BMW has also designed a M Sport kit for the 5 Series GT. And well, it only makes the uglier than it is really!

Available to order from autumn 2011, the M treatment with revised bumpers, lowered ride height, new wheels and interior package – details of which to be announced later – should improve even the worst of cars. And yet amazingly the 5er GT ruins that too. BMW has admitted that this car was a mistake from the beginning. They should stop making it.

In other BMW 5 Series news, the 2012 sedan gets a new super efficient diesel engine:

The Sedan is powered by a 135 kW/184 hp four-cylinder diesel engine, yet its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is just 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres (62.8 mpg imp). New four-cylinder engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology add further talent to the line-up of petrol and diesel powerplants.

Poor sales finally makes BMW confess they made a mistake with the 5 Series GT, the car that replaced the 5 Series Wagon in America.

They are actually surprised why nobody bought the 5 Series GT! Who in their right mind would spend nearly $60K on such a catastrophically ugly car. The 5er GT was supposed to be an elegant and practical alternative to minivans, but it’s neither of those things.

It certainly is not elegant, and as for the practicality, they kept bragging on about how clever it is that manage to offer roughly the same space as a station wagon but with a GT sort of look. The point is, if you want space you get a estate, and if you want style you get a GT  coupe. Mixing these two is a dumb idea. But it would be alright if the 5r GT looked half decent, but it’s just a plain ugly car from every angle.

BMW of North America CEO Jim O’Donnell says: “The disappointment I have is that I thought a lot of our 5-series station wagon customers would go with the GT,” O’Donnell says. “In point of fact, that is not happening. We have lost those customers to the competition — mainly to Mercedes-Benz.

“The GT has attracted 7- and 5-series customers and conquests,” he says, “but not the station wagon customer we had hoped.”

Car makers joining force with fashion brands to offer limited and special editions is not a new trend. But this BMW by Trussardi is something new because they’ve picked a very ugly car for their project!

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Italian brand Trussardi has come up with a unique version of the BMW 5 Series GT.  Now, the 5er GT is widely known as a catastrophically ugly car and it’s the last thing you would think of promote your brand with!

But it’s a clever idea actually. They picked an ugly car and tried to make it better with their own touches.

In Trussardi 5er’s case the car gets a magnificent Heraldic Brown paint job garnished with logos of the brand and complemented by 20-inch dark finished alloy wheels. They could take customization even further inside the cabin where they’ve used beige leather reminiscent to Trussardi glove design. You also get more logos on the headrests and dashboard. This treatment can be had for all variants of the 5 Series GT.

So, what do you think? Have they been successful in improving the car’s look with their stylish modifications?

Details of Hamann’s complete tuning package for the 2010 BMW 5-series GT is now available and it looks very promising. It is for the first time that we look at a 5er GT and actually like it! The combination of the body kit, wheels and black color has worked for it, but we have a sneaking suspension that in every other color, it wouldn’t be just as good.

To enhance the style of the 5-Series GT Hamann designers a front spoiler lip, side skirts, roof and tailgate wings, as well as a diffuser unit with four integrated tailpipes in it. But the greatest part of the kit should be the wheels. Specially the new 22-inch ANNIVERSARY EVO model which is specially developed for the 5er GT and come in size 9.0 x 22 for the front and 10.5 x 22 for the back, wrapped in front (265/30ZR20) and back (295/25ZR20) tires.

To complete the effect of wheels Hamann has also used an air suspension lowering module which drops the car by some inches.

As for the interior although it is bespoke and you can order whatever you want for it, but the standard package include things like aluminum pedals and knobs as well as special black and silver floor mats with Hamann logo.

They also offer a performance upgrade for the 530d diesel variant which increases the power form 245 hp to 275 hp and the torque form 540 Nm to an impressive 620 Nm.

BMW 5-Series GT is like those big mobile phones which are very geeky and offer a huge number of functions, but has no style! Now to make it even more nerdelicious, BMW announced that all variants of the 5er GT can be had with their sophisticated all-wheel-drive system called the xDrive. They are also offering this for the V8 diesel variant of the 7-series (740d).

