Interior Space Like a Limousine

A car worthy of the term "new generation" has been announced by BMW. It's called the Gran Turismo. Its features include a styling and practicality that combine the strengths of a sedan, coupe, and SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), along with various environmental technologies that BMW calls "EfficientDynamics." It's a vehicle that satisfies both driving performance and environmental compatibility.

The new BMW Gran Turismo can be described as a new concept in limousine. A Gran Turismo, in essence, is a car designed for long-distance driving that is enjoyable to drive. This new BMW Gran Turismo also boasts a generous body size, measuring 5 meters in length. Its length surpasses that of any SAV X model: specifically, it is 415mm longer than the X3, 140mm longer than the X5, and 115mm longer than the X6. On the other hand, its height is kept at 1565mm, over 100mm lower than the X series, making it closer to a passenger car. The wheelbase is the same 3070mm as the 7 Series on which it is based, ensuring interior space comparable to a limousine.

3-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Turbo and 4.4-Liter V8 Twin-Turbo

Comfort and sporty driving dynamics are both emphasized as requirements for a Gran Turismo. The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, introduced in Japan, comes in two models: the 535i Gran Turismo with a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder turbo engine (¥8.78 million) and the 550i Gran Turismo with a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine (¥11.4 million).

The straight-six engine in the 535i Gran Turismo is newly developed. While its maximum output and torque are the same as the power unit found in the BMW 335i, it features advanced technologies such as a twin-scroll turbocharger and Valvetronic direct injection, which enhance both performance and efficiency. Meanwhile, the V8 engine in the 550i Gran Turismo is a 4.4-liter unit combined with two turbochargers, also aiming for a balance of high performance and efficiency through direct fuel injection.

Surprisingly Sporty Driving

Sporty driving is one of the qualities of the new BMW Gran Turismo. To achieve this, the fundamental structure, including the chassis, steering, and engine, has been refined, incorporating several advanced technologies.

One of these is the "Integrated Active Steering." This system variably controls the front wheel turning angle according to vehicle speed and also provides steering function to the rear wheels. During cornering, it offers agile responsiveness with opposite-phase steering. It also has the capability for both front and rear wheels to turn in the same direction, enhancing stability at high speeds. It's a car that makes both turning and driving straight enjoyable.

The rear suspension uses air springs, ensuring stable driving performance even when carrying passengers and heavy luggage in the rear. Furthermore, the "Adaptive Drive," standard on the 550i and optional on the 535i, integrates two active chassis control systems: "Dynamic Driving Control," which allows selection of settings from comfort-oriented to sporty for engine output characteristics, suspension damping, and steering speed, and "Dynamic Damping Control." During braking and cornering, the active stabilizers on the front and rear axles respond to effectively minimize body roll, achieving a surprisingly sporty driving experience for a vehicle with a large body measuring 5 meters in length.

High Performance Yet Low Fuel Consumption

Another significant feature is "EfficientDynamics." This is a technology based on BMW's philosophy, aiming to achieve higher performance with less energy.

In the new BMW Gran Turismo, one aspect of this is the combination of a smaller displacement engine with a supercharger (turbocharger). Taking the 535i as an example, with a vehicle weight exceeding 2 tons, a 3-liter engine might typically feel sluggish during acceleration, especially in stop-and-go traffic common in Japan. However, by setting the engine to deliver ample torque at low RPMs and utilizing the turbocharger in the mid-to-high RPM range, BMW achieves its signature agile driving. Indeed, it generates an impressive 40.8 kgm of torque from an astonishingly low 1200 rpm.

As mentioned, both the inline 6-cylinder engine and the 550i's V8 engine employ direct fuel injection systems, ensuring efficient combustion with the precise amount of fuel. This achieves both high output and optimized fuel economy. This duality is the core concept of "EfficientDynamics." The 8-speed automatic transmission also contributes to fuel efficiency by enabling the engine to operate within its most effective torque band through its fine-tuned shift control, while also facilitating lower RPMs for better fuel economy. The transmission itself aids fuel efficiency through its compact and lightweight design.

For the Smart Driver Who Values Future Sustainability

Another noteworthy feature of the new BMW Gran Turismo is the adoption of a brake energy regeneration system. BMW calls this system "micro hybrid." During braking and coasting, it converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and stores it in the battery. This reduces the load on the alternator and regulator, which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. This, in turn, reduces engine load, thereby positively impacting fuel economy.

According to BMW, the adoption of these various technologies results in over 20% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the 5 Series of the same displacement. The engine delivers power more efficiently while consuming less fuel, thus achieving the goals of "EfficientDynamics."

If the traditional values of BMW's large sedans were spaciousness, comfort, speed, and aesthetic beauty, the new BMW Gran Turismo adds environmental compatibility as another new value. While popular hybrid cars often require significant investment in facilities and materials, suppressing such investments and doing the utmost with current capabilities, as seen in the new BMW Gran Turismo, is also crucial when considering CO2 emissions from a broader perspective. In this sense, for the smart driver who is attracted to large, comfortable, and sporty sedans but also prioritizes sustainability – the future viability through environmental protection – the new BMW Gran Turismo is a compelling option.

BMW 535i Gran Turismo
Body: Length 5000 x Width 1900 x Height 1565mm
Engine: 3.0L Inline 6-Cylinder DOHC + Turbocharger
Max Output: 225kW [306ps] / 5800rpm
Max Torque: 400Nm [40.8kgm] / 1200–5000rpm
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission: Electronically controlled 8-speed AT
Price: ¥8.78 million

BMW 550i Gran Turismo
Body: Length 5000 x Width 1900 x Height 1565mm
Engine: 4.4L V8 DOHC + Turbocharger
Max Output: 300kW [407ps] / 5500rpm
Max Torque: 600Nm [61.2kgm] / 1750–4500rpm
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission: Electronically controlled 8-speed AT
Price: ¥11.4 million

Inquiries: BMW Customer Support 0120-55-3578 (Open year-round, 9:00-20:00)