BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

This has been one of the most hotly debated and spy-shot cars of the past year, as eager Beemer fans have tried to glean exactly what madness the Bavarian maker was planning for the next 5 Series. Well, it is a bit mad...

What's all the fuss about?

The Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo shows us the face of the next 5 Series, which was always going to be interesting, but it also reveals BMW's latest soiree into a brand-new market segment. It's so new it doesn't even have an official name yet, but as it's a cross between a saloon, a hatchback, an SUV and an estate, finding that name is probably going to be tricky. The back end is where the action is: the split opening tailgate makes the GT a saloon or a hatch, depending how you open it (just like the Skoda Superb).

Anything that stands out?

On paper, and in the metal, it looks both odd and strangely compelling in equal measure. It will cost around £2k more than an equivalent 5 Series Touring, but it has masses of useable and flexible space - with as much rear legroom for two as a 7 Series - and a rear bench that slides fore and aft to create more cargo space. There's a 430-litre boot, extending to 1,650 with the seats folded. It also has a raised driving position - somewhere between an X5 and a standard 5 Series, offering greater visibility and safety without the 4x4's bulk. In theory, anyway.

When can I buy one?

The show car on display at Geneva is virtually identical to the production version that will hit the stands at Frankfurt later this year, but it won't go on sale until 2010. It's pitched as a proper luxury car - though not quite a 7 Series - so it will be priced as such, and powered by six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines capable of pulling people and cargo effortlessly. So, if pricing starts at anything less than £35,000 we'd be surprised.

(Extra images by United Pictures)

Mark Nichol