The new 8-speed transmission keeps the motor in the tallest gear for the available torque, which contributes to a very under-stressed feel. When coasting you can feel it downshift smoothly through a lot of gears, and even perhaps feel just a hint of drag, as the regenerative braking system converts your kinetic energy to electricity.
Our tester was outfitted with Adaptive Drive, which actively controls roll, and Integral Active Steering, which changes the steering angle based on road speed, and even activates rear axle steering at slow speeds, to help the vehicle become more manoeuvrable in close quarters.
At speed, with no body roll, and tight and precise steering that is fluid off centre, the big GT felt quite sporty — although in a big, heavy, planted kind of way.
When just cruising, the GT is very civil. Our tester was outfitted with the Sport Package with the available 20-inch wheels and 245/40 series tires. Those low profile tires don’t have much sidewall, but that didn’t seem to detract from the GT’s firm-but-comfortable ride.
If you get bored with the driving, there are lots of things to look at, and play with, such as the gauge that indicates when the re-gen brakes are charging your battery, and the new iDrive system.
Among the many safety bits on board are rear and side-view cameras to help parking chores, Active Blind Spot detection, Lane Departure warning, and Heads Up Display.
In the back seat
Standard out back is a three-person bench seat. But if you want to fully experience the GT-ness of this vehicle, order the optional second-row dual single seats, complete with centre console. It gives the whole vehicle an executive-class aircraft feel. Those rear seats are every bit as leathery and power-controlled as their front counterparts.
To make the vehicle less SUV-like, and more sedan-like, BMW designed a rear cargo area that is tightly sealed and separated from the passenger cabin.
To access the cargo area there is a novel hatch that incorporates a pseudo trunk lid; said trunk lid can be used independently of the liftgate.
The rear seats fold forward, but not entirely flatly.
Conclusion
The 550i GT presents an interesting mix of attributes. Equally interesting, is that it is being positioned somewhat as an anti-SUV. Our first blush with the vehicle convinced us that it is both a worthy vehicle and a worthy market experiment.
photo:Mike Goetz
Our tester was outfitted with Adaptive Drive, which actively controls roll, and Integral Active Steering, which changes the steering angle based on road speed, and even activates rear axle steering at slow speeds, to help the vehicle become more manoeuvrable in close quarters.
At speed, with no body roll, and tight and precise steering that is fluid off centre, the big GT felt quite sporty — although in a big, heavy, planted kind of way.
When just cruising, the GT is very civil. Our tester was outfitted with the Sport Package with the available 20-inch wheels and 245/40 series tires. Those low profile tires don’t have much sidewall, but that didn’t seem to detract from the GT’s firm-but-comfortable ride.
If you get bored with the driving, there are lots of things to look at, and play with, such as the gauge that indicates when the re-gen brakes are charging your battery, and the new iDrive system.
 |
| Those low profile tires don’t have much sidewall, but that didn’t seem to detract from the GT’s firm-but-comfortable ride. |
Among the many safety bits on board are rear and side-view cameras to help parking chores, Active Blind Spot detection, Lane Departure warning, and Heads Up Display.
In the back seat
Standard out back is a three-person bench seat. But if you want to fully experience the GT-ness of this vehicle, order the optional second-row dual single seats, complete with centre console. It gives the whole vehicle an executive-class aircraft feel. Those rear seats are every bit as leathery and power-controlled as their front counterparts.
To make the vehicle less SUV-like, and more sedan-like, BMW designed a rear cargo area that is tightly sealed and separated from the passenger cabin.
To access the cargo area there is a novel hatch that incorporates a pseudo trunk lid; said trunk lid can be used independently of the liftgate.
The rear seats fold forward, but not entirely flatly.
Conclusion
The 550i GT presents an interesting mix of attributes. Equally interesting, is that it is being positioned somewhat as an anti-SUV. Our first blush with the vehicle convinced us that it is both a worthy vehicle and a worthy market experiment.
photo:Mike Goetz
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