BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo 535i (A) Review
08 Feb 2011|22,199 views
The conventional ideas of automotive designs can be boring at times. From sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs and crossovers, it's the same thing, over and over again. But they work well, don't they?
After having done with designs of a sedan and the SUVs and the Wagons, BMW is trying to create a new niche which it calls the Progressive Activity Series (PAS). It's basically a marketing description by BMW to describe a car which combines the looks and functions of a sedan, an SUV and a classic Gran Turismo. This name is derived from BMW's Sports Activity Series of crossover sport utility vehicles.
The X6 was one such example and now it's the 5-Series Gran Turismo, better known as 5GT.
But because the 5GT was created with a combination of essential features of a prestige sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo, it can be tad confusing to what sort of a segment this car fits in.
But there is a good side to this car. The 5GT may just be able to tap another niche market with those seeking the versatility of an SUV and the practicality and drivability of a large sedan. And with its unique styling, it's certainly going to stand out from the crowd.
Exterior
Styling wise, the 5GT has a mixture of certain BMW models. With its prominent kidney grille the car couldn't be mistaken for anything but a Bimmer.
After having done with designs of a sedan and the SUVs and the Wagons, BMW is trying to create a new niche which it calls the Progressive Activity Series (PAS). It's basically a marketing description by BMW to describe a car which combines the looks and functions of a sedan, an SUV and a classic Gran Turismo. This name is derived from BMW's Sports Activity Series of crossover sport utility vehicles.
The X6 was one such example and now it's the 5-Series Gran Turismo, better known as 5GT.
But because the 5GT was created with a combination of essential features of a prestige sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo, it can be tad confusing to what sort of a segment this car fits in.
But there is a good side to this car. The 5GT may just be able to tap another niche market with those seeking the versatility of an SUV and the practicality and drivability of a large sedan. And with its unique styling, it's certainly going to stand out from the crowd.
Exterior
Styling wise, the 5GT has a mixture of certain BMW models. With its prominent kidney grille the car couldn't be mistaken for anything but a Bimmer.
 |
The front half of the body incorporates a look similar to the 7-series with a straight surface and prominent crisp line running along the sides from the head lamps through to the leading edge of the tail lamps. But at the top half of the car, its side window profile and plunging rear window are clearly similar to that of the X6.
However, unlike the X6 which inspired awe with its physics-defying handling, the 5GT is a veritable vessel in disguise. There is simply no hiding the size because that's what the GT is all about. It isn't a freak creation by BMW for sure. But for the fact that it's a car for a niche market, it's the kind you either love it or leave it.
At the rear, the two-piece tailgate featured for the first time on a BMW ensures maximum comfort and variability when loading. It can either be opened porthole style with a small opening underneath the rear window or in the conventional way.
Although the 5GT looks like a confused kid due to its blandness, the detailing, especially the corona rings on the headlights and clusters on the tail lamps, is a delight. It's distinctively BMW and like a pair of gorgeous eyes, it draws your attention to it.
 |
Interior
The cabin is what makes the 5GT unique, making this Bimmer something more than a car, yet less than an SUV.
Similarly to the 535i saloon, the driver gets to live out his pilot fantasies in front, facing something that is more like a cockpit than a car interior. Slide in behind the wheel and the semi-command seating position is elevated, allowing the driver and front passenger to have an optimised overview of traffic conditions in the area.
In the rear, space is optimal for three adults, offering head and legroom space that are comparable to the BMW X5 and 7-Series respectively. Plus, cocooning the passengers is further enhanced by the harmonious shapes of the door panels, whose undulating lines flow uninterrupted between the front and rear passenger compartments.
The cabin is what makes the 5GT unique, making this Bimmer something more than a car, yet less than an SUV.
Similarly to the 535i saloon, the driver gets to live out his pilot fantasies in front, facing something that is more like a cockpit than a car interior. Slide in behind the wheel and the semi-command seating position is elevated, allowing the driver and front passenger to have an optimised overview of traffic conditions in the area.
