Auto Design

BMW is unveiling the secrets of its all-new addition to the 5 series model range at the Geneva Motor Show, early next month (March). It does it by showing the “BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo” a “Concept Car” that perfectly demonstrates what current and future BMW enthusiasts will get later this year, when the actual production car, currently planned for a world première at the Frankfurt Show, goes on sale.

As usual there will be differences between today’s “Gran Turismo” and the “GT” production car, but these are restricted to the show-special interior (not for its overall design but just for materials and colour combination); and – perhaps – to the huge, light alloy forged wheels. The exterior design is the final one, with only the paintwork in Fluid Cuprite, being a bit special here. The new colour has actually been developed specifically for this concept car.

Look close to the concept and what you can see id the car that executives, engineers and designers in the car industry have always known is the best combination of advantages but which only few, and in very few cases, could create beyond the many, intrusive or reasonable compromises that go into a new automobile.

This car is rational, functional, practical, comfortable and yet it is different, is sexy, is emotional, has class and charisma. Can you really combine the first set of qualities with the second one, and be successful on the market? This is the awful question that only the market will answer. The car itself is an answer to a question nobody (or almost) in the market asked.

I think it is reasonable to expect turbulence and another wave of controversial comments on its exterior design. Probably even more harsh than what we have seen with the revolutionary 7 series.

The new 5 series GT aims at offering the best of the alternatives to the classic sedan that today sell better than the sedan itself:  the SUV or SAV, the Touring or station wagon, the MPV or minivan, and the new and trendy four dour coupé. Plus the comfort, luxury, performance (and technology) of a luxury, top class, 7 series. The difference here is whereas the 7 series is the perfect corporate limousine, the 5 Series GT, is meant to be the choice of the affluent upper class, architects, medical doctors, lawyers, artists. Self employed professionals who choose their own cars for all occasions. Now what would they get from this new BMW? Well, first of all a big car with the strong character and a progressive style. It sits on a very long wheelbase  of 3070 mm.

That is the same of the 7 series and will be available with BMW’s brilliant Dynamic Drive (active rear wheel drive system). The GT is shorter than the 7 series (even it is a rather long car, just 2 mm, under the 5 metres) but at 1555 mm. its overall length is greater whereas the width is virtually identical. It is a big car that comes with four large doors but it is for four passengers only, each seating in a very comfortable and stylish armchair. In addition, there are two “openings” for the luggage compartment: a large hatch (call it a gate) and within this one a regular lid.

You use one or the other according to the needs and circumstances. Well, considering the extra weight its structure commands my first opinion is that in this area BMW engineers and executive have gone “over board” and put in this car more they should have.

I would have preferred to see that money (and weight) spent on a more elegant opening for the passengers. But the suicide doors are a feature of Roll-Royce and the sliding door will be used by the new Mini Crossover. I do not under stand nor agree but this is what has driven BMW priorities.

There is not doubt: the 5 series GT is a luxury car. When it goes on sale, late this year, it will command a premium price ranging from 3 to 4% over the equivalent 5 series. Do not task if reference is made to the 5 series sedan or Touring.

BMW sees the GT as an all-new kind of car, and I am sure the buyers will.

Perhaps, for the first time in a mass production car those who live and travel inside the car (for hours) have been given uncompromised priority over those who see the exterior design and style for few minutes.  It is not a matter of shapes, lines, style, colour, equipment and ergonomics, as usual. In addition, there is here a new “semi-command” driving position that is much lower than in the company’s SAV. Here you do not have to make the effort of climbing to your seat, not to dig into it, down the ground.

With the H point set at 574mm., the driver is 177mm closer to the ground  than in an X5 but is 48mm. higher than on a 5 series sedan. Those sitting in the rear not only have excellent access to their individual armchair but have “first class” leg more and even more headroom but can adjust the entire seat as the front passenger, reclining the back as much as he likes. The seat back is not affected by the luggage compartment that is placed behind a think “wall”. Indeed the rear passenger in the 5 Series GT will be better than in the 7 series. Yet the luggage compartment is virtually as big as that in a 5 series Touring and it can expand into the rear passengers areas, when needed, with the seat back folding flat forward. Here one finds the flexibility of the best and most luxurious MPVs and big SUVs.

At the press-preview in Munich all attention being focused on the architecture and design there was no mention of powertrains but insiders conceded that there will be something new and very stimulating from the under the skin, with new high performance engines delivering very high fuel efficiency (7 litres per 100 km) and all the best goodies from the current 7 series, although among the options rather than standard equipment.

The BMW 5 Series GT is the first to share the new platform and chassis of the next generation 5 series (to be launched early next year) but its design and styling (front and rear) will be significantly different.

More images and the making of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, click on the image below.