Making their debut at 2010 Beijing Auto Show, the BMW 530d xDrive Gran Turismo and the BMW 550i xDrive Gran Turismo feature a permanent, electronically masterminded all-wheel drive ensures the appropriate distribution of drive power front-to-rear in every situation. Later in summer, you can have the 530d diesel and the 535i turbo with the same AWD treatment.

As mentioned earlier, the 740d model too can be had with xDrive system. However we cannot think of a good reason why a diesel-powered luxury saloon should need four-wheel-drive! You know it just isn’t worth the extra pay.

BMW says that their xDrive system “enhances driving stability also in dynamic bends by recognising even the slightest tendency to over- and understeer at an early point and taking appropriate counter-action right away.” But if you got one of these models do not think you can take on the Kalahari desert in it! Because as we’ve already seen with the BMW X range of high-riding SUVs, the xDrive system is mainly designed to give you better dynamics on the road, and it doesn’t really work off it.

After the pictures, you will find the performance figures and technical details for all of these new xDrive models in BMW’s official press release…

BMW 550i xDrive Gran Turismo is powered by a supreme V8 boasting BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection. Displacing 4.4 litres, this outstanding eight-cylinder delivers maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp all the way from 5,500 – 6,400 rpm as well as peak torque of 600 Newton-metres/442 lb-ft maintained consistently between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm.

This superior torque coming in at an early point and maintained throughout a broad speed range is now converted into supreme driving dynamics even more precisely and in even more superior style through BMW xDrive technology, accelerating the car to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Top speed is cut off by the engine’s electronic control unit at 250 km/h or 155 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle, finally, is 11.8 litres/100 km, equal to 23.9 mpg imp, with CO2 emissions amounting to 275 grams per kilometre.

The BMW 550i xDrive Gran Turismo is the first model to combine such intelligent all-wheel drive with the supreme driving dynamics, motoring comfort and efficiency of an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The straight-six diesel engine in the BMW 530d xDrive Gran Turismo likewise represents the latest state-of-the-art in BMW engine development. Displacing 3.0 litres, the engine comes with an all-aluminium crankcase, its turbocharger system featuring variable intake geometry ensuring a superior surge of power and performance tailored harmoniously to all kinds of driving conditions.

Fuel is delivered by the latest generation of piezo-injectors operating at a maximum pressure of 1,800 bar. This gives the engine maximum peak output of 180 kW/245 hp at 4,000 rpm, with torque reaching its peak of 540 Newton-metres/398 lb-ft at just 1,750 rpm.

Benefiting from this kind of power, the BMW 530d xDrive Gran Turismo accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 235 km/h or 146 mph.

At the same time the car combines this sporting performance with average fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 40.9 mpg imp, in the EU test cycle. The CO2 rating, finally, is 183 grams per kilometre.

The BMW 535d xDrive Gran Turismo features a second even more powerful representative of the new generation of straight-six BMW diesels. Boasting BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and common rail direct fuel injection, the all-aluminium power unit in this equally outstanding model develops maximum output of 220 kW/300 hp at 4,400 rpm as well as peak torque of 600 Newton-metres/442 lb-ft maintained consistently between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm.

The straight-six gasoline power unit in the BMW 535i xDrive Gran Turismo combines turbocharging, High Precision Injection and variable VALVETRONIC valve management with one another. This unique combination gives the BMW TwinPower Turbo an extremely spontaneous and direct response to the gas pedal. This outstanding response is then further optimised by VALVETRONIC valve management as well as the turbocharger system applying the twin-scroll principle both in the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger to separate the ducts and flow channels of three cylinders at a time.

With its high-tech injection nozzles, High Precision Injection doses fuel with maximum precision, delivering the fuel required into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 200 bar.

Displacing 3.0 litres, this outstanding six-cylinder delivers maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm. Peak torque of 400 Newton metres/295 lb-ft, in turn, comes between 1,200 and 5,000 rpm.

With the top-of-the-range BMW 750i xDrive and BMW 750Li xDrive already introducing BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system in the 2010 model year in the 7 Series, the BMW 740d xDrive is making its appearance in September.

With its all-aluminium power unit, the BMW 740d xDrive boasts BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology as well as common-rail direct fuel injection with its piezo-injectors operating at a pressure of up to 2,000 bar. Maximum output, as a result, is 225 kW/306 hp, with peak torque of 600 Newton-metres/442 lb-ft maintained consistently between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm.

