Overview & Reviews

Part sport sedan and part crossover, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the former's athletic handling with the latter's higher ride and greater cargo-carrying flexibility. The result is a capacious, if somewhat ungainly, luxury hatchback that packs a serious performance punch. The 5 Series GT's signature utility feature is a dual-mode hatchback that can be either partially opened (similar to a sedan's trunk lid) or lifted up completely to take on bulkier items. Under the hood, meanwhile, there's a choice of turbocharged engines that provide executive-class acceleration.

On the downside, the 5 Series Gran Turismo is too tall and heavy to be truly sporty, and it's not as versatile as many crossovers. But if you're looking for a relatively practical luxury vehicle with an impeccable performance pedigree, this multi-talented BMW could be a nice fit.

Current BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is offered in either 535i or 550i trim. The 535i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, while the 550i gets a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 good for 445 hp and 480 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, but buyers can choose from standard rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive ("xDrive" in BMW-speak).

All 5 Series Gran Turismos are very well equipped. The 535i comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, Bluetooth, the iDrive electronics interface with navigation and a 12-speaker stereo with an auxiliary audio input jack. The 550i adds the gutsy V8 engine, plus 20-way power front seats and a rearview camera. The options list for both models is long and includes items like an adaptive suspension, premium audio and a night-vision camera.

Inside the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo you'll find top-quality materials and adult-size room for both front and rear seat passengers. The backseat in particular is enormous. Folding the rear seatbacks down creates a healthy 62 cubic feet of cargo space that's easily accessed through the large rear hatch. If you don't need quite that much cargo room, the 17.7-cubic-foot regular cargo hold can be accessed from either the full hatch or the trick half-hatch that opens more like a traditional trunk.

In reviews, we've found that the 5 Series Gran Turismo strikes a pretty agreeable balance between athleticism and ride comfort. Compared to the 7 Series, the ride quality is a bit on the firm side, and the car's extra pounds and taller profile combine to produce more body roll than you'd experience in a BMW sedan. Even so, this quirky addition to the 5 Series lineup offers an unusual combination of sportiness, practicality and luxury.

Used BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Models
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo debuted for the 2010 model year with slightly lower output for the 550i (400 hp, 450 lb-ft) and optional two-passenger rear seating. The 535i wasn't offered with all-wheel drive until the following year. BMW upped the V8's power for 2013. For 2014, the 5 Series GT received minor styling updates but lost the two-passenger rear configuration, while the previously optional navigation system became standard along with an updated iDrive controller.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 19.00

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  Sunshade for sunroof - 2015 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By Chris - August 27 - 2:33 pm

  Just bought the 2015 BMW 535i GT and the main problem most people have with this car is the panoramic sliding sunshade cover... Mines is sagging on both sides of the sunshade and its a lot of folks complaining about the same problem... BMW charges around $2500 to fix the problem that may happen more than once...

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  Comfortable, practical with great seats - 2012 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By mooreslawcars - November 11 - 9:48 am

  Traded in my 2012 Audi A6 as the seats were extremely uncomfortable (same seats on the A7) with rounded top of seats cutting into shoulder blades in order to get a hatchback BMW with the extremely comfortable optional Multi-contour seats. Well worth the many dollars lost in trade. Love the space and the very smooth ride. Interior on 5GT is even nicer than on the Audi - impressive. Can toss my bike in the back with ease. Dual tailgate is practical. Much slower off the start than the 300hp 700 lbs lighter Audi - should have gotten the V-8. Ideally BMW would sell this as a 540 and 550 like the 6 and 7 series allowing a slighter more powerful base engine.

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  Great All Around Car - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By ironsalmon2 - June 4 - 7:36 pm

  Every car has there demographic, and afew can branch over those barriers. This is defiantly one of those cars. I have never gotten so many compliments from people of all ages. For me personally, this is my 3rd BMW. Ive had a 750li and a 530i which were great cars in there own right , but this car has so many more usable features and functions. The ride is quiet and very good over bumps. If you change the setting into Sport , the car becomes a serious sports sedan, with quicker stearing, and faster throttle response. The hatch gives the car much more functionality over a standard trunk.

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  Perfect vehicle - 2011 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By wittyj - March 28 - 11:05 am

  Have owned the car about 4 months now and have driven about 4500 miles. Totally flawless performance. Recent trip of over 2000 miles we averaged hi-way mileage of 29.6 to 33.4 mpg per tank. The comfort of this vehicle is awesome. Multifunction seats are worth every dollar spent. There have been NO maintenance issues whatsoever.

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  The ultimate driving machine get the car - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By Likecarz - March 9 - 3:10 am

  By far the best BMW Ive owned. 2 x5s, 2 x6s and 328ix and my new 550i gt stands out from them all. Quality, great ride, sporty/athletic look (the pictures do not do this car justice. You have to see it up close and personal). Got the 19" upgraded wheels, sport package, loaded, black on black. Its awesome! Get this car!

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  2010 BMW 550i GT - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By Nick - December 7 - 5:15 pm

  I bought this car used on ebay motors from a Florida dealership. I knew nothing about this car before before I saw the auction. I fell in love at first sight. I did a little research, and bought the car the next day. I have had it since November 2016. Such a smooth ride, excellent transmission, engine, and suspension. This is the first German made car I have owned. and the quality is amazing compared to every "American made" car I have owned. With the proper maintenance, I expect this car to last a very long time.

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  Had 550i GT 5 days, In shop 12 days - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By Nevada Driver - June 2 - 3:56 am

  Had the car for four days and the DDC failed. Dealer cannot fix the problem but they are trying. I have no complaints with the dealer it is BMW that is the problem. Need a part from Germany but it will take, and I quote BMW, "WEEKS". To be continued

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  no surpeises - 2014 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By jim34b - May 1 - 9:25 pm

  Edmunds review is accurate, and others must share their opinions, because 5 series GTs are hard to find, so I ordered a 2014 550i xdrive. I like it because it is a large, comfortable, powerful sedan, that converts into 60+ cubic feet of trunk space when needed. In my case, thats about six times per year, and I hope BMW keeps making them.

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  Wonderful - 2011 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By maxozrotic - March 7 - 4:25 am

  As close to the perfect car as anyone has created. I know there is no such thing, but, the GT is nearest the bullseye. Nice combination of luxury/comfort, utility, decent MPGs (for what it is), and being a drivers car. Im an ex SAAB guy so I realy appreciate the GTs SAABness but with more luxury. And New England snow cant stop it. I love this car!

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 2011 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By FormerLexusDriver - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I have owned all the luxury brand cars. This is the best car ever! Some of the reviews suggest ugly styling and grabby breaks. I really do not know what they are talking about. This car is quite wonderful in every respect. It drives like an M5, is as comfortable as any car out there, both front and rear, is full of every possible gadget imaginable, and has looks to die for (in my humble opinion). Dissenters, get a life! :-)