We showed you a few pictures of the 2010 BMW 5 Series GT earlier, and now we have the full release on BMW's oddly-shaped people mover. Most of the details were expected, but there are a few surprises.
Most notable is the introduction of an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. With a direct drive sixth gear and two overdrive gears, it should give the 550i GT decent mileage even with its 4.4-liter, twin turbo V8.
Another first, at least on a U.S. model, is a regenerative braking system. It allows the alternator to cycle on and off which reduces load on the engine and theoretically saves gas. The 5 Series GT is still a huge vehicle though, so don't expect impressive mileage numbers.
Although it's labeled as a 5 Series, the GT borrows heavily from the 7 Series when it comes to its suspension setup. The GT adopts essentially the same three-link setup up front and the 7's multilink configuration in back. BMW's integral Active Steering is also featured on the GT so the rear wheels are capable of turning up to 3 degrees to improve steering response.
BMW says it expects to have the 5 Series Gran Turismo in U.S. dealers by the end of this year with a price between $65,000 and $70,000.
blueguydotcom says:
05:34 PM, 05/21/09
This was a cool car once... when it was call the AMC Eagle. Good grief, BMW's design folks must be smoking something. The X6 seemed awful but this thing... um, just get a 5 series wagon.
dg0472 says:
07:02 PM, 05/21/09
Dammit, that's so close to what I was gonna say it's scary.
elciddragon says:
11:01 PM, 05/21/09
Hahaha, just the other day I was thinking about how awesome the AMC Eagle would be nowadays. It was like the forerunner to the crazy sedan/hatch/coupe multipurpose crossover on stilts phenomenon that everyone is doing today. Should have kept it instead of trading it in....
alman08 says:
12:19 AM, 05/22/09
Toyota made a better looking Ford Edge with the Venza, and now BMW made a better looking Venza.
I remember the AMC Eagle... same concept but much uglier.
mike63amg says:
04:06 AM, 05/22/09
Is it just me, or, in the cutaway image, does it look like the engine is mounted too far forward for a BMW.
zoomzoomn says:
04:30 AM, 05/22/09
I would say that I like this car. Right up to the part where it is pretty freaking ugly! But, hey. It will sell. If for no other reason than that roundel on the hood and decklid!
DCuerpoJr says:
06:35 AM, 05/22/09
I don't like the styling of the grill nor tail end. And why are they calling this a Gran Turismo (Italian for Touring Car)? I don't see anything sporty or grand touring worthy about it when you compare it to an M series car.
And when priced within the realm of an X5 and X6 I don't think it will sell well.
felonious says:
08:17 AM, 05/22/09
... And BMW continues their assault on common decency, good design, and my eyes.
That's a funny comparison to the AMC Eagle, but as a longtime fan of that car, I am deeply offended. :)
redliner says:
08:27 AM, 05/22/09
'...price between $65,000 and $70,000.'
Yeah, good luck with that.
In the end, I predict a failure of Mercedes-Benz R-class proportions.
compliance says:
09:04 AM, 05/22/09
I'm surprised this is coming to America. Whatever they want to call it, it's pretty much a hatchback 5 series. I don't see it selling particularly well here.
edubya says:
09:55 AM, 05/22/09
And if they're trying to capture more of the family market, why does it only seat four?
sgude says:
10:04 AM, 05/22/09
Wow. It's like I don't even know who or what BMW stands for anymore. Outre designs, outre ergonomics -- it's like after the E46 3-series, they just said "Hell with it, we're going French."
If the next 3-Series isn't the business, I'm going to find it hard to stay in the fold.
hondacura4 says:
04:07 PM, 05/22/09
Like most current Acura cars, I like the greenhouse however the front and rear facias are not pleasing to the eye.
The interior however is certainly a step up from the 5 or 3 as its warmer, has more detail and its more inviting. The design overall is much more restrained (vs 5 Series) yet more interesting.
I dont mind that BMW is offering different configuration alternatives (and thinking outside the box) as long as they are beneficial to the market. I see the potential in the 5GT's concept however BMW failed to deliver as you can only seat 4. It seems like BMW is trying to invent niches that nobody asked for.
PDXLager says:
11:09 PM, 06/ 7/09
"Another first, at least on a U.S. model, is a regenerative braking system."
Are you sure? Because my 2009 135i has a regenerative braking system as well.
rbirzer says:
12:55 PM, 08/20/09
It truly begs the question, "What the hell?" And, I like BMWs, although the stratospheric pricing is a bit nauseating. Guess those AMC people were onto something after all. Who knew?