BMW has launched the 5 Series Gran Turismo, a car which combines a coupe-like silhouette to the luxurious interior of a BMW 7 Series, while at the same time offering most of the functionality of a BMW 5 Series Touring or X5. The Gran Turismo is the 19th distinct model shape to be offered in the BMW line-up. It has a similar vehicle length to the BMW 7 Series.

The new BMW Gran Turismo is a coupé-like car that provides the luxury with similar features to the X5 model.

BMW claims that this translates into the second greatest amount of legroom offered by any BMW while headroom is equivalent to that of a BMW X5.

The boot space is only 50 litres short of the BMW X5, to give an idea of the spacious nature of the new car.

The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is available as either a four-seat Executive specification car for a luxurious, spacious feel or in a five-seat SE configuration for more practicality. The tailgate design is a two-piece giving the owner the option to choose between two ways of opening the rear of the vehicle depending on the objects needed to be stowed.

A more conventional saloon style boot opening provides access for smaller objects. This allows the cabin area to remain warm and without noise intrusion.

The hatch-style opening combined with a flexible partition comes into play should the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo owner wish to make full use of its load-lugging capacity. The rear seats can be moved 100mm fore or aft to either increase boot space or provide greater legroom for rear seat passengers. With the rear seats moved forwards, the seat backs folded almost flat and the parcel shelf removed and stowed beneath the luggage compartment floor, much bulkier items can then be transported.

The seats are all set in a semi-command driving position, which BMW claims gives the best mix of forward vision yet comfortable access. The seat positions are high to give all passengers a commanding view. The Black Panel technology first shown on the BMW 7 Series gives an added touch of luxury. Black Panel technology allows the displays of the centre console to double as a stylish trim.

The electronic displays are visible through the Black Panel technology when needed, but are discreet enough to form a stylish black band across the interior. Control switches in galvanised metal are set into the centre console by way of contrast.

Three engine options power the three models available at launch. The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is offered as a 530d, a 535i and a 550i. The biggest seller in Ireland is predicted to be the BMW 530d GT. This 2,993cc six-cylinder car features third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors for the best in diesel refinement and efficiency. Producing 245hp at 4,000rpm, the 530d accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 240 km/h. The peak torque of 540Nm from just 1,750rpm provides smooth yet swift progress in any gear. Fuel economy is exceptional with a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.5l/100km and CO2 emissions of 173g/km.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with many of the EfficientDynamics technologies already shown on other BMWs. Brake Energy Regeneration, which recharges the vehicle's battery during engine over-run is standard.

On-demand control of the car's ancillary units, such as the electrical coolant pump and the powering steering pump, can all be decoupled to save draining power from the engine. Active aerodynamics also plays a part in the range's performance and efficiency by closing off flaps behind the kidney grilles to improve the aerodynamics of the car.

All cars come as standard with Drive Dynamic Control, first seen in the BMW 7 Series. This allows the driver to fine tune the chassis configuration either, Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, to suit their needs, with each setting changing the steering assistance, throttle response and gear change characteristics.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo will go on sale in Ireland in October. Prices are not yet available, but BMW expect to be able to confirm the prices at a date closer to the launch date.

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