German automaker BMW used the Internet for the world premiere of its new 5-Series sedan concept, the Gran Turismo. Formerly known as "Progressive Activity Sedan", the Gran Turismo, or GT, will make its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
Physically speaking, this car represents a smaller-scale version of the X6 crossover. Just look at the aggressive, heavily-raked roofline in the back and 4-door coupe styling for confirmation.
Inside, the similarities are just as striking. In both cases, passenger comfort is enhanced by four adjustable bucket seats. Incidentally, according to Chief Designer Chris Bangle, who headed the whole project, rear-seat legroom is equivalent to a BMW 7-Series while headroom is greater than in the X5 despite the radical silhouette.
Unique design
It goes without saying that design was the company's top priority. In fact, BMW executives stated that the only way to stand out from the competition in these difficult times is to create innovative machines with a unique design.
Beyond the X6-derived bodywork, the 5-Series GT features a host of interesting details. For instance, the front grille has been revised and made slightly larger to increase air intake capacity. Obviously, LED headlights and taillights are part of the mix, too.
Greater attention to detail can be found inside, though. The entire layout is designed in such a way that the driver and passengers feel snugly wrapped. The deeply-stretched dashboard gives birth to organic lines that flow all around the interior, encompassing door panels and the center console.
Said dashboard receives a high-gloss black treatment along with small, tastefully-integrated monitors displaying vehicle and driving data. When the instruments are switched off, black once again takes over.
The multi-way adjustable seats have been carefully thought out with regard to configuration and height. Halfway between the regular 5-Series and the X5, they allow easy access while offering great forward visibility to those who sit in the back.
Gadget galore
Of course, since the new GT is a premium model set to take on the likes of Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz CLS, it also features a wide array of technologies designed to improve the driving experience and boost occupant protection.
For one, the next-generation iDrive interface allows selection and control of audio, climate, navigation and communication systems. BMW claims it's more user-friendly than ever before.
Physically speaking, this car represents a smaller-scale version of the X6 crossover. Just look at the aggressive, heavily-raked roofline in the back and 4-door coupe styling for confirmation.
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Inside, the similarities are just as striking. In both cases, passenger comfort is enhanced by four adjustable bucket seats. Incidentally, according to Chief Designer Chris Bangle, who headed the whole project, rear-seat legroom is equivalent to a BMW 7-Series while headroom is greater than in the X5 despite the radical silhouette.
Unique design
It goes without saying that design was the company's top priority. In fact, BMW executives stated that the only way to stand out from the competition in these difficult times is to create innovative machines with a unique design.
Beyond the X6-derived bodywork, the 5-Series GT features a host of interesting details. For instance, the front grille has been revised and made slightly larger to increase air intake capacity. Obviously, LED headlights and taillights are part of the mix, too.
Greater attention to detail can be found inside, though. The entire layout is designed in such a way that the driver and passengers feel snugly wrapped. The deeply-stretched dashboard gives birth to organic lines that flow all around the interior, encompassing door panels and the center console.
Said dashboard receives a high-gloss black treatment along with small, tastefully-integrated monitors displaying vehicle and driving data. When the instruments are switched off, black once again takes over.
The multi-way adjustable seats have been carefully thought out with regard to configuration and height. Halfway between the regular 5-Series and the X5, they allow easy access while offering great forward visibility to those who sit in the back.
Gadget galore
Of course, since the new GT is a premium model set to take on the likes of Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz CLS, it also features a wide array of technologies designed to improve the driving experience and boost occupant protection.
For one, the next-generation iDrive interface allows selection and control of audio, climate, navigation and communication systems. BMW claims it's more user-friendly than ever before.
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