2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Buying Advice

The 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo gets power from a twin-turbocharged 400-horsepower V8 and new 8-speed automatic transmission.

It's an article of faith in the car biz, born of many marketing studies over the years, that Americans tend to equate "hatchback" with "cheap." But if any car can change that perception, it's the 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo. After all, it will be the only such car in the premium midsize car class, bears a much-coveted brand name, and certainly won't be cheap, partly because it's a blue-chip BMW and partly because it will be built in the high-cost euro zone. Also keep in mind that the GT is intended to generate higher per-sale profits than the normal 5-Series wagon, so discounts and other incentives are unlikely even in today's sour U.S. market. Will the 5-Series Gran Turismo prove popular enough to hang around more than a few years? That's up to you, as always, but you can bet that if the "progressive activity sedan" catches on, other brands won't take long to copy it.

Just as BMW pitches the X6 as a more stylish and fun-to-drive alternative to conventional SUVs, the 5-Series Gran Turismo should be similarly positioned against conventional sedans and wagons, not to mention its main target, the Mercedes-Benz CLS. But if flashy styling isn't a priority, there's no shortage of "versatile" prestige-brand options. Yup, we mean sporty wagons like the parent 5-Series Touring, the Audi A6 Avant, and the Mercedes E-Class wagon, all of which offer all-wheel drive as well as rear drive, plus a more-practical shape for cargo-carrying. What about one of the sportier midsize crossover SUVs like BMW's own X5? Some buyers like them for their higher seating position and other attributes, but they offer a different driving experience than car-based wagons, which can be good or bad, depending on your preferences.

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Release Date: As noted above, and based on available intelligence, the 5-Series Gran Turismo should reach U.S. showrooms by early 2010.

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo First Test Drive: We've heard nothing solid yet, but stay tuned.

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Prices: Despite the 5-Series DNA, 5-Series Gran Turismos could price above comparable X6s, and one source thinks they may cost as much as one of BMW's big 7-Series sedans. With that in mind, plus the weak dollar/euro exchange and fast-rising prices for steel and other raw materials, we think U.S. prices will start at around $70,000.