In the rear, space is optimal for three adults, offering head and legroom space that are comparable to the BMW X5 and 7-Series respectively. Plus, cocooning the passengers is further enhanced by the harmonious shapes of the door panels, whose undulating lines flow uninterrupted between the front and rear passenger compartments.
And if required, knock the rear seats down and the luggage capacity is enlarged to an impressive 1,700 litres.
Although the interior of the test car was filled with a monotonous black colour, the illuminated lights and materials for the interior design made up for it, giving the impression of an elegant approach which sends the right message to its potential buyers.
Generally, the ergonomics of the interior is progressive but not scarily intimidating. It is incredibly practical and well thought out which makes one wonder why vehicles aren't this cleverly designed.
Although the interior of the test car was filled with a monotonous black colour, the illuminated lights and materials for the interior design made up for it, giving the impression of an elegant approach which sends the right message to its potential buyers.
Generally, the ergonomics of the interior is progressive but not scarily intimidating. It is incredibly practical and well thought out which makes one wonder why vehicles aren't this cleverly designed.
 |
Drivetrain
On the go, the Bimmer is absolutely athletic. It has enough torque to overcome its kerb weight of over two tonnes and enough power to provide acceleration close to that of the 535i saloon. Even in normal driving mode, it is able to leave the pack behind effortlessly. In Sport mode, it becomes a bit more responsive and naughtier, leaving an exhaust note that's hard to forget.
The steering is a tad light but nonetheless precise and wonderfully communicative. And because of these positive feedbacks, the muscular beast switches lanes at high speeds with the agility of a smaller, lighter car. But push it through a tight corner and the GT feels clumsier than the 535i saloon.
Of course the 5GT feels much more planted than a crossover or an SUV. It has a strong, linear power and a really nice initial acceleration from standstill. On the highway, this car has the muscles to make overtaking relatively effortless. Exert more pressure on the accelerator pedal and kickdown is instant and deadly.
On the go, the Bimmer is absolutely athletic. It has enough torque to overcome its kerb weight of over two tonnes and enough power to provide acceleration close to that of the 535i saloon. Even in normal driving mode, it is able to leave the pack behind effortlessly. In Sport mode, it becomes a bit more responsive and naughtier, leaving an exhaust note that's hard to forget.
The steering is a tad light but nonetheless precise and wonderfully communicative. And because of these positive feedbacks, the muscular beast switches lanes at high speeds with the agility of a smaller, lighter car. But push it through a tight corner and the GT feels clumsier than the 535i saloon.
Of course the 5GT feels much more planted than a crossover or an SUV. It has a strong, linear power and a really nice initial acceleration from standstill. On the highway, this car has the muscles to make overtaking relatively effortless. Exert more pressure on the accelerator pedal and kickdown is instant and deadly.
Conclusion
This four-litre powerplant is a joy to drive indeed. The eight-speed automatic transmission nimbly surfs the torque, ensuring a smooth and seamless surge of acceleration to allow the GT to hit the century mark in 6.3 seconds. There is simply no question that BMW's dynamic strengths are in evidence.
Being often misunderstood, the BMW 5GT does not put style before function. It's the kind of car that once you get behind the wheel and drive it, you'll fall in love with the experience. It is merely the outlook that you'll need to overcome.
If I had a choice to choose between the GT and the X6, I'll take the latter because of its solid outlook. But will I buy one over the 535i saloon? A definite yes - simply for the reason that the BMW 5GT has oodles of character.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
This four-litre powerplant is a joy to drive indeed. The eight-speed automatic transmission nimbly surfs the torque, ensuring a smooth and seamless surge of acceleration to allow the GT to hit the century mark in 6.3 seconds. There is simply no question that BMW's dynamic strengths are in evidence.
Being often misunderstood, the BMW 5GT does not put style before function. It's the kind of car that once you get behind the wheel and drive it, you'll fall in love with the experience. It is merely the outlook that you'll need to overcome.
If I had a choice to choose between the GT and the X6, I'll take the latter because of its solid outlook. But will I buy one over the 535i saloon? A definite yes - simply for the reason that the BMW 5GT has oodles of character.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The conventional ideas of automotive designs can be boring at times. From sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs and crossovers, it's the same thing, over and over again. But they work well, don't they?
