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BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo to appear in Geneva
Yesterday, when Next Car became the first Australian media company to show an image of BMW's newest concept car we promised additional details would be published today. In adhering to that commitment, we now publish an additional image and some details on this new car. BMW is planning to extend the appeal of its 5 Series model. At the 79th Geneva Motor Show, which opens on 5th March 2009, Munich based BMW will unveil the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. This innovative idea takes the BMW 5 Series Sedan and Touring family and provides a new look at sporting luxury mobility to rival the concept of the highly successful Mercedes-Benz CLS Class. It focuses on providing elegance, space, versatility and comfort in an eye-catching design. The fastback styling dominates, while the front end carries overtones of the E60 5 Series family. All four doors feature frameless windows, enhancing the sleek feel of a coupé, while the large panorama roof was previously reserved for the BMW X Series and 5 Series Touring. At the rear there is a new tailgate design for the German brand, the like of which has not been seen previously in a BMW. The single piece tailgate lifts up to allow access to the generous boot area for loading bulky items, but when closed, access to the traditional boot is effected by flipping up the vertical section of the lid, allowing convenient insertion of smaller objects.
The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is designed for enjoyable long distance travel in comfort. Interior space is plentiful, and the show car reveals a coupé-like layout with four large individual seats, bisected by a front to rear central console. Designed with ease of entry and exit in mind, there is a high ‘H’ point for the front seats, which means occupants step straight in rather than dropping down into the seats as in a typical BMW 5 Series Sedan, or climbing aboard into a vehicle such as the BMW X6. Each of the rear seats is electrically adjustable for backrest rake as well as substantial fore and aft movement. Rear headroom is similar to a BMW X5 with legroom on a par with a BMW 7 Series. The rear seats fold forward to provide a luggage area of 1,650 litres, easily accessed by the high-rising tailgate. The dash is angled toward the driver and there are large screens inserted into the back of the front seats for the entertainment of the rear occupants. The instrument cluster boasts a black panel similar to that in the new BMW 7 Series, but this time equipped with four circular dials. The latest generation iDrive system is also featured.
BMW is seeking a new niche in the premium market with this new offering that is part sedan, part coupé and part wagon. The flared wheel arches, filled with unique 21-inch light alloy wheels, further accentuate the sporting intent of the vehicle. The eye-catching paint scheme is called Fluid Cuprite (Cuprite is an oxide of copper), and is a new colour developed specifically for this car. It highlights the unique design and look of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. "The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo could be the ideal vehicle for customers who want a luxury sedan that offers additional flexibility without the sheer size of an SUV," says the Managing Director of BMW Group Australia, Guenther Seemann. "With its abundance of space, comfort and luxury features, not to mention its unique design, this latest BMW will be one of the key talking points of the Geneva Motor Show." "Once again BMW demonstrates its creative leadership in its constant drive to deliver innovative design and functionality to customers in the premium market." | ||||||
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