BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017) Review
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017) At A Glance
It may be called a 5 Series, but the Gran Turismo is more a versatile version of the BMW 7 Series. This has a lot to do with the 5 GT being based on the 7 Series platform and borrowing a lot of its parts, the result being oodles of luxury to cosset you. BMW kept this in mind when designing the tailgate, which can open as a hatch or like a saloon’s boot so those inside the car don’t suffer an icy chill. It also drives very well, but the 5 GT is pricey to run and it’s not as good to drive as a 5 Series saloon or Touring estate.
Car makers are forever looking for the next big thing and, in 2009, BMW reckoned it had hit on this with the 5 Series Gran Turismo. The GT mixed up elements of the 7 Series luxury saloon that it borrowed most its under underpinnings from with coupe-cum-SUV looks.
This mash up of different styles was supposed to make the BMW GT appeal to a broad selection of customers.
However, they already had the 5 Series saloon and Touring estate, 6 Series coupe, 7 Series luxury car and the X5 and X6 to pick from, not to mention the various SUVs from other premium brands including Porsche. This made the 5 GT a tough sell and the numbers bore this out.
However, the 5 Gran Turismo is not without its charms and those who looked past the slightly awkward exterior styling that was never the best expression of the original Bangle-era ‘flame surfacing’ experiment were in for an opulent treat.
Just as Mercedes had discovered with its gawky R-Class, if you could get people to sit in and drive the 5 GT, they would be impressed with its space, comfort and versatility.
While it's called the 5 Series GT, it's more a cross between the luxury BMW 7 Series saloon and the X5. It's also bigger than it looks at five metres long, but the coupe profile helps to disguise the sheer size of it.
The exterior styling divides opinion and it's certainly not what you'd describe as a traditionally attractive shape, but it does stand out from the rest of the BMW range, even if it does look unfortunate from certain angles.
It's when you get inside that the 5 Series GT really starts to make sense. It has amazing space cabin for four or five adults with acres of rear legroom and superbly comfortable seats.
And then there's the clever twin-opening boot which can operate like a standard saloon boot, or open up larger like a hatchback. If you want to carry four adults - and a large amount of luggage - in supreme luxury, the 5 Series GT is a perfect choice.
And this is where it's really at home - long distance cruising. The ride is smooth and quiet, and you have all the techy and luxury kit you could wish for in a car of this era.
BMW also didn’t stint when it came to the engine line-up. There was an entry-point 520D model, but most buyers ignored this and head straight to the 530d and 535d versions for their greater pace. Buyers could also choose the rapid 535i and 550i petrol models, though these found fewer takers outside of the USA due to their appetite for unleaded.
Reviews for BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017)'s top 3 rivals
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017) handling and engines
- Engines range from 520d to 550i
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 26–48 mpg
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017): Handling and ride quality
Thanks to its rear air suspension, which maintains a consistent ride height whatever the road conditions, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo deals well with rough surfaces. All models have Drive Dynamic Control, which lets you change the suspension stiffness, steering feel and gear changes with of Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes, while Adaptive Drive was an option that added a Comfort setting with softer ride.
In Sport mode it feels very different and is far flatter in bends with quicker steering. Don’t be fooled into thinking the 5 GT is the last word in driving dynamics, though. Its focus is much more on delivering a cushy experience.
It lives up to the Gran Turismo name by wafting in considerable luxury, comfort and calm. The brakes are responsive too, although it can pitch and dive a little under sharp braking.
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017): Engines
Every BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with a svelte eight-speed automatic gearbox. Initially there was one diesel available - the punchy 530d which produces 245PS, later upgraded to 258PS, and it’s ideally suited to the 5 GT.
The 535i has twin turbos and 306PS, covering 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds, so it’s swift and refined. The other petrol engine is a 444PS twin turbo V8 in the 550i that is thunderously quick, albeit with correspondingly high running costs.
In July 2010, the 535d model was added and usurped the 530d as the best engine in the line-up. It's the same 3.0-litre diesel, but with twin-turbos to increase maximum power to 315PS. The extra power makes quite a difference in all conditions.
The entry-point 520d was launched in mid-2012 with 184PS and should be a clever choice, but it doesn’t have the power to match the weight of the 5 GT, even if it is the most economical version.
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017): Safety
The BMW 5 Series GT came with twin front, side and curtain airbags on all models, along with Dynamic Stability Control Plus ESP. There were also front and rear parking sensors across the range, and automatic headlights and wipers.
BMW didn’t offer the 5 GT with four-wheel drive as an option for European buyers, but you could order a head-up display or adaptive cruise control.