After having done with designs of a sedan and the SUVs and the Wagons, BMW is trying to create a new niche which it calls the Progressive Activity Series (PAS). It's basically a marketing description by BMW to describe a car which combines the looks and functions of a sedan, an SUV and a classic Gran Turismo. This name is derived from BMW's Sports Activity Series of crossover sport utility vehicles.
The X6 was one such example and now it's the 5-Series Gran Turismo, better known as 5GT.
But because the 5GT was created with a combination of essential features of a prestige sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo, it can be tad confusing to what sort of a segment this car fits in.
But there is a good side to this car. The 5GT may just be able to tap another niche market with those seeking the versatility of an SUV and the practicality and drivability of a large sedan. And with its unique styling, it's certainly going to stand out from the crowd.
Exterior
Styling wise, the 5GT has a mixture of certain BMW models. With its prominent kidney grille the car couldn't be mistaken for anything but a Bimmer.
After having done with designs of a sedan and the SUVs and the Wagons, BMW is trying to create a new niche which it calls the Progressive Activity Series (PAS). It's basically a marketing description by BMW to describe a car which combines the looks and functions of a sedan, an SUV and a classic Gran Turismo. This name is derived from BMW's Sports Activity Series of crossover sport utility vehicles.
The X6 was one such example and now it's the 5-Series Gran Turismo, better known as 5GT.
But because the 5GT was created with a combination of essential features of a prestige sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo, it can be tad confusing to what sort of a segment this car fits in.
But there is a good side to this car. The 5GT may just be able to tap another niche market with those seeking the versatility of an SUV and the practicality and drivability of a large sedan. And with its unique styling, it's certainly going to stand out from the crowd.
Exterior
Styling wise, the 5GT has a mixture of certain BMW models. With its prominent kidney grille the car couldn't be mistaken for anything but a Bimmer.
|
The front half of the body incorporates a look similar to the 7-series with a straight surface and prominent crisp line running along the sides from the head lamps through to the leading edge of the tail lamps. But at the top half of the car, its side window profile and plunging rear window are clearly similar to that of the X6.
However, unlike the X6 which inspired awe with its physics-defying handling, the 5GT is a veritable vessel in disguise. There is simply no hiding the size because that's what the GT is all about. It isn't a freak creation by BMW for sure. But for the fact that it's a car for a niche market, it's the kind you either love it or leave it.
At the rear, the two-piece tailgate featured for the first time on a BMW ensures maximum comfort and variability when loading. It can either be opened porthole style with a small opening underneath the rear window or in the conventional way.
Although the 5GT looks like a confused kid due to its blandness, the detailing, especially the corona rings on the headlights and clusters on the tail lamps, is a delight. It's distinctively BMW and like a pair of gorgeous eyes, it draws your attention to it.
|
Interior
The cabin is what makes the 5GT unique, making this Bimmer something more than a car, yet less than an SUV.
Similarly to the 535i saloon, the driver gets to live out his pilot fantasies in front, facing something that is more like a cockpit than a car interior. Slide in behind the wheel and the semi-command seating position is elevated, allowing the driver and front passenger to have an optimised overview of traffic conditions in the area.
In the rear, space is optimal for three adults, offering head and legroom space that are comparable to the BMW X5 and 7-Series respectively. Plus, cocooning the passengers is further enhanced by the harmonious shapes of the door panels, whose undulating lines flow uninterrupted between the front and rear passenger compartments.
The cabin is what makes the 5GT unique, making this Bimmer something more than a car, yet less than an SUV.
Similarly to the 535i saloon, the driver gets to live out his pilot fantasies in front, facing something that is more like a cockpit than a car interior. Slide in behind the wheel and the semi-command seating position is elevated, allowing the driver and front passenger to have an optimised overview of traffic conditions in the area.
In the rear, space is optimal for three adults, offering head and legroom space that are comparable to the BMW X5 and 7-Series respectively. Plus, cocooning the passengers is further enhanced by the harmonious shapes of the door panels, whose undulating lines flow uninterrupted between the front and rear passenger compartments.
