BMW launches 5 Series Gran Turismo with new body style and flexible interior
BMW’s 5 Series Gran Turismo debuts in 2009, blending coupé-inspired design, 7 Series luxury, and Touring practicality, with a two-piece tailgate and three engine choices.
BMW has introduced the 5 Series Gran Turismo, a new addition to its line-up for 2009 that combines elements of saloon, estate and SUV into a single model. The Gran Turismo, internally known as the F07, arrives as the 19th distinct body shape in BMW’s portfolio, aiming to offer buyers a blend of luxury, versatility and style not previously available in the 5 Series range.
Design and body concept
The 5 Series Gran Turismo sits between the traditional 5 Series Touring and the X5 in terms of size and purpose. Its body is almost as long as the 7 Series, which allows for a spacious cabin and generous rear legroom. The car’s roofline slopes gently towards the rear, giving it a coupé-like profile, while frameless doors further distance it from a conventional estate. BMW positions the Gran Turismo as a luxury alternative for those who find a standard saloon too restrictive and an SUV too bulky.
One of the Gran Turismo’s headline features is its two-piece tailgate. Owners can open just the lower section for small items, keeping noise and cold out of the cabin, or open the full hatch for larger loads. This split-opening system is a first in the premium segment and addresses the needs of buyers who want both saloon-like refinement and estate-level practicality.
Boot capacity starts at 440 litres and can be expanded to 1,700 litres by folding the rear seats and moving them forward. This puts the Gran Turismo close to the X5 in terms of maximum luggage space, with only a 50-litre difference. Rear seat flexibility is further enhanced by a sliding mechanism, allowing up to 100mm of adjustment for either extra legroom or cargo volume.
Interior and seating flexibility
Inside, the Gran Turismo borrows heavily from the 7 Series, with a focus on comfort and technology. The interior can be specified as either a four-seat Executive layout or a more conventional five-seat SE. In both cases, the rear seats are set higher than in a standard saloon, providing a semi-command driving position and improved forward visibility, similar to what X5 owners expect.
BMW’s Black Panel technology, first seen in the 7 Series, is standard. This integrates electronic displays into a glossy black fascia that appears as a continuous trim when not illuminated. The centre console features galvanised metal switches for a tactile, high-end feel.
Engines and performance
At launch, the 5 Series Gran Turismo is available with three engines: the 530d, 535i and 550i. The 530d is expected to be the volume seller in the UK, powered by a 2,993cc six-cylinder diesel with 245hp and 540Nm of torque. This engine returns a combined 43.5mpg and 173g/km CO2, with 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 149mph.
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0-62mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Combined mpg | CO2 (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530d GT | 2,993cc I6 diesel | 245 | 540 | 6.9 | 149 | 43.5 | 173 |
| 535i GT | 2,979cc I6 petrol turbo | 306 | 400 | 6.3 | 155* | 31.7 | 209 |
| 550i GT | 4,395cc V8 petrol turbo | 407 | 600 | 5.5 | 155* | 25.2 | 263 |
The 535i introduces BMW’s single-turbo, direct injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve lift system to the 5 Series range, producing 306hp and 400Nm. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds and is electronically limited to 155mph. Combined fuel economy is 31.7mpg, with 209g/km CO2 emissions.
Topping the range, the 550i GT uses a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 407hp and 600Nm. It matches the 535i’s limited top speed but reaches 62mph in 5.5 seconds. Official figures put fuel economy at 25.2mpg and CO2 emissions at 263g/km.
Market position and rivals
BMW’s decision to launch the Gran Turismo reflects the growing demand for cars that blur traditional segments. The 5 Series GT targets buyers who want more space and flexibility than a saloon, but do not want a full SUV. Its closest in-house rival is the 5 Series Touring, but the GT’s higher driving position, rear seat adjustability and unique tailgate set it apart. Against other brands, buyers might also consider large estates or luxury SUVs, but few direct equivalents existed at launch.
The Gran Turismo’s arrival coincided with a broader trend towards versatile premium vehicles, as seen in the popularity of SUVs and crossovers. BMW’s approach with the GT was to offer a solution that delivers on luxury and practicality without the bulk or image of a traditional off-roader. For buyers focused on diesel performance and long-distance comfort, the 530d GT sits alongside models such as the Alpina D5 Bi-Turbo, which was unveiled later as a high-performance diesel saloon (/bmw-alpina-d5-bi-turbo-unveiled).
Features and technology
Standard and optional equipment on the 5 Series Gran Turismo includes features borrowed from the 7 Series, such as advanced infotainment, adaptive suspension and a wide range of driver assistance systems. The semi-command seating position is designed to provide a balance between the comfort of a luxury saloon and the visibility of an SUV. The split tailgate and sliding rear seats are the model’s most practical innovations, aimed at buyers who regularly carry passengers and luggage.
- Black Panel display technology for centre console
- Galvanised metal switchgear
- Optional four-seat Executive or five-seat SE configurations
- Sliding and folding rear seats
- Two-piece tailgate with separate boot and hatch openings
What the Gran Turismo means for BMW
The 5 Series Gran Turismo marked BMW’s push into a new segment, offering a product that could tempt buyers away from both estates and SUVs. Its mix of luxury, flexibility and distinctive design set a template for future niche models. The car’s combination of 7 Series comfort, Touring practicality and coupé-inspired styling was intended to broaden the appeal of the 5 Series badge to customers with changing expectations for premium cars.
BMW’s willingness to experiment with body styles was evident with the Gran Turismo, which arrived as manufacturers across Europe responded to shifting demand for versatile vehicles. The GT’s launch in 2009 prefigured the rise of other crossover models in the years that followed.