The 5 GT came with bi-xenon headlights on all models, plus Adaptive Headlights. Other safety options encompassed Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, Side View, and even Night Vision to spot objects in the dark and show them on the infotainment screen.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
520d | 50–51 mpg | 8.9 s | 144 g/km |
530d | 49 mpg | 6.2 s | 153 g/km |
530d Automatic | 44–47 mpg | 6.2–6.9 s | 153–173 g/km |
535d | 48 mpg | 5.7 s | 154 g/km |
535d Automatic | 42–48 mpg | 5.7–6.1 s | 154–175 g/km |
535i | 34 mpg | 6.1 s | 192 g/km |
535i Automatic | 32–34 mpg | 6.3 s | 192–209 g/km |
550i | 31 mpg | 5.0 s | 214 g/km |
550i Automatic | 25–31 mpg | 5.0–5.5 s | 214–263 g/km |
Real MPG average for the BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
79%
Real MPG
26–48 mpg
MPGs submitted
124
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017) interior
- Boot space is 440–1700 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4998–5004 mm |
Width | 1901–2140 mm |
Height | 1559 mm |
Wheelbase | 3070 mm |
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017): Practicality
Rear vision is hindered to some extent by the sweep of the rear tailgate and pillars, but for reversing there are parking sensors to help out. There’s loads of room in the back, the boot offers up to 1700-litres with the rear seats folded down.
All models come with electric adjustment for the front seats and the steering wheel adjusts for height and reach, so along with the masses of headroom and space for shoulders and legs you will quickly find a comfortable seating set-up. It’s worth noting the headroom in the 5 GT is not compromised even though the car comes with panoramic glass sunroof as standard.
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017): Quality and finish
Where some BMW models from lower in the company’s pecking order can have plastics that feel a little thinly padded, everywhere your hands come into contact with the 5 GT is thickly covered in top class materials. The standard Dakota leather upholstery is the same as found in other 5 Series models, so it’s soft, supple and sumptuous.
All of the controls work with well damped, accurate actions that further lend the 5 GT’s interior a feeling of 7 Series luxury. It’s a very pleasing place to be and imparts a feeling of harmony that not many large SUVs can rival.
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017): Infotainment
At its launch, the 5 Series Gran Turismo’s iDrive infotainment was cutting edge stuff. It was upgraded in 2013 when the Professional Navigation sat-nav became standard on all models other than the 520d. There was also more connectivity introduced at this point.
All of the 10.2-inch infotainment screen’s functions are accessed using the iDrive controller down by the gear lever. It’s easy to use and behaves like a computer mouse. This is just as well as the screen is not touch sensitive, which is not an issue as it’s too far away from the driver even if it was a touchscreen.
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017) value for money
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017): Prices
Look for a BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo from the start of the model’s life and you’ll find examples with 90,000 miles on the clock for around £8000. This will get you a 530d in SE or Executive trim and with a complete service record. That’s a lot of car for supermini money, but you will need to be convinced of the car’s service record and how well it’s been looked after by previous owners.
A six-year old 5 Series GT will cost from around £16,000 for a 520d model with around 40,000 miles under its nose. Expect to pay approximately £1000 more for the 530d version in SE or M Sport trims, while a 535d of the same age and mileage will start from £20,000 or so.
Choose a late version of the 5 GT and a 2017 535d M Sport can be yours from around £18,000 with approximately 60,000 miles on the clock. Look for a 530d version of this model at the same age and mileage and you won’t find one cheaper, but there is a much broader selection to choose from as the 530d was a more popular model when it was new.
BMW 5 Series GT (2009 – 2017): Running Costs
The BMW 5 Series GT 520d has an official combined economy of 51.4mpg in pre-WLTP testing. Real MPG figures shows this at 40.3mpg. The 530d has a claimed 48.7mpg that works out to 38.3mpg in Real MPG conditions. At the other end of the scale, the 550i claimed 30.7mpg but returns real-world consumption in the mid-20s in mixed driving conditions.
For insurance, the 520d SE as the cheapest to get cover for as it sits in group 33. Move up to the more potent 530d version and it jumps 10 bandings to group 43. A 550i M Sport will be calculated on a very high group 47 rating that means a pricey premium even for those living in low-risk area.
With almost all BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo models being registered before 31 March 2017, their Vehicle Excise Duty is calculated solely on their carbon dioxide emissions. This means the 520d with its 144g/km will pay £165 per year for road tax.
