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EXCLUSIVE: Not Crazy About The Design Of The New BMW GT? Then You Haven't Seen It In Person Or The Right Color!

Agent001 submitted on 8/8/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 1:43:14 AM

47 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: www.autospies.com

It's always hard to get used to something that is new.

We are creatures of habit and most of the time we like the familiar.

BMW 5-Series GT Turismo Photo Gallery

So when I first saw the photos of the BMW 5-Series GT Turismo and saw it on the stand in Geneva, I can't lie...I thought it looked odd and had weird proportions.

So when I was invited on a recent BMW press trip and they told us we would be seeing it on our visit to the Spartanburg factory, my initial thoughts were...ok, this is not the BMW for me and how do I tell you all (in a nice way) that they blew it on this one.

Thoughts like:

You can't win them all.
They still have plenty of great cars so this one won't hurt them.
Just because it's not for me, maybe it is for someone else?
People will buy anything if that logo is on it

Then i saw it up close and personal in other colors than the hideous copper/gold color that was on their stand in Geneva.

And the first thought that raced in my head was...is this the SAME car I saw in Geneva and in the press photos?

Can't be.

The one at the auto show didn't look THIS good.

So I'm making this guarantee to you.

When you see the GT in person in colors like Black and Space Grey your opinion will TOTALLY change and you will think it's cool, sexy and has great road presence.

REALLY.

And not just the outside.

When you sit in it you will find out the interior is NICER than the new 7.

I loved it in the two-tone interior schemes...really nice.

Nicer than any current Audi on the market.

It could also have the best back seat of any car I've been in outside of the Maybach recliners.

Plus, you'll be extremely jealous your BMW doesn't have the factory LED Corona Rings (angel eyes).

Now don't get me wrong, the GT is not as nice looking or a sexy as an X6, but it is real nice.

My opinion of it has TOTALLY changed.

So I suggest you wait till you see it in person or on the road before you make your final judgement.

For now look at the exclusive photos I got of these protoype GT's in South Carolina.

BMW 5-Series GT Turismo Photo Gallery

BMW 5-Series GT Turismo Photo Gallery

I think you will be really impressed for the first time with this car.

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Photo Gallery

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EXCLUSIVE: Not Crazy About The Design Of The New BMW GT? Then You Haven't Seen It In Person Or The Right Color!

About the Author

FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

I'm really trying to like this car,but im going to have to say no. I see no point in this design. Maybe in Alpine white or Imola red it would look better...i hope.
— rxh8me9000 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 2:19:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

thumbs down on this one in any color... it just does not work .. there is no snap to the design ..nothing interesting on the outside and what you would expect from bmw on the inside. they will have limited sales after the hype (your all expense paid intro trip) is over... this is the first design since bengal left that goes the wrong direction...the rest seem right on.
— davide (View Profile)

Posted on 8/9/2009 12:20:33 PM | | Votes: 3

I can agree with Agent001 because there was a post on a GT about a month ago and the car was growing on me without me seeing it in person. I like it now and now that I see what its about and its mainly a utility type car for the new age soccer mom. but i can see the tuners getting a hold of this and doing some crazy stuff to it and hopefully they dont OVERTUNE a car because thats when the car has no appreciation. I think they GT will do well people have to get used to something new and this is definitley something completley new out of left feild for bmw. I will say this if you like the old Mazda 626 hatchback from the early to mid 90's(WHICH I LOVED) or even the Saab from back then(FIRST CAR WAS A 1988 SAAB 9000).......then you shouldn't have a problem with this in my personal opinion.
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 8/10/2009 8:33:49 AM | | Votes: 1

This car is genius. It is like getting a Seven Series luxury car, a Five Series sport sedan, and the utility most of us are looking for from an SUV or Wagon, all wrapped in an athletic, taught package with a wide range of top drawer engines and drive options. Brilliance does emerge from free-thought. Dump the Dogma and be free!!!
— NannerPus (View Profile)

Posted on 8/10/2009 9:15:50 PM | | Votes: -2

The best way I can describe it to you is it looks like an X6 sedan.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 2:27:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

that is exactly what I see in those pictures... I like the design of the x6, but the reason why is because it looks like a car that wants to go offroading. This thing is a watered down midground compromise between a regular bmw sedan and the x6...
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 2:41:12 AM | | Votes: 2

A lot of people today are looking for good SUV alternatives but not wagons.

