5 Series Geneva Preview: BMW Concept 5 Series GT

[Bartek S.]

It's been several years in the making, but BMW's plan to expand their inroads further into the "lifestyle" market appears ready to finally bear fruit. Looking something like a ground-bound X6 that's missed a few collagen injections, the 5 Series Gran Turismo concept will likely be one of the last Bimmers that Chris Bangle has had a significant hand in designing (for better or worse).

In any case, these first shots of the 5 Series GT have slipped out in advance of the car's planned Geneva Motor Show unveiling, and it looks like it was caught at some sort of an unveiling for what looks to be a select group of invited media (notice the camera and video rigs in plain sight).

More: autoblog

 

[Monster]

The overall profile is a bit strange, it looks like a lower, bulkier and less athletic looking version of the X6. Despite this, the car is much better than expected. I like the CS inspired front end, and the surface design on the side of the car.

How much of the design of the new 5 series is revealed by this 5 series GT concept? Will the new 5 series have the same front end and interior design?

 

[ghusheshe]

HHHmmmm.. mixed emotions for now, I may need to see more pics. The interior looks uber cool though...

 

[far2000]

Wow, I like,....Would be a perfect Competitor for the CLS, A7 Etc..

 

[martinbo]

I don't like it one bit at the moment. Why am I so strongly reminded of a Prius? (Is it the fastback shape?) Some details are nice, the hatch within a hatch is an interesting innovation but brings a complex solution to a question that no-one was really asking. I'm curious to know what the weight of the total rear hatch door assembly is.

Front brakes are nice and sporty looking but at odds with the MPV connotation of the vehicle - a subliminal message from BMW about the "unparalleled dynamics" for such a car? But then that's a given because there's really nothing else on the market like it.

I also like the detailing at the front - especially around the lights, giant kidney grill is imposing but starting to look a tad overdone? So, this is the Progressive Activity Sedan but it's now a GT? Hmph. Interesting that the X6, with such a similar silhouette and number of opening apetures is called a Coupe. I suppose the more rational SAGT would be pulling the acronym thing a bit too far?

Lord knows, I have to ask this question, what does this car bring to the market that a similarly appointed F11 wagon will not?

Style? Don't think so...
Performance and handling? Obviously not.
Versatility and passenger accomodation? No tangible difference.
Individualism? So what. A Saab 9-3X can give you that.

Sorry BMW folk but debate = maximum publicity? Well then long live the discussion because this thoroughly unnecessary car needs all the publicity it can get.

 

[Zafiro]

Ok so its not ugly but I'm not all positive for a car like this from BMW. Nothing I would ever buy, special people will buy this. This concept remind me of Mercedes Fascination Concept.

 

[Merc1]

That front end and rear end with a normal roofline is more or less your next 5-Series, should be hot. This "GT" however looks really goofy from the side view, its the roofline. Need to see real life, outdoor pics.

M

 

[NarutoRamen]

Wow...all I can say is that I have no opinion about this car. I can't say that I dislike it, but I definitely can't say that I like it either. In all honesty, I just don't understand the point of this car.

 

[klier]

Sick sick sick

I love it. The interior is even hotter than the F01, the front too. Fantastic looking Bimmer. Really awesome!

Too bad I don't have internet all day today, but I will see more tonight

 

[Sunny]

This is the only pic I like it in. Rest of them looks bah! Will wait for better pics. But ugly or not. it is not a van by any stretch of imagination.

 

[Tarek]

Not happy at all.

The side profile,roofline and rear are a disaster IMO.

 

[klier]

lol, sure

Fantastic car! Brilliant looking niche car. Everything looks good from every angle.
I can't wait for more pics!

BTW, what is Bangle doing there.....not able to let go I presume??? I bet he will be there when the next 5er is unveiled, too

 

[RikfromBelgium]

great preview on the new 5 series, this will sell, looks amazing, fresh and new.
Just one critical factor: It HAS to have a significantly larger boot than the 5 series touring.

 

[Centurion]

Here's the inspiration:





Let's start with the good news. The interior is absolutely lovely, the center console is one of the best I've seen in a while, very balanced and the area around the gear lever is far less busy compared with the 7er. Secondly the boot lid solution is very clever, I like that a lot. Perhaps Scott or Eni can tell us about the headroom in the rear as it looks quite confined.

As for the exterior BMW has certainly a tough job cut out for them when it comes to convincing people to buy this car. It's too long and the decline of the drastically roof line gives a very squat appearance. Then we have the obvious functional aspect of the car which are non existent. It's like a pie containing minced meat, straw berries, apples, broccoli, garlic and is supposed to be eaten lukewarm. In other words the pie doesn't do anything right and the same applies for this car.

Very few will bite as in the times of economic turbulence, people are less keen on buying niche products which require a 10min of unsuccessful justification. Even the X5 or any other large SUV has has more design than than this car and offer better utility at the same time. Sorry BMW but this car doesn't tick any boxes.

 

[EnI]

 

[Mr Robert]

Not for me at all.

I wonder when the M-version will be released? The M5 GT must be the top priority for the M Division now, right?

 

[Centurion]

Nice rear seats but am I the only one who gets "Poor man's Panamera" vibes?

 

[martinbo]

Thanks EnI. Looks better than in the earlier shots but that doesn't make it better. Typically for a BMW concept, it's flattered by large diameter wheels that disguise the amount of sheetmetal.

It's me, clearly I'm not with it enough to appreciate the large fastback designs that are coming out at the moment... but I just can't. Apparently this is a whole new niche and Audi's recent Sportback Concept will follow closely on the BMW's heels. [So who's going to be the first to put up a poll pitching the Sportback against the 5 GT?]

I think both the F10 and F11 are going to be gorgeous in comparison.

 

[Monster]

Secondly the boot lid solution is very clever, I like that a lot.

The Skoda Superb already has the same boot lid solution.

It's like a pie containing minced meat, straw berries, apples, broccoli, garlic and is supposed to be eaten lukewarm. In other words the pie doesn't do anything right and the same applies for this car.

Good analogy.

 

[martinbo]

Looking at the pictures in more depth... no doubt it's an impressive looking thing in the typical BMW idiom. Problem is, it's got that Peter Perfect image about it:
"Let me, Peter Perfect, give your image the makeover it deserves daaahling."



Knob. I can see him driving one of these...