The 530d attracts a yearly tax levy of £205, while the 535d comes in at the same rate for 12 month’s taxation. However, the 550i will set you back a rather heftier £330 per year for road tax.
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BMW started the 5 Series Gran Turismo line-up with the SE that has 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, all-round parking sensors, and automatic headlights and wipers. The interior boasts leather upholstery and heated front seats with electric seat adjustment, multi-function steering wheel, iDrive and 10.2-inch infotainment screen, and a panoramic glass sunroof.
The 550i SE upgraded this with 19-inch alloys, driver’s seat memory, and electric adjustment for the steering column.
Executive models gained Comfort front seats and two individual rear chairs with electric adjustment, and all four seats are heated.
The M Sport model arrived in late 2011 with 19-inch wheels, sports front seats, M aerodynamic body kit, firmer suspension, M steering wheel, anthracite dark headliner, and glossy Shadowline exterior trim. In mid-2013, the Luxury and Modern versions were added, with specifications based on the SE and slight trim variations to broaden the range.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4998–5004 mm |
Width | 1901–2140 mm |
Height | 1559 mm |
Wheelbase | 3070 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1990–2145 kg |
Boot Space | 440–1700 L |
Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
Servicing | 18000 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Run-flat tyres |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £38,765–£61,425 |
Insurance Groups | 33–46 |
Road Tax Bands | F–M |
Official MPG | 25.2–51.4 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 5 |
On sale until July 2019
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
520d 2.0d Luxury Auto LCI 5dr | £41,465 | 51.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
520d 2.0d M Sport Auto LCI 5dr | £41,465 | 51.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
520d 2.0d Modern LCI 5dr | £40,045 | 51.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
520d 2.0d SE Auto LCI 5dr | £38,765 | 50.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
530d 3.0d Luxury Auto LCI 5dr | £49,740 | 48.7 mpg | 6.2 s |
530d 3.0d M Sport Auto LCI 5dr | £50,540 | 48.7 mpg | 6.2 s |
530d 3.0d SE Auto LCI 5dr | £47,840 | 47.1 mpg | 6.2 s |
535d 3.0d Luxury Auto LCI 5dr | £52,730 | 47.9 mpg | 5.7 s |
535d 3.0d M Sport Auto LCI 5dr | £53,530 | 47.9 mpg | 5.7 s |
535i 3.0 Luxury Auto LCI 5dr | £50,275 | 34.4 mpg | 6.1 s |
535i 3.0 M Sport Auto LCI 5dr | £51,075 | 34.4 mpg | 6.1 s |
550i 4.4 Luxury Auto LCI 5dr | £60,475 | 30.7 mpg | 5.0 s |
550i 4.4 M Sport Auto LCI 5dr | £61,425 | 30.7 mpg | 5.0 s |
On sale until May 2014
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
520d Modern 184 5dr Auto | £40,045 | 51.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
On sale until July 2013
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
535d SE 5dr Auto | £49,305 | 47.9 mpg | 5.7 s |
535i SE 5dr Auto | £46,875 | 34.4 mpg | 6.3 s |
550i SE 5dr Auto | £57,570 | 30.7 mpg | 5.0 s |
On sale until August 2011
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
530d Executive 5dr Auto | £46,325 | 43.5 mpg | 6.9 s |
535d Executive 5dr Auto | £48,945 | 42.2 mpg | 6.1 s |
535i Executive 5dr Auto | £46,955 | 31.7 mpg | 6.3 s |
550i Executive 5dr Auto | £57,005 | 25.2 mpg | 5.5 s |
Model History
- May 2009: BMW announced the 5 Series Gran Turismo
- August 2011: Increased specification for BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
- June 2012
- May 2013: 5 Series GT facelifted
May 2009
BMW announced the 5 Series Gran Turismo
Designed to combine a coupe-like silhouette with the luxurious interior of a BMW 7 Series, while at the same time offering the functionality of a BMW 5 Series Touring or X5.
It's nearly as long as a BMW 7 Series to create a greater feeling of space for those inside. This translates into the second greatest amount of legroom offered by any BMW while headroom is equivalent to a BMW X5. By folding the back seats, bootspace can be increased from 440 litres up to 1700 litres.
The 5 Series GT comes as either a four-seat Executive specification model for a luxurious, spacious feel or as a five-seat SE. The two-piece tailgate (like a Skoda Superb) is a first in the premium market offering both a conventional saloon opening, or a hatchback in the same car. The rear seats can be moved 100mm to either increase boot space or provide greater legroom for rear seat passengers. With the rear seats moved forwards, the seat backs folded virtually flat and with the parcel shelf removed and stowed beneath the luggage compartment floor, much bulkier items be transported.
