BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

Expert Rating:

What is it?

We're used to seeing crossovers by now. However, we're not used to seeing them quite like the 5 GT. BMW's new model is a multi-purpose car in the truest sense, because it's built to combine the best qualities of a sports saloon, an estate, an SUV and a coupé.

The GT is built to have lounging room for four adults, plenty of luggage space and a high, commanding driving position - like a large SUV. But it's also built to drive with the gusto of a saloon. Does that sound impossible? Too good to be true? Well, prepare to be surprised.

Is it any good?

You'd think that by attempting to combine all the qualities mentioned above, the 5 Series GT would end up either severely compromised, or just plain no good. Well, take a look at the GT's unusual, ungainly, and arguably ugly proportions and it becomes very clear that this is a car designed with pure functionality in mind. And it works.

It's available with either a standard rear bench or two individual chairs separated by a big centre console. Specify the latter and the back seats can be adjusted like the fronts, offering loads of comfort - there's as much legroom as in a 7 Series back there, and as much headroom as an X5. The luggage compartment is separate, like a saloon, but is accessed by a Skoda Superb-style split tailgate: the entire rear hatch can be lifted and the rear seats folded forward for estate-like practicality.

From a driver's point of view, BMW has adopted a driving position it rather flamboyantly calls 'semi-command' - halfway in height between a saloon and an SUV. It works though, giving a feeling of increased visibility while still allowing the GT to feel like it can be driven enthusiastically.

Should I call the bank manager?

Driving the GT enthusiastically isn't a problem - in that sense, it's no different to any other BMW. The GT might look odd in order to accomplish its remit as a junior limousine, but it's still every bit an involving Beemer. We sampled both the 530d and the 535i, though it's the former that will take up the vast bulk of sales. Thankfully, the oily one is actually the best fit in the GT because the car's been set up with extra comfort in mind. As such, the flexible low-rev grunt of the 245bhp turbodiesel engine is perfect; it's very quick when pressing on, but you don't need to thrash it to get the most of it, as 398lb.ft is a mountain of pulling power - enough to get it to 62mph in less than seven seconds. Yet this model only emits 173g/km of CO₂ and can return 43.4mpg combined. Impressive indeed.

Both cars we tried were fitted with BMW's optional Adaptive Drive, which allows the driver to set up the suspension, steering, throttle, traction control and gearbox settings. It's one of the most impressive systems available, transforming the GT from a floaty, docile limo to something approaching a sport saloon with the press of a button. In fact, while 'comfort' mode is a little too soft, all in all we'd say the GT rides with every bit the silky comfort of the 7 Series. It also has the Seven's ability to tear from turn to turn engagingly, ably assisted by the sharp-witted standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.

But, of course, that's not what it will do most of the time, and the real test is how well it will satisfy its occupants during traffic jams and things - the everyday stuff. For that, the cabin - which previews how the next 5 Series saloon will look inside - is built from solid stuff, intuitively laid out and highly pleasing on the eye. Touches like the black panel instrument binnacle (in which all the dials are digital renderings) add real class. Essentially, it's a league ahead of the current 5 Series and very close to the 7 Series in terms of layout and quality.

Summary

The GT will command a premium of around £5,000 compared to an equivalent 5 Series, making a 530d SE around £40,000, although it will be better equipped and, of course, has far more space. And given that it offers much of what the flagship 7 Series does (space, quality, comfort), we think that represents good value. There's nothing quite like the 5 Series GT, and although some will dismiss it instantly because of its brash styling, it really is so much more than an 'alpha road user' fashion statement in the way that some feel the X6 is.

It won't appeal to everyone (and in fact, BMW is predicting sales numbers very conservatively), but it's impressively thought out and will undoubtedly find plenty of fans among executives who want an involving driving experience with their SUV-like practicality.

Mark Nichol