AC Schnitzer revealed another one of their Geneva-bound products which is a modified BMW 5-Series GT. And like their package for BMW X1, not only they haven’t tried to make it look better, they made things worse! The body kit includes revised bumpers, modified bonnet and side skirts, a lift gate wing and new mufflers belonging to the car’s sport exhaust system.

These silencers are said to give the 5er GT a more distinctive noise, specially now that the power is also upped form 245 to 286 hp (this car is based on the 530d Diesel). The ride and handling is also optimized thanks to the AC Schnitzer suspension spring set and their new Type IV wheels in 19″ or the BiColor Version in 19″ and 20″.

You can also have the Type VII in silver and BiColor in 22″ and the alloy forged wheels in Type V in 20″ and 22″, or even the all-new Type VIII rims in 19″ or the racing forged alloys Type VIII in 22″. So at least for the choice of rims, you are very well covered!

AC Schnitzer BMW 5-Series GT also has an elegant interior garnished with a cover for the i-Drive System Controller, foot rest and pedal set in aluminium, velours footmats and boot mat.

BMW announced the MSRP for the new 5-Series GranTurismo model which will go on sale in the U.S. this December. The model hitting the showroom floors is the 550i equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine developing 400 horsepower and peak torque of 450 lb-ft. It’s coupled to BMW’s 8-speed automatic transmission which is also used in the V12 760 models. 2010 BMW 550i GT starts from $64,725, including $825 Destination & Handling.

There is a wide range of optional extras and packages you can order for the car, but most of them are quit pricy! In fact a fully loaded 550i can cost up to 100 grand! worth it?!

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo Available Packages:
* Active Ventilated-seat Package $2,950
* Back-up Camera Package $750
* Convenience Package $1,900
* Cold Weather Package $950
* Driver Assistance Package $1,350
* Luxury Rear Seating Package $3,950
* Premium Sound Package $1,400
* Sport Package $4,200
* Nappa Leather Package $1,000

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo optional equipment:
* 20-inch wheels with mixed-sized
performance tires $1,000
* Power rear side window shades $500
* Integral Active Steering $1,750
* Multi-contour seats $1,300
* Satellite radio $350
* Rear seat entertainment system $2,200
* Smartphone integration $150
* 4-zone automatic climate control $500
* Ceramic finished controls $650
* Ski bag $150
* iPod and USB adapter $400
* Head-up display $1,300
* Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection $2,600

The new BMW 5er GT is not a pretty car, no doubt about it! It’s look like the child of X6 and 5-series sedan models. Now to cheer up this ugly bastard, BMW’s loyal tuner Hartge has come up with a styling kit for it. The metallic black paintjob on this car makes it look more elegant, but apart form that, the only noticeable change to the exterior is the new set of 22-inch rims. The car is also lowered by 30mm to look cooler!

Hartge has also re-trimmed the interior with lots of aluminum parts. aluminum pedals and foot rest as well as an aluminum emblem for the center of the steering wheel. There are no details on the engine upgrade yet, but Hartge is a power-crazed tuner, sure they have something good in store!

Not sure if this is a sort of teaser for Hamann’s tuning package for the yet-to-be-released BMW 5-series GT, or they have inadvertently picked an ugly car to show off their rims collection! What you see here is a5er GT with four different  set of wheels from Hamann. And they’re all nice, but honestly they make the car look like a fat bear in training shoes! Of course the car is the one to blame here! Still not interested…

So this is it! The very official data on the new BMW 5-series Gran Turismo which is a car in a league of its own since no one else has ever thought of combining a station wagon, a GT, a four door saloon and a coupe in one car! But BMW has done it and called it Sport Activity Gran Turismo! You might as well call it the BMW Swiss army knife!

Sure you have seen this car before because it was introduced at the time of Geneva Motorshow, and sure you realized that it is biblically awful in terms of styling! It is very clever, no doubt about that. Every bit of it is over engineered to make the most sense, but my God it’s ugly! And we thought that we might get used to it as we get to see it more often but it just gets worse!