One of the key features of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is the height of the seats. Potential customers have expressed a desire for the luxury of a BMW 7 Series but also the feeling of security and all round visibility a car with a command driving position such as the BMW X5 offers.
Black Panel technology is a piece of design that allows the displays of the centre console to double as a stylish trim. The electronic displays are visible through the Black Panel when needed, but are discreet enough to form a stylish black band across the interior. Control switches in galvanised metal are set into the centre console by way of contrast.
Three engines power the three models available when it was launched - a 530d, a 535i and a 550i, The biggest seller is the BMW 530d GT. This 2,993cc six cylinder car features common-rail direct injection for refinement and efficiency. Producing 245hp at 4000rpm, the 530d accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 6.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 149mph. The peak torque of 540Nm from just 1750rpm provides smooth yet swift progress in any gear. Fuel economy 43.5mpg and CO2 emissions are 173g/km.
The BMW 535i GT 2,979cc six-cylinder powerplant is the first ever to combine a single turbo with Valvetronic - BMW’s system that varies how much the engine’s valves open for optimum efficiency. This 306hp model also features High precision direct injection technology for added efficiency. The performance credentials of the car are underscored by a 0 to 62mph time of 6.3 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption and emissions figures are impressive with 31.7mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 209g/km.
The range topper is the 550i GT. Powered by a 407bhp 4,395cc V8 engine with twin-turbo technology, the 550i GT offers near supercar performance with a 0 to 62mph time of 5.5 seconds and an electronically-limited 155mph top speed. Its twin-turbochargers provide a near flat torque curve to provide relaxed yet rapid in-gear acceleration. Peak torque of 600Nm is on hand from 1,50rpm through to 4500rpm. The BMW 550i GT has a combined consumption figure of 25.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 263g/km.
All BMW 5-Series GTs come as standard with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The all-new transmission is six per cent per cent more fuel efficient than the previous six-speed automatic yet it is as compact and weighs the same.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with many of the EfficientDynamics technologies already shown on other BMWs. Brake Energy Regeneration which recharges the vehicle’s battery during engine over-run is standard. On-demand control of the car’s ancillary units such as the electrical coolant pump and the powering steering pump can all be decoupled to save draining power from the engine. Active aerodynamics also plays a part in the range’s performance and efficiency by closing off flaps behind the kidney grilles to improve the aerodynamics of the car.
All BMW 5 Series GTs come as standard with Drive Dynamic Control, a feature first showcased on the BMW 7 Series, that allows the driver to fine tune the chassis configuration to suit their needs. Drivers will be able to specify Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, with each setting changing the steering assistance, throttle response and gear change characteristics. Dakota leather upholstery, four-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof and metallic paint are standard along with a USB audio interface, ambient lighting and heated front seats.
Features such as Reversing Assist Camera and Side View camera capability are available as options. The Reversing Assist Camera works in conjunction with the Park Distance Control system to provide a 360 degree picture of the car when manoeuvring at slow speeds. The Side View camera option allows drivers to pull out of blind junctions with confidence. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo went on sale on 24th October, 2009.
August 2011
Increased specification for BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is now being offered with enhanced standard specification, offering drivers superior luxury for up to £1,770 less.
Building on its luxury roots, all BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo models will now come generously equipped with BMW Professional Navigation System, BMW Assist, electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory, Voice control, Xenon headlights with headlight wash and remote tailgate operation as standard.
September 2011 will also see the launch of M Sport models for the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. The models incorporate a host of additional equipment as standard, including
19-inch light alloy M V-spoke wheels, front Sports seats, door sill finishers with M designation, M aerodynamic bodystyling, M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel, M Sport suspension, high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, dark chrome tailpipes and Anthracite headlining.
Model | OTR Price |
BMW 535i SE | £46,205 |
BMW 535i M Sport | £49,505 |
BMW 550i SE | £56,680 |
BMW 550i M Sport | £59,490 |
530d SE | £45,580 |
530d M Sport | £48,880 |
535d SE | £48,500 |
535d M Sport | £51,800 |
June 2012
BMW Gran Turismo ownership now starts with the new 520d Gran Turismo, powered by the same 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo diesel engine fitted to the 5 Series Saloon and Touring. It develops 184hp and 380Nm of torque and, thanks to a full complement of EfficientDynamics measures, including Auto Start-Stop and ECO PRO mode, the 520d Gran Turismo is capable of 53.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 139g/km. This puts it in VED band E ensuring a BIK rate of 21 per cent.
