Comfort Comparable to First Class

The greatest feature of the "5 Series GT," created as a new category, is its condensation of the distinctive functions of sedans, SUVs, and station wagons into a single model.

It boasts a coupe-like roofline, a tailgate slope reminiscent of the "X6," and a ride height between that of a sedan and an SUV. Above all, its ride comfort is said to rival that of first-class air travel.

While the chassis is shared with the next-generation 5 Series, its body dimensions—4998mm in length and a 3070mm wheelbase—approach the size of the current 7 Series. This allows the new model to secure ample space front and rear. The width of 1901mm and height of 1559mm also provide generous headroom and lateral space within the cabin.

As for its station wagon-like elements, the luggage space capacity ranges from 570 to 1650 liters, depending on seat arrangements. The tailgate features a new two-stage opening system, allowing for either a full opening or a smaller gate, depending on the size of the cargo.

Official Debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in September

All engines are direct-injection. Two gasoline options are available: a 3.0-liter inline-6 twin-turbo for the "535i" (306 ps, 40.8 kgm, 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds) and a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo for the "550i" (407 ps, 61.2 kgm, 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds). Additionally, a 3.0-liter inline-6 twin-turbo diesel for the "530d" (245 ps, 55.1 kgm, 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds) brings the total to three engine variants. Naturally, all engines meet Euro 5 emissions standards, and the 8-speed automatic transmission, first introduced in the "760i," will be available for all models.

The official unveiling of the 5 Series GT is scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Sales are expected to commence in Europe in late October, followed by a global rollout. Pricing in Germany has been announced as €55,700 (approximately ¥7.33 million) for the 535i, €73,500 (approximately ¥9.67 million) for the 550i, and €55,200 (approximately ¥7.26 million) for the 530d.

BRAND HISTORY
BMW's distinctive front fascia, characterized by its "kidney grille" and quad round headlights, makes it instantly recognizable. While consistently popular in the Japanese imported car market, surprisingly few people can immediately explain what the name signifies.

Bayerische Motoren Werke. A direct translation yields "Bavarian Engine Works." Its predecessor, Rapp Motorenwerke, was an aircraft engine manufacturer founded in Bavaria in 1913 by Karl Friedrich Rapp. The company achieved success by partnering with fellow Bavarian aircraft manufacturer Otto-Flugzeugwerke. In 1916, it was renamed Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH. Two years later, it reorganized as a stock corporation and registered its propeller logo, inspired by the blue skies and white clouds of Bavaria.

BMW continued to enhance its presence through innovative technology, but the defeat in World War I forced the cessation of aircraft engine production. BMW then channeled its expertise into motorcycles, gaining attention with the shaft-driven "BMW R32" in 1923. However, not content with this, the company acquired Dixi, which held a license to produce the Austin Seven. This provided a foothold in the automotive business, and in 1929, BMW launched the "BMW 3/15 PS," marking the start of its history as an automobile manufacturer.

Incidentally, Otto-Flugzeugwerke had deep ties with BMW; it was founded by Gustav Otto, the son of Nikolaus Otto, who established the theory of the internal combustion engine. This historical connection likely explains BMW's continued focus on internal combustion engines.