2011 BMW 5 SERIES GRAN TURISMO
Combining the attributes of a wagon and crossover, the 5-Series GT offers loads of space for people and cargo. In its standard configuration, the GT offers the same rear-seat legroom as the 7-Series sedan and the same rear-seat headroom as the X5, while still maintaining 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space. If more cargo room is needed the rear seats can be moved forward four inches -- leaving the same rear-seat legroom as the 5-Series sedan -- creating 20.7 cubic feet of cargo room. For all-out hauling duties, the rear seats can be folded flat, revealing a cavernous 59.5 cubic feet of space.
Depending on the options and packages, the GT will be riding on 18- to 21-inch wheels. The GT will be offered with three engine choices - a twin-turbo six-cylinder generating 306 horsepower, BMW's 407 horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and a turbo-diesel (Europe only) making 245 horsepower. Not surprisingly the V8 model will be the hot rod of the bunch, checking in with a zero-to-60 time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
All models will use an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels.
In order to ensure the 5-Series GT handles like a true BMW, the new PAV comes equipped with the automaker's Dynamic Drive Control, while the optional Adaptive Drive further ensures the GT's sporty nature.
Interior touches include an optional panoramic sunroof, fully adjustable rear seats and a dual-function trunk lid -- the latter intended to open wide for larger object but keep the cabin isolated when a standard trunk opening will do.
In true premium car fashion, the 5-Series GT has a number of available features, including BMW's ConnectedDrive, a unique feature that includes Cruise Control with Stop and Go, a High-Beam Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, Side View, Top View and a back-up camera.
The Basics:
The BMW 5-Series mid-size sport sedan has been completely redesigned for 2011, and it's more of a driver's car than the outgoing 2010 5-Series—or most other mid-size luxury sedans—while still upping the technology ante and not forgetting about the comfort and luxury that matters.
There's no wagon version of the 5-Series model this time around; instead, the striking 5-Series Gran Turismo blends some station wagon and SUV cues into a shape that's not quite sedan or crossover. In the Gran Turismo, the elevated backseat space is excellent—limousine-like by most accounts—and the tailgate can be opened in two different ways. Powertrains for the GranTurismo are essentially the same, but a different suspension setup means it doesn't handle nearly as well as the 5-Series sedan.
Despite being predictably conservative with the 5-Series, BMW has made the new model feel a little sportier and more expressive than the 5-Series it's replacing. When you take advantage of all of the technical achievements that are available with the Sport Package or as options—you don't have to drive fast or aggressively to enjoy them—you get a true sport sedan that will greatly satisfy you, your passengers, and your inner tech geek.
The BMW 5-Series mid-size sport sedan has been completely redesigned for 2011, and it's more of a driver's car than the outgoing 2010 5-Series—or most other mid-size luxury sedans—while still upping the technology ante and not forgetting about the comfort and luxury that matters.
There's no wagon version of the 5-Series model this time around; instead, the striking 5-Series Gran Turismo blends some station wagon and SUV cues into a shape that's not quite sedan or crossover. In the Gran Turismo, the elevated backseat space is excellent—limousine-like by most accounts—and the tailgate can be opened in two different ways. Powertrains for the GranTurismo are essentially the same, but a different suspension setup means it doesn't handle nearly as well as the 5-Series sedan.
Despite being predictably conservative with the 5-Series, BMW has made the new model feel a little sportier and more expressive than the 5-Series it's replacing. When you take advantage of all of the technical achievements that are available with the Sport Package or as options—you don't have to drive fast or aggressively to enjoy them—you get a true sport sedan that will greatly satisfy you, your passengers, and your inner tech geek.
Likes:
De-Bangled lines
Simpler, more appealing dash
Revamped iDrive
More direct driving experience
Flexible backseat and innovative cargo area (Gran Turismo)
De-Bangled lines
Simpler, more appealing dash
Revamped iDrive
More direct driving experience
Flexible backseat and innovative cargo area (Gran Turismo)
Dislikes:
Grabby brakes at low speed
Tech goodies have a learning curve
Gran Turismo's handling
Buying Tips:
Check with your insurance agent; some of the active-safety options available on the 2011 BMW 5-Series might help earn you reductions on your premium.
Other Choices:
2011 Jaguar XF
Reason Why:
The new 2011 BMW 5-Series competes most directly with the Jaguar XF and Infiniti M. Both models are all-new for 2011. The new M—offered in M37 and M56 models—has improved handling and real backseat room this time around, plus a gorgeous interior. The Jaguar XF remains one of our editors' favorites, offering a great blend of capable handling and performance, combined with a smart, classy feel and excellent interior comfort. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was redesigned for 2010, with a thoroughly upgraded interior and quicker steering; it is still offered in a hot E63 AMG version. Additionally, the new Audi A6 that's on the way for 2011 promises to be more of a performance car, along the lines of the latest A4, and it will pose a more direct threat to the 5-Series. Versus the new 5-Series Gran Turismo it's hard to say; BMW's own X6 is a top rival surely, though the X6 makes more serious compromises in backseat space to achieve that swoopy roofline. And chalk in the Acura ZDX for comparison, even though that's more of a (barely) four-seat coupe on steroids.
The Bottom Line:
The new 2011 BMW 5-Series might be a conservative evolution in terms of styling and design, but it's a quite radical one with regard to how BMW's most important model drives.
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