Autoblog

Spy Shots: BMW 5 Series Touring caught testing... but will it come to America?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring - click above image for hi-res gallery

Looky, looky - it's another piece of future German metal disguised to look like MC Escher on peyote. But what is it? Well, unlike the never ending back-and-forth between the A6 and/or the A8, we're certain this is the new 2011 5 Series Touring, a.k.a. a Bimmer station wagon or "Kombi" as they call 'em over in Europe. Not bad, right? Kinda lithe yet athletic at the same time. Good looking, too. And let's not forget the M versions of these puppies. Only thing is, what we think probably doesn't matter - odds are we'll never see the 5 Series Touring here in the States.

Why is that? We've mentioned it before, but BMW just launched the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Selling both of the fairly similar five-door cars along side each other might cut into sales. Additionally, wagons have never sold well for BMW here in North America - and for some reason, Americans just aren't into traditional car-like station wagons. And since in BMW's mind the 5 Series GT is going to be a hit, why mess with a good thing?

A few reasons. Never mind the nearly 1,000 pound weight advantage of the wagon (around 4,000 pounds) over the GT (about 4,800 pounds) - which should bring with it better mileage, performance and handling - to its detractors, the Gran Turismo just has an air of Chrysler Pacifica about it. Of course, since the day it came out, many of us auto-journo types have been asking why one would buy the SUV-ish X5 when the hauls-just-as-much-stuff 5 Series wagon is not only available but costs less, goes quicker, handles better, etc. Looks like BMW just might just disarm that line of questioning altogether. Maybe.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW 5 Series Touring caught testing... but will it come to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW reportedly stopping production of current 5 Series to pave way for new model

Noah Joseph — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, BMW, Luxury

BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

No matter what you think of the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo wagon/hatchback/crossover/thing, if you want to get your hands on a brand-new Bimmer 5, that may be your only choice for the time being. Reports suggest that the Bavarian automaker has stopped taking orders for the E-60 5 Series sedan and wagon, with production tipped to end in December in preparation for the new model.

Dealers have reportedly been instructed only to take "special orders" for the outgoing 5 (whatever that means) with the new GT version scheduled to hit the streets by year's end. Of course, dealers stocked with extra sedans and wagons will be eager to offload their inventory, and we'll be keeping an eye out for hints of the new model coming around the bend.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: BimmerFile]

BMW reportedly stopping production of current 5 Series to pave way for new model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series GT

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, BMW

A couple of near production-ready 5-Series GTs have been caught on BMW's home turf, and to our eyes they don't hurt the car, but they don't make a case for it either. The last time we were in this situation -- hoping a car's production version would be a huge improvement over it's pre-production form -- was with the Porsche Panamera, and we know how that ended. While we're certain this Progressive Activity Sedan has some purpose, we wonder where are all of these potential buyers are who supposedly demand a little more cargo room than a 5 Series sedan, a little less than a wagon, and one less seat. Check out more photos by clicking the image above.

[Source: 5post]

Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Production 5 Series GT revealed via BMW TV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Videos, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

As expected, BMW is obviously pretty far along with the production version of the 5 Series Gran Turismo concept that debuted earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show. While show-car details like the thin metal blades connecting the side mirrors from the concept have been replaced with more conventional bits, the general shape of the new GT has been left almost exactly intact. The same can't be said about the interior, which seems to have lost its artful air in exchange for BMW's typically Germanic sobriety.

We'll reserve final judgment for when the production version makes its official debut, likely at an undetermined auto show later this year. Click past the break to see the production BMW 5 Series GT on a video capture of BMW TV, along with the car's German-speaking project leader, Hans-Jurgen Branz. Thanks for the tip, Bryan!

Gallery: Production BMW 5 Series GT video stills

Gallery: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo concept

[Source: Bimmer Blog via Youtube via CarSpyShots]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Production 5 Series GT revealed via BMW TV

Spy Shots: Production 5 Series GT revealed via BMW TV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 5 Series Gran Touring Concept

BMW is back at it again with the 5 Series Gran Turismo concept, inventing categories that don't yet exist with a vehicle that isn't quite a sedan, wagon, crossover or SUV. Instead, the Bavarian automaker refers to its new vehicle as a Progressