We've already driven the big hatchback that BMW calls the 5 Series Gran Turismo, but not the V8 version, just the sixes -- the 535i GT that gets to the U.S. next spring and the 530d GT that'll we'll never see. This week we got some time in the 2010 BMW 550i GT that goes on sale here on December 5. Look for a base price in the "mid 60s" for the V8 model, BMW officials tell us.
The V8 is of course BMW's inside-out, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected, 4.4-liter V8. It's rated at 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 450 pound-feet of torque from 1,750-4,500 rpm. Instead of the usual six-speed automatic, though, there's a ZF-built, eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be available on both the 550 and 535 later in 2010, but initially, this crossover will be strictly rear-drive.
We like the combination of the twin-turbo V8 and 8-speed automatic a great deal -- and not just because of the rapid torque response down low. Overall, though, the 550i GT feels very different from any other 5 Series we've driven.
First Drive: 2010 BMW 5 Series GT
Even though it weighs about 350 pounds more than our long-term BMW 750i, the nearly 5,000-pound 550i GT feels quick in any situation (provided the X5 M isn't your basis of comparison). Though we'd like to hear the turbos more (or at all), the V8 is quite smooth, and more athletic in character than other engines that might turn up in a crossover.
And we like the new 8-speed automatic a great deal. BMW hasn't provided shift paddles (you can tap the console fore/aft) or rev-matching software in the Sport-package 550i GT we're driving, but it doesn't matter much here. Unlike other 8-speeds (and some 6-speeds), this ZF transmission isn't always busily shuffling between gears. If you stomp on the throttle in 8th gear, it has the ability to go straight to 2nd gear. Of course, there are normal, sport and sport+ modes as part of BMW's Driving Dynamics Control.
With this drivetrain, BMW claims a 5.4-second 0-to-60-mph time -- not far off the 5.2 we recorded in the 750i. Fuel economy should be similar, too, with a 15/21 rating for the V8 Gran Turismo vs. 15/22 for the 750i.
On back roads, though, it's debatable whether the 550i GT should be part of the 5 Series line. Make no mistake, we hit a nice groove on the road to Mt. Mohonk. Body roll is well controlled, and the Gran Turismo has a nice feel for the road -- just like our 750i. Its 120.7-inch wheelbase and 63.4/65.1-inch front/rear track match the short-wheelbase 7, and the sensation of driving the 550i GT is far more like a tall 7 Series than a tall 5 Series. Steering is well weighted but feedback is muted by BMW's usual standards.
At least, the GT still able to pull off a decent ride quality, even with the 20-by-10-inch wheels and 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear tires that are part of the Sport Package. And though we haven't warmed up to the overall shape of the car, we dig the idea of the two-stage trunk hatch. And wonder of wonders, the 550i GT has more cargo capacity than the Accord Crosstour -- 60 cubic feet vs. 51.
rallyandbosox says:
04:06 PM, 11/11/09
I understand you said it's like no other 5-Series you've driven before, but how does it compare to a 550i for example? Everything was a comparison to the 750i.
I do not understand this niche market, and even though it has more cargo capacity than the Honda Accord Crosstour, the "Mid-60s" price is an immense turn-off.
hondacura4 says:
04:07 PM, 11/11/09
Likes:
- V8TT
- 8AT (overkill?)
- Dual hatch
- Interior design, presentation and high level of perceived quality
Dislikes:
- Everything else
eriches says:
05:14 PM, 11/11/09
@ rallyandbosox: The GT doesn't compare at all to a 550i, which is a conventional sport sedan with a lower center of gravity. Whether you're talking reflexes or steering feel, the two are nothing alike. Keep in mind, though, my write-up here is not meant in any way to stand as a formal road test. We will be conducting a full road test once 550i GTs are available for testing. -- Erin Riches
roar02ram says:
07:37 PM, 11/11/09
That's gotta be the best photo of that nasty beast I've seen yet.
zoomzoomn says:
05:01 AM, 11/12/09
"...it's debatable whether the 550i GT should be part of the 5 Series line." This car is ill named as being a 5. It is much more closely related to the current 7. I think that, while it likely does not matter (BMW owners probably care very little), it's own designation would not seem so mediocre as calling any kin to the 5.
alman08 says:
08:32 AM, 11/12/09
a smaller x6?
dougtheeng says:
11:53 AM, 11/12/09
What a monstrosity. Its a worse looking X6, as if I thought that could be possible.
sgude says:
04:45 PM, 11/15/09
Exactly my thinking, Alman08 -- a smaller X6. BMW seems to have gone off the deep end lately. Giving their SUVs the M-treatment, introducing vehicles with very debatable design language. no manuals available in the next 5-Series and even trending away from the classic I6 motor toward monster V8s. I know one thing -- the next 3 Series better knock people's socks off or the company will find itself in trouble.
87bonnev says:
08:59 AM, 11/20/09
Full Disclosure: I am a GM chassis engineer
What the hell is BMW thinking with these SUV & SUV-like monstrosities? X5, X6, M-series of both, and now this ?
5000 lbs? Really? No wonder it needs a twin-turbo V-8. Wonder what the gas mileage is on this puppy. Crazy...