The 5er GT comes with three different engines when it is launched. The first is the 530d a turbo-diesel with 245 hp and 540 Nm of torque and fuel consumption of just 6.5 liter per 100 km. Then there is the petrol powered 3.0 liter 6-cylinder in-line 535i which has two turbochargers and develops 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque. And at the top of the range there is the 550i which has the new 4.4 liter V8 with 407 hp and 600 Nm of torque. It also gets the BMW’s new 8-speed automatic transmission.

The car is really full of high-tech stuffs and smart ideas. Unfortunately it is too boring too mention all of them here so if you have any interest to know them check out the press release at the end of the article for full details. What we liked amongst them all is the new 10.2 inch LCD and the clever seats by which you can trade legroom for more luggage space. At its best the 5-series GT has 1700 liters cargo capacity.

Not sure if anyone is interested in buying this car with its catastrophic looks but anyhow,  it will be out in October with prices starting from 55,200 Euros.

And why dont you check out a new video of it?! It might look better in motion!  (just kidding, it won’t!)

BMW has put out a huge picture gallery of the 5-series GT but we didn’t want to make you sick so picked the most tolerable ones you see here

Full details of BMW 5-series Gran Turismo in this official press release:

Description in brief:

BMW is once again defining a brand-new segment in the automobile market. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines elegance, space, comfort and variability in truly unique style. As an attractive, future-oriented extension of the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is quite unparalleled worldwide in the upper middle segment, combining the characteristic features of a prestige saloon, a modern, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo in brand-new, unprecedented style.

Through its body design, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology. Boasting clear-cut horizontal lines, the rear end comes with that characteristic look of width, power and muscle further enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology.

The luxurious and, for a car with this kind of coupé-like silhouette, surprisingly generous and variable interior gives both the driver and passengers a spontaneous feeling of comfort and well-being. This superior feeling is further enhanced by comfortable entry to the car, the slightly elevated seating position, the large window areas, the optional panorama glass roof, as well as exquisite materials and supreme quality of finish.

Flexibly adjustable, the interior of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo enables the driver and passengers to vary the generous space inside the car as they wish to their individual, personal requirements. In their standard position, the rear seats offer the passengers the same kind of legroom as in the BMW 7 Series combined with the same headroom as in the BMW X5. In this configuration, luggage capacity is already an ample 440 litres or 15.4 cu ft. Thanks to the partition behind the rear seats, the passenger and luggage compartments are separated acoustically and in terms of climate conditions from one another like in a saloon. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100 millimetres or almost 4″, with legroom still remaining the same as in the BMW 5 Series Saloon and an increase in luggage capacity to 590 litres or 20.7 cu ft. And after folding down the rear-seat backrests together with the partition, finally, luggage space increases to its maximum capacity of 1,700 litres or 59.5 cu ft.

Offering unique functionality, the two-piece tailgate on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo provides exceptional variability and maximum comfort in loading the luggage compartment. Opening the small, sedan-like luggage compartment lid beneath the rear window, with the tailgate as such remaining closed, the driver and passengers are able to conveniently load the rear compartment without causing any unpleasant noise, draughts or changes in temperature within the passenger compartment. To load large and bulky objects, on the other hand, all they have to do is open the large tailgate for maximum convenience.

The sheer space and the inspiring, modern design of the interior team up to provide a truly luxurious ambience and the supreme long-distance comfort of a modern Gran Turismo. The sleek surfaces on the front and rear door panels merging smoothly into one another as well as the horizontal arrangement of the instrument panel enhance the impression of supreme generosity. Seat comfort, headroom and elbow freedom are all of the highest standard otherwise to be found only in the luxury performance class. The slightly elevated seating position, the clear, structured arrangement of the controls, BMW’s new iDrive with its Control Display up to 10.2 inches in size, and the cockpit in Black Panel technology all help to give the driver maximum supremacy at all times. The rear seats may be adjusted individually fore-and-aft and also come with individual adjustment of the backrest angle. To meet the greatest demands in terms of individual luxury, finally, two individual comfort seats at the rear are available as an option.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is entering the market with a choice of no less than three ultra-modern drive units carrying over BMW -EfficientDynamics into a new segment in the automobile world. The BMW 530d Gran Turismo offers a truly unique, unparalleled balance of driving experience and fuel economy with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 6.5 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 43.5 mpg imp, and a CO2 rating of 173 g/km. The two gasoline models also set new standards for efficiency in their respective engine class.

