BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo will get a second chance in 2017. The first 5 GT hatchback was BMW’s first attempt to create a middle athlete with the capabilities of a touring model, but with interior space, comfort and luxury of a 7 Series. While its design was somewhat controversial, the driving dynamics and cabin luxury have been highly praised by customers and journalists from around the world.
Now, the second-generation 5 Series GT will be once again the new top-class hatchback from Munich and this time is rumored to be more visually pleasing and more luxurious than its predecessor.
By using carbon in the body structure, the curb weight should fall by up to 100 kilograms which will sharpen its driving characteristics and help with fuel savings as well.
The exclusive renderings we have here showcase a 5 GT with the same proportions as the first generation, but with design cues imported from current BMW models – The headlights flow into the kidney grille, the sporty character line sits across the side of the car, while the slopping roof line meets an appealing boot design.
Inside BMW will stay true to its classy, sporty and premium design, but with a new touch. We expected to see a redesigned dashboard with the free-standing LCD display and tons of premium features currently found in higher-end models – like the new 7 Series. We will see the new iDrive system with touchscreen and gesture-based functions and the over-the-air updates for the car.
BMW is grouping 500cc cylinders together to create three-, four- and six-pot engines, with 60% common parts. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder will power the 520d and 231 hp 525d, while the leading petrol four is a 272 hp 528i. A three cylinder engine will power a 518d with around 150 horsepower. Engine size dictates which suspensions slot into place: smaller-engined 5-series share front axles with the next 3-series, but go for a six- or eight-cylinder 5-series and you’ll get the front axle from the next 7-series instead.
A plug-in hybrid is also planned for the 5 GT, similar to the one offered in the 7 Series lineup. The pure electric range should be around 50 kilometers.
[Photos: Tobias Büttner]