Maybe this is the direction Audi should talk with the next All-Road.

I would have called the Sportback the All-Road.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 2:53:17 AM | | Votes: -7

In other words, it's a BMW AZTEC. Hideous.
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 10:48:57 AM | | Votes: 6

The more i stare at it,the more i like it. Especially after looking at it as a X6 sedan lol. Thanks 001. Hmm, maybe it'll be my next Bimmer.
— rxh8me9000 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 12:32:45 PM | | Votes: -7

Sadly, I thought it would never have to come down to this but, the X6 looks better than this!
— rom64 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 2:37:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

This BMW GT is a great looking car and it has real utility over an ordinary car.

The backseat looks very comfortable.

I approve the design.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 2:48:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -16

There will be those who see something redeeming about this (exterior) design, but I won't be one of them, regardless of color. The excessively blunt/upright nose is anything but sleek, and the side profile is the automotive equivalent of Quasimodo, except more poorly proportioned - IMO. Even the cargo utility is compromised since the rear seat(s) don't appear to fold completely flat. I understand that BMW is 'trying something different', but this effort is far to inelegant and ungraceful looking to truly do the brand justice. I Wish Them The Best...
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 2:53:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 11

"When you see the GT in person in colors like Black and Space Grey your opinion will TOTALLY change and you will think it's cool, sexy and has great road presence"

I have seen the GT(similar badged testing models) in person twice now. Both were white and it didn't look much different from photos, looked very weird and ugly especially rear doors backwards. Back end was so unattractive it looked like a cow. Agree in black it's looking slightly better.
As for interior, i liked it the first time i saw the press photos. Also i think front end is way nicer than rear end, which is good news for upcoming 5 series, as that's the only part, 5 sedan is going to share or will be close to 5 GT.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 7:47:10 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I still can't like this design. Maybe in red or black. Maybe. To be fair, I can see that the vehicle provides a lot of utility and from that perspective it has a lot of appeal to me.

IMO, an Audi wagon, A4 or A6, looks better.
— GreenPlease (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 9:47:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

What a great looking car. True enough, a design so different will take us awhile to get use to. My question is, why were the logos blacked out on the vehicles? Steve Wonder could have told you they were BMW's running around there.

I notice that reference to Audi interiors were made, and no question, Audi has for some time been the go to for interior design. The GT in the photos rate right up there as well. Audi will be placed on notice if BMW continue this type of assault.

on another note, I really wish you guys could have done a photo shoot on the new La Crosse. I happen to see one yesterday, and it was so much better in the flesh as well.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 10:15:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

The logos are blacked out because the car hasn't been officially released to the market. Or maybe because BMW now realizes it's laid a bad egg.
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 10:54:07 AM | | Votes: 4

I'll take the former thank you.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 12:35:50 PM | | Votes: -3

They wanted to make the cars look more spy-like for our photos... ;)

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 2:40:51 PM | | Votes: -7

I'll take the former thank you.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 3:28:27 PM | | Votes: -2

Only the badgewhore/fanboys could love this...
— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 10:33:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

Badges? We don't need no stinkin badges!

Love the back seat, first class.

Space Gray is the BMW color of the millennium.
— sdcarguy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 11:26:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

i like it a lot! it's different! why are people comparing this to the AZTEC, it looks nothing like the AZTEC! and the front end that we look at on this vehicle is the same front that's on the new 5, so is it still ugly?
— maximafan1 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 11:44:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

Backseat design is very nice.

Exterior overall remains as ass-tastic as before.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 12:09:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Think it would take more than seeing it in person. It would probably take some Agent001 BMW Fanboi Manipulator Goggles also.
— jasaero (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 12:46:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

That said, I would probably prefer this to an X6, but neither is really what I would call in good taste for a brand like BMW.
— jasaero (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 12:50:16 PM | | Votes: 2

I would understand both this and the X6 if it were Mitsubishi doing it. Or maybe Jeep trying to get into cars. But for BMW it's just distasteful.
— jasaero (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 12:54:01 PM | | Votes: 3

A lot of people said the same thing when they brought out the original X5.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 10:29:09 PM | | Votes: 0

well honestly i didnt like the look of this car either when i first saw it, but it really is looking kinda nice now with the new pictures coming out. but honestly im not too sure about the rear but i think everything else of the design is first class!
— Harrimantutu (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 1:05:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