As a world-first achievement introducing a new and even more efficient range of engines, the BMW 535i Gran Turismo comes with the first straight-six gasoline engine featuring TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC and developing maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp. The top engine in the range, finally, is the V8 TwinPower Turbo delivering maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo. The BMW 530d Gran Turismo, in turn, comes with a 180 kW/245 hp straight-six diesel of the latest generation with an all-aluminium crankcase and common-rail direct fuel injection. All engines naturally fulfil the EU5 emission standard.

All model variants come as standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission previously to be admired only in the BMW 760i twelve-cylinder luxury saloon. Featuring an innovative configuration of gearsets, a unique level of internal efficiency, and the same low weight and compact dimensions as a six-speed automatic transmission, this high-tech automatic combines gearshift comfort, dynamic performance, and motoring efficiency of the highest calibre. The most advanced engine technology, the innovative eight-speed automatic transmission, and a wide range of unique technologies in the context of BMW EfficientDynamics allow the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to set new standards also in terms of economy and emission management.

The modern, demanding suspension technology of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is designed for both fascinating driving dynamics and supreme grand touring comfort. The double track control arm front axle and the Integral-V rear axle exclusive to BMW are made largely of aluminium. Standard features also include rear axle air suspension as well as hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with a steering servo pump operating on demand. Integral Active Steering is available as an option, combining active steering of the front wheels with rear-wheel steering varying according to driving conditions and current requirements.

Featured as standard, Dynamic Drive Control influences not only the gearshift dynamics, but also the gas pedal and steering assistance control map. In combination with optional Adaptive Drive, the dampers with infinite variation on both the inbound and rebound stroke contribute to the superior suspension function. In addition to the NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ programs, the driver also has the choice of the COMFORT mode available directly from the Dynamic Drive Control button on the centre console. A further point is that intervention in DSC Dynamic Stability Control is reduced in the SPORT+ setting and in the traction mode.

The optimised body structure in conjunction with appropriately coordinated and electronically masterminded passive safety systems ensures maximum occupant safety at all times. These systems include three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, crash-activated headrests at the front, runflat tyres and a tyre defect indicator. The standard features include foglamps and adaptive brake lights, with bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime driving light function as well as Adaptive Headlights with variable light distribution and Bending Lights all coming as an option.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is also available as an option with the complete range of features from BMW ConnectedDrive, including Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a High-Beam Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, Side View, Top View, and a back-up camera. Over and above these outstanding features, BMW ConnectedDrive also offers BMW Online, BMW Assist, BMW TeleServices, as well as an Enhanced Emergency Call function automatically determining and reporting the current location of the car.

The wide range of standard features offered by the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo includes automatic air conditioning, an audio system, an AUX-In connector bush, and the Integrated Owner’s Manual. Optional features include four-zone automatic air conditioning (standard in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and the user’s private music collection, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, a panorama glass roof optimised for noise control and attractive design, as well as an electrically swivelling trailer hook.

Engine variants:

BMW 535i Gran Turismo:

• straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC,
• Capacity: 2,979 cc,
• max output: 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm,
• max torque: 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 1,200-5,000 rpm,
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.3 seconds,
• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 8.9 Liter/100 kilometres,
• equal to 31.7 mpg imp,
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 209 g/km,
• emission standard: EU5

BMW 550i Gran Turismo:

• V8 gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo and High Precision Injection
• Capacity: 4, 395 cc,
• max output: 300 kW/407 hp from 5, 500-6,400 rpm,
• max torque: 600 Nm/442 lb-ft from 1,750-4,500 rpm
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds
• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 11.2 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 25.2 mpg imp
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 263 g/km,
• emission standard: EU5

BMW 530d Gran Turismo:

• straight-six diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct fuel injection (piezo-injectors),
• max injection pressure: 1,800 bar
• Capacity: 2,993 cc,
• max output: 180 kW/245 hp at 4,000 rpm,
• max torque: 540 Nm/398 lb-ft from 1,750-3,000 rpm
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.9 seconds
• Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.5 litres/100 kilometres,
• equal to 43.5 mpg imp
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 173 g/km,
• emission standard: EU5