No one knows what to call it, but the GT has proven to be one of the most versatile, if divisive, offerings from BMW of late. Crossover? Shooting brake? Monstrosity? Certainly it’s not room or power people are complaining about, as the GT posts some truly impressive results in both categories.
Unfortunately, too many people complained about too much junk in the trunk of the GT. BMW’s answer is best offered by exterior designer Fabian Clottu: “We optically lowered the complete rear end with a longer hatch and a larger angle. The creases are deeper, and the horizontal chrome list has been moved downwards to a lower position.”
What this means is that the GT looks like it has less ballast in the back end, while actually increasing space inside. Yup, the GT can fit more junk in its trunk now—a full 2 cubic feet of extra space. That means the same legroom as the 7 Series, the same headroom as the X5 and 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Move the rear seats forward slightly, and cargo increases to 20.7 cubic feet while maintaining the legroom of the regular 5 Series. Still not enough? Fold those rear seats flat and bask in the cavernous expanse of 59.5 cubic feet.
Unfortunately, the desired visual effect on the rear end wasn’t achieved. While visually less overbearing, it’s still an ungainly setup lacking the kind of elegant integration we’d expect from the Bavarian company. That trick trunk with its two opening options just complicates things too much. It’s a shame, as it’s a useful little setup.
The front end got some changes as well, with a restyled bumper and newly sculpted headlights, as well as new trim all around and several new paint options. Some new wheel designs round out the package that BMW hopes will quell complaint.
For those who require V8 power, the GT has some additional surprises. The 4.4-liter V8 in the 550i was recently upgraded with Valvetronic timing as well as a new twin-scroll turbo that offers 45 additional hp and 30 extra lb-ft of torque for totals of 445 and 480. This engine is available only with the 8-speed automatic but can be outfitted with the standard rear-wheel drive or the xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, both getting 15 mpg city/22 highway. Regardless, you’ll make it to 60 in just 5.5 seconds thanks in part to the transmission handling the cog-swapping.
The 535i gets no such attention, but since it comes with the venerable turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline 6, no upgrades were necessary. Three hundred is the number here, for both horsepower and torque, and this engine will get you to 60 in just over 6 seconds. In RWD configuration, it’ll get you 20/28 mpg, while xDrive will drop you to 18/27.
Being a BMW, it’s not light on technology, with the option for everything from Lane Change/Departure Warning, Speed Limit warning, night vision, 3 cameras and the very complicated ConnectedDrive, which is essentially a cruise-control system with delusions of grandeur. While the interior has evolved to include some soul and beauty, there are still remnants of the shortcomings of late. For instance, the steering wheel is one of the best currently offered; it’s nice and thick and nearly free of complication. The gear selector is the exact opposite, being more complicated than needed and mostly in the way. Nearly everything else is spot on, and the iDrive system gets better with every incarnation. Your father could figure it out, I swear.
For standard features, you’ll be well-appointed with xenon headlights, dynamic cruise, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic wipers and power-heated mirrors. The optional panoramic sunroof is a highlight here, and the Sport Package with its upgraded suspension and steering wheel makes up a good amount of ground otherwise lost in this porky package.
And perhaps that’s where the defining critique of the GT shines through. This is an impressive vehicle both in performance and utility, but it still fails to provide the one thing BMW has always promised: an enjoyable driving experience. Too much weight compensated for by too many electronic safety features and support systems remove the driver too much from the actual activity of driving. When electronic interference is always between you and what you’re trying to do, driving becomes something you’re only peripherally involved in. At a price like this, I’m not sure why you’d pay to opt out of the fun.
The private dealer is asking 12,000 for the car it’s in great condition on the interior and exterior. I have the Carfax on the car and it has had 2 previous owners. First owner only put 45,000 miles on it. The second owner out the rest before it was repossessed. Has anyone had any experience with these cars and how long will they run if well maintained. Also would you all recommend a pre-service inspection
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.08
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.81
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.81
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Twitter · Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: with wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation