2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Details

The concept version of the 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo made its first public showing at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

By starting out as a 5-Series wagon instead of a 5-Series sedan, the 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo inherits the beefier aft-body structure needed to support its weighty hatchback lid. That's important, because instead of a one-piece liftgate, as on the wagon and X6, the 5-Series Gran Turismo is said to have a novel two-way hatch with a separate lower portion that opens like a sedan trunklid for easy stashing of regular-size cargo. For XXL stuff--say, a steamer trunk--the whole hatch raises, rear window and all. We'll be interested to see how this works. Speaking of weight, the 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo will reportedly flatten the scales at around 4,200 pounds. It also looks to cast a slightly larger shadow than the X6.

The 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo will carry five passengers with the help of a rear bench seat. An optional rear seating package replaces the bench with two individual seats. Most other cabin appointments should come from the new-gen 5-Series, including the dashboard and the next-generation of BMW's much-criticized iDrive infotainment-systems controller.

The 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo will lift other components off the corporate shelf, starting with the powertrain. The 5-Series Gran Turismo will first be offered in 550i trim and should use X6's available new 400-horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Later models could join the lineup using BMW's 3.0-liter 6-cylinder with around 270 horsepower or a twin-turbo version with near 300 horses.

Like the X6 and 5-Series, the 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo will offer most every electronic driving aid this brand can muster. That means standard ABS, antiskid system, and traction control, plus options including BMW's Active Steering with variable ratio and assist and the company's Active Roll Stabilization system that counters cornering lean via special suspension members. Another extra-cost prospect is BMW's Dynamic Drive Control, basically a "one button Sport mode" that re-calibrates suspension, throttle, and transmission responses to suit more-aggressive driving. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard; 19- or 20-inch wheels are optional.

Also like its line mates, the 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo will offer expected options such as a navigation system, front- and-rear-obstacle detection, keyless entry and starting, and adaptive cruise control that maintains a set following distance. An available night-vision system with head-up display should be listed. So, too, a lane-departure-warning system, multi-adjustable power front seats, heated steering wheel, and one or more Sport Packages with various handling and interior upgrades.

History buffs may wish to note that the 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo is a "second thoughts" replacement for a planned Mercedes-Benz R-Class challenger rumored as the RFK--German shorthand for "Space Functional Concept." BMW announced the wagon-like RFK back in early 2005, only to pull the plug some 18 months later in the face of tepid R-Class sales. That's just as well, as the 5-Series Gran Turismo stands to offer similar room and versatility in a more visually appealing package, and the BMW badge almost guarantees good sales. First, though, BMW will have to convince people that a "progressive activity sedan" is more than the fancy hatchback it appears to be, which probably means heavy overtime for the advertising wordsmiths.