You're watching a WheelsTV Top 200 Video Test Drive on the 2012 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.
INTRO: Combining upscale sport sedan spirit and hatchback/wagon styling, the 2012 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo continues to define the vehicle segment it created two years back with the model's introduction, proving that world-class performance and everyday versatility will always find an audience. Available with either rear-wheel drive or BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, trims for the 5-passenger Gran Turismo include the base 535i and the 550i.
As unconventional as the luxury-sport-wagon idea may seem, BMW faithfully executes the concept, giving the Gran Turismo bold features such as LED Corona headlight-rings, an integrated dual exhaust, and standard 18-inch light-alloy wheels. On the practical side, a dual access tailgate has both a large hatchback to load oversized items and a conventional trunk opening to easily store smaller items without affecting the cabin climate.
PERFORMANCE: The 535i GT models use a turbocharged 3-liter inline-6 cylinder engine making 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque while the 550i GT models get a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels or available xDrive all-wheel drive through an 8-speed automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes. Maximum torque is delivered over a wide rpm range with both engines ensuring strong, smooth acceleration.
FUEL ECONOMY: Here are the highest and lowest EPA estimates for fuel economy:
FEATURES: A standard panoramic power moonroof bathes the luxurious interior with the glow of external light. Meanwhile, BMW's standard iDrive system conveniently integrates navigation, audio and Bluetooth phone systems with an updated easy-to-use menu-driven interface and console controller. As part of BMW's Driving Dynamics Control system, Adaptive Drive offers a more hands-on driving experience, letting the driver customize handling and feel by choosing, Comfort, Normal, Sport, or Sport Plus settings to change throttle response, shift points, and suspension characteristics.
Optional equipment includes heated and ventilated front and rear seats and a rear seat entertainment system with two seat-back 8-inch color screens.
SAFETY: Standard safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes with dynamic brake control, dynamic stability control, and a full array of front, front-side and front and rear curtain airbags. Rear-side airbags are optional. BMW Assist provides automatic collision notification to help emergency responders locate the vehicle.
PRICING: Base MSRP for the 2012 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is $57,000. A 550i xDrive model starts at $68,300.
WARRANTY: The 5 Series GT is backed by a 4-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty.
CLOSING: Bearing grand touring performance credentials and crossover wagon versatility, the 2012 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo makes an unconventional statement with exceptional confidence.