And if required, knock the rear seats down and the luggage capacity is enlarged to an impressive 1,700 litres.
Although the interior of the test car was filled with a monotonous black colour, the illuminated lights and materials for the interior design made up for it, giving the impression of an elegant approach which sends the right message to its potential buyers.
Generally, the ergonomics of the interior is progressive but not scarily intimidating. It is incredibly practical and well thought out which makes one wonder why vehicles aren't this cleverly designed.
Although the interior of the test car was filled with a monotonous black colour, the illuminated lights and materials for the interior design made up for it, giving the impression of an elegant approach which sends the right message to its potential buyers.
Generally, the ergonomics of the interior is progressive but not scarily intimidating. It is incredibly practical and well thought out which makes one wonder why vehicles aren't this cleverly designed.
|
Drivetrain
On the go, the Bimmer is absolutely athletic. It has enough torque to overcome its kerb weight of over two tonnes and enough power to provide acceleration close to that of the 535i saloon. Even in normal driving mode, it is able to leave the pack behind effortlessly. In Sport mode, it becomes a bit more responsive and naughtier, leaving an exhaust note that's hard to forget.
The steering is a tad light but nonetheless precise and wonderfully communicative. And because of these positive feedbacks, the muscular beast switches lanes at high speeds with the agility of a smaller, lighter car. But push it through a tight corner and the GT feels clumsier than the 535i saloon.
Of course the 5GT feels much more planted than a crossover or an SUV. It has a strong, linear power and a really nice initial acceleration from standstill. On the highway, this car has the muscles to make overtaking relatively effortless. Exert more pressure on the accelerator pedal and kickdown is instant and deadly.
On the go, the Bimmer is absolutely athletic. It has enough torque to overcome its kerb weight of over two tonnes and enough power to provide acceleration close to that of the 535i saloon. Even in normal driving mode, it is able to leave the pack behind effortlessly. In Sport mode, it becomes a bit more responsive and naughtier, leaving an exhaust note that's hard to forget.
The steering is a tad light but nonetheless precise and wonderfully communicative. And because of these positive feedbacks, the muscular beast switches lanes at high speeds with the agility of a smaller, lighter car. But push it through a tight corner and the GT feels clumsier than the 535i saloon.
Of course the 5GT feels much more planted than a crossover or an SUV. It has a strong, linear power and a really nice initial acceleration from standstill. On the highway, this car has the muscles to make overtaking relatively effortless. Exert more pressure on the accelerator pedal and kickdown is instant and deadly.
Conclusion
This four-litre powerplant is a joy to drive indeed. The eight-speed automatic transmission nimbly surfs the torque, ensuring a smooth and seamless surge of acceleration to allow the GT to hit the century mark in 6.3 seconds. There is simply no question that BMW's dynamic strengths are in evidence.
Being often misunderstood, the BMW 5GT does not put style before function. It's the kind of car that once you get behind the wheel and drive it, you'll fall in love with the experience. It is merely the outlook that you'll need to overcome.
If I had a choice to choose between the GT and the X6, I'll take the latter because of its solid outlook. But will I buy one over the 535i saloon? A definite yes - simply for the reason that the BMW 5GT has oodles of character.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
This four-litre powerplant is a joy to drive indeed. The eight-speed automatic transmission nimbly surfs the torque, ensuring a smooth and seamless surge of acceleration to allow the GT to hit the century mark in 6.3 seconds. There is simply no question that BMW's dynamic strengths are in evidence.
Being often misunderstood, the BMW 5GT does not put style before function. It's the kind of car that once you get behind the wheel and drive it, you'll fall in love with the experience. It is merely the outlook that you'll need to overcome.
If I had a choice to choose between the GT and the X6, I'll take the latter because of its solid outlook. But will I buy one over the 535i saloon? A definite yes - simply for the reason that the BMW 5GT has oodles of character.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 535i Luxury (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.2km/L
Horsepower
225kW (302 bhp)
Torque
400 Nm
Acceleration
6.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
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