I just threw up in my mouth a little bit again. I dont like the front dash either. The rear seats are ok. everything else, not so much. I should submit those pic to failblog.org.
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 1:19:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

I like this car. I would actually buy it over a regular 5 series. It has almost wagon space, without looking like a wagon, and without it being a SUV. This car will explain why hatches are so popular in Europe (where gas guzzling SUVs are not).
Probably BMW's most creatively useful car to date.
— elduderion (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 2:05:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

I like it. Not a big fan of the rear -- Audi A5 Sportback has it beat big time in rear end appearance, but then there's a lot more rear seat and cargo space in this vehicle and with the dual opening trunk/hatch I imagine there wouldn't really be any other way to shape the rear. The front, side, and (especially) interior look really good. I've always liked the 5-Series wagon, but I'd rather have one of these.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 4:38:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

001, what is that pop-out looking thing above the stereo/climate controls? Is it a drawer? Cupholders?
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 4:41:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Drawer...was really jealous because I wish i had on on my 7 :(

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 7:35:55 PM | | Votes: -3

I hear this car was design for the Asian markets and a chauffeured clientele.
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 7:23:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

"...when you see the GT in person in colors like Black and Space Grey your opinion will TOTALLY change and you will think it's cool, sexy and has great road presence."

the precursor to that question should be -- "If you're already a BMW badgewhore then..."

If you're brainwashed, mind has a way of playin' tricks, you ask any North Korean who the most handsome, sexy man in the world is, they'll look at you like you asked a stupid question and reply "our supreme leader Kim Jung-il!!!

mind you to the rest of the world, he's a constipated lookin' crazy dwarf alien.
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 8:42:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I don't think it looks half as good as a 5-Series Sedan, or an even an X6... It looks like they had some extra X6 parts and tacked them on to a 5-Series. The interior is nice, but nothing you can't get in a 5-Series.
— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 10:52:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Like every other ugly BMW that people have ever deemed to be so, it shall sell in the hundreds of thousands. Believe me on that.
— tango (View Profile)

Posted on 8/9/2009 11:15:10 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

001 you said the same about the x6 and its still rather unattractive.. This does look better. But the question remains is it really needed.
— NItePhire (View Profile)

Posted on 8/9/2009 2:26:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

It looks better than the X6 in photos, but, that's not saying much imo. I won't pass judgement until I'm standing in front of it in person. Interior looks very nice but I agree with those that question the point of it. Want a sporty BMW and need 5 doors? Get the new X6. Why does BMW need this? Then again, why does BMW need the X6? If they got rid of that dog, this would be a good idea. Maybe that's their plan. Cover your bets.
— SpicyMikey (View Profile)

Posted on 8/9/2009 3:04:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I've seen the X6 in person for couple of months now and it's true that in person, it's better than in picture. But then everything is relative, two times zero is still zero so the X6 is still a hideous BMW. I would agree with some of the comment here about how this is better than the X6, but the mathematical rule I just described above still applies, two times zero of X6 is still a zero for the 5GT. One should set this aside the Citroen hatchback sedans (CX, SM, BX, and more recent C8) and even the Audi's current hatchback sedan and then you can see how disappointing the 5GT is.
— nguyenvuminh (View Profile)

Posted on 8/10/2009 4:59:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Just imagine that humongous hatch!!!!
— wins555 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/10/2009 11:06:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Everything looks better in black, even my fat X girl friend I nicknamed Squeaker! LOL
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 8/10/2009 1:54:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

This and the X6 are just two ugly and meaningless designs, and now stupid Acura is coming up with something uglier than this.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/10/2009 6:01:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Very nice looking, for a BMW.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 8/10/2009 10:13:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Well I saw it and my final opinion is that it looks like the Ninja Turtle mobile. But again if the car is for granys , old people, moms or gays, car will be a hit. Inside it is very comfortable but outside it looks like a turtle or quasimodo. Sport cars are low elegant profile, this one looks like an X6 in low rider suite...Ninja turtles are very happy. Also old people with back problems will love this car cause it is very easy to get in.
— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/11/2009 6:56:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Every single time someone says the car looks better in person, it NEVER does.
— Godgore (View Profile)

Posted on 8/13/2009 1:42:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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EXCLUSIVE: Not Crazy About The Design Of The New BMW GT? Then You Haven't Seen It In Person Or The Right Color!

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