limited-slip differential managing the full-time AWD (xDrive) system. Mileage is estimated at 15/22 despite variable valve timing, and the twin-turbo V8 burns only premium unleaded gasoline.