Figuring Out the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

Parts they forgot to post.

"The 535i GT is powered by the new 3.0-liter single-turbo direct-injection engine that now also powers the 335i, producing 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque. Turbo lag is virtually non-existent and, despite its heft, the GT can go from zero to sixty mph in 6.2 seconds."

"The six banger has more than sufficient power to move the GT and it is perfectly mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission (manual shifting is possible by sliding the transmission lever into M). Behind the wheel, it feels like a BMW, although a slightly heavy one. The steering is light and precise (more 5er Series sedan like than X5 or X6 like) and the optional active steering system also steers the rear wheels. Even in tight corners, the GT feels tight and composed while providing a supple and comfortable ride for passengers. Brakes are responsive and there is no question that BMW’s traditional dynamic strengths are in evidence.”

yada yada... its still ugly!!!...

I only saw two on the road and man let me tell this thing HIDEOUS...., I mean it UGLY...! I cannot belief BMW actually create and design this car. Anyone can make a ugly car that goes fast and improve it performance and driving dynamic by tuning the suspension and give it more horsepower etc....!

But to make a car that goes fast and make the drivers feel like he/she driving a race car and at the same time making it beautiful is harder to create.

I have to disagree. I have seen quite a few on the road, and they look pretty good. Its a versatile and practical family vehicle.Form follows function. Anyone can say somethings ugly. elaborate? I see a lot of 5 series in it, and that is a good thing.

"The GT is roughly $8000 more than a comparably equipped 535i sedan and $10,000 more than an X5 but it’s also far more versatile than either of these offerings. BMW sees the GT as an all-in-one solution for families that want the best of a sedan, an SUV, and a station wagon – and there’s no question that the 535i GT fits the bill quite nicely."

Its twin is the ugly Crosstour. Two cars only a pontiac aztek design team could love.

the crosstour has awkward proportions and a strange stance. it's the cheap cousin, wanna be of the 5GT.

yes, it's different looking. much better in person than in photos. if you need an SUV-sized vehicle for the family--and still want a car that drives like a bmw, this is a great option. and the interior is incredibly tasteful and comfortable compared to anything in the SUV category. it's a niche vehicle, so it'll never be a volume car. especially at $60-90k.

first look at them, then drive them. you tell me.

why does a 3-series cost vastly more than an accord. same answer.

It seems the ever-innovative, leading edge, dynamic BMW forgot the word "hatchback." Enigma solved. In most cases, a picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of 5GT, it's worth two: Ugly Hatchback.

Even after "throwing out ... notions" which I am entitled to have as a buyer, I still think it's a hideous car. It's an awkward hatchback sedan, it's a weak looking SUV, it's an overweight sedan, and it's an obvious extreme effort at trying to differentiate for the sakes of a unique marketing theme. After all is said and done, it's an ugly car and nothing BMW loyalists can say will convince me otherwise.

great review. now i have some kind of respect for that ugly car!

Design: Exterior....Horrible as hell. No other car can match it. It has an interior the even better than any Audi. or Merc, and I am an Audi and Merc Fan, but it will fail as commercial attempt cause is UGLY outside and too expensive to be profitable.

Putting aside its looks (ugly if you ask me) I have test driven one and have following reactions...1)great interior 2)lots of room inside, both front and rear 3)very easy to get in and out of 4) driving dynamics ok for car this size 5) operating rear hatch, trunk extremely difficult 6)
you have to pay extra to get automatic operation of hatch (without it you will see many short woman jumping and hanging on to hatch)and 7) the operation of the rear seats to get them down or expand trunk space
is impossible to master (even salesman could not figure it out). Having said all that it will be my next purchase...my wife has severe leg problems and its wide doors, roomy interior and lower than SUV but
higher than sedan height fit her needs better than other options.

It's the best value 7 Series on the market.

Am I the only one who thinks this is nice inside and out. Well that's ok some think the Juke and Cube are nice looking (ewww).

It has the VW's B pillar.

You just have to own one or two to really appreciate the utility, handling and beauty of the vehicle. Like all people, beauty is more than skin deep. And the beauty of this car gets a deeper glow with every mile. That's why we bought the 2011 after driving the 2011 less than two months!

Correction..we bought the 2011 after driving the 2010 less than two months. We have an Xdrive 2011 and a RWD 2010. The Xdrive is great in all weather conditions so far and the sport package includes all weather tires so you can go in the snow without chains if four wheel drive vehicles are allowed! Great handling car!