Standard equipment includes Dakota leather upholstery, an eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW Business Advanced Navigation system and enhanced Bluetooth telephone functionality with telematics. A panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, Park Distance Control front and rear and automatic tailgate operation are further specification highlights. The 530d Gran Turismo is available in SE or M Sport from £36,605 OTR.
At the same time the 520d engine arrives, all other versions of the 5 Series Gran Turismo gain Auto Start-Stop and ECO PRO which brings down their BIK rating by up to 5 per cent, while the 530d, 535d and 550i exhibit significant gains in power and torque for improved performance. The 530d now develops 258hp and 560Nm – increases of 13hp and 20Nm – yet fuel consumption improves by 5.2mpg to 48.7mpg and CO2 emissions are down by 20g/km to 153g/km.
The 535d gains 13hp and 30Nm to take it up to 313hp and 630Nm, but at the same time there is a 5.7mpg combined economy improvement, now 47.9mpg, and CO2 emissions fall by 21g/km to 154g/km. The 550i develops 449hp and 650Nm– an extra 42hp and 50Nm – but CO2 emissions are down by 49g/km to 214g/km and fuel consumption is 5.5mpg better at 30.7mpg.
The power and torque figures of the 535i Gran Turismo are unchanged, but the addition of the new EfficientDynamics measures bring about a 17g/km reduction in CO2 emissions to 192g/km while improving fuel economy by 2.7mpg to 34.4mpg. There are modest price rises of £375 for the 535i, £495 for the six-cylinder diesel models and £870 for the 550i.
May 2013
5 Series GT facelifted
All versions of the 5 Series are more fuel-efficient building on EU6 emissions capability that is standard far ahead of the legislative requirement of September 2014.
All petrol versions of the 5 Series also meet the EU6 regulations. They include a new 4.4-litre twin-turbocharger direct-injection V8 for the 550i Saloon, Touring and Gran Turismo. The new V8 develops 449hp and 650Nm - increases of 42hp and 50Nm over the previous unit - with significantly lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 32.8 mpg and 199g/km, depending on wheel and tyre. The BMW 550i Luxury Saloon costs £57,165 OTR, the Touring is £59,635 OTR and the Gran Turismo version is £59,060 OTR.
The network of intelligent ConnectedDrive technologies has been expanded in the new 5 Series range to advance the safety, connectivity and convenience of both drivers and passengers.
The BMW Business Navigation system becomes standard on all new 5 Series Saloon and Touring models. The 5 Series Gran Turismo family maintains Business Navigation on all four-cylinder variants with the upgraded Professional Navigation system available as standard on all six-cylinder models.
The Gran Turismo has a new front air intake and an extended tailgate which ensures the roof blends more harmoniously into the rear end. An additional benefit is that it increases boot capacity by 60 litres to 500 litres. Light and shade effects around the number plate mounting, a sweepng crease extending into the flanks and a chrome strip in the rear apron give the rear of the Gran Tursmo a sportier look, accentuated by new horizontal lights with LED strips.
All models now have chrome strips bordering the central Control Display in the cabin, and the Saloon and Touring have larger storage areas and cup holders. The Comfort Access system can now close as well as open the boot or tailgate by a movement of the driver's foot beneath the rear apron. There are new paint and alloy wheel options, and new Luxury and Modern models to increase the range of personalisation possibilities. The BMW Gran Turismo range now starts at £37,605 OTR for a 520d SE rising to £60,010 OTR for a 550i M Sport.
What to watch out for
Problems reported with 'Approved Used' 2011 BMW 530D GT purchased in March 2015. Has since needed a new window regulator, headlight control module and is booked in for a new headlamp (full of water). All 4 alloy wheels have been replaced due to corrosion around the center caps. Now, for the third time in 2 months, it is siffering problems with the air suspension. 'Sits down' at the rear offside corner. The engine pump brings the suspension beck to height, but intermittently, when parked, it still settles down at the rear offside. (See also BMW 5 Series Touring F11 for problems with rear air suspension.)
08-08-2019:Report of a/c of 2015 BMW 520GT losing its a/c refrigerant at 12,000 miles despite a/c being permanently on.
02-10-2019:Report of rear air-ride suspension of 78k mile 2014 BMW 530D GT. Started with a a leaking air bag, of which the Check Control gave no warning. The airbag was replaced, initially successfully, but a few months later I dashboard alarm advised "Chassis fault, drive slowly to a BMW garage".