The latest iteration within the SUV/crossover segment is the ‘Sport Activity Vehicle’, or SAC for short. BMW has genetically modified its much lauded and loved 5-Series sedan to create their interpretation of a SAC: the Gran Turismo—or GT for short.
Finding its way to my house for some on-road analysis was the fire-breathing twin-turbocharged V8-powered version of BMW’s latest plaything, the 550i GT xDrive.
GT styling best appreciated with an open mind
From the front, there’s no question that the GT is a product of the pens of Bavaria, however, the side profile is a different matter. Here one must exercise a quantity of open mindedness to accept that the long, sloped roofline and rather bulbous butt are of BMW origin.
Once this reality has crystallized, the viewer can begin to appreciate what BMW has accomplished. They’ve managed to retain the flair of the 5-Series sedan and its BMW identity while creating a commodious vehicle that mimics the attributes of an SUV without degrading the driving experience of a great sedan.
Functionality of the 5-Series GT is so much greater than that of the sedan, it easily justifies the trade-off in appearance between the two Bimmers. Although not yet available in Canada, I’d be remiss in not mentioning that Audi is about to release its own SAC, the A7, which will be a direct competitor to BMW’s GT lineup.
Although to date I’ve only viewed photos of the A7, Audi has taken a tidier approach to styling.
5-doors and a trunk
In addition to its lift-back fifth door, the cargo bay of the 5-Series GT can be quickly accessed through a portal similar to a typical trunk lid.
Folding the rear seats flat creates a large stowage area that’ll make quick work of most Costco runs. But even with the rear seats in place, plenty of room exists for bulky goods or luggage to support a lengthy road trip—and road trips are what the GT’s all about, especially when 400 horses perform the pulling.
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| From the front, there’s no question that the GT is a product of the pens of Bavaria. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Finding its way to my house for some on-road analysis was the fire-breathing twin-turbocharged V8-powered version of BMW’s latest plaything, the 550i GT xDrive.
GT styling best appreciated with an open mind
From the front, there’s no question that the GT is a product of the pens of Bavaria, however, the side profile is a different matter. Here one must exercise a quantity of open mindedness to accept that the long, sloped roofline and rather bulbous butt are of BMW origin.
Once this reality has crystallized, the viewer can begin to appreciate what BMW has accomplished. They’ve managed to retain the flair of the 5-Series sedan and its BMW identity while creating a commodious vehicle that mimics the attributes of an SUV without degrading the driving experience of a great sedan.
Functionality of the 5-Series GT is so much greater than that of the sedan, it easily justifies the trade-off in appearance between the two Bimmers. Although not yet available in Canada, I’d be remiss in not mentioning that Audi is about to release its own SAC, the A7, which will be a direct competitor to BMW’s GT lineup.
Although to date I’ve only viewed photos of the A7, Audi has taken a tidier approach to styling.
5-doors and a trunk
In addition to its lift-back fifth door, the cargo bay of the 5-Series GT can be quickly accessed through a portal similar to a typical trunk lid.
Folding the rear seats flat creates a large stowage area that’ll make quick work of most Costco runs. But even with the rear seats in place, plenty of room exists for bulky goods or luggage to support a lengthy road trip—and road trips are what the GT’s all about, especially when 400 horses perform the pulling.
 |
| Folding the rear seats flat creates a large stowage area that’ll make quick work of most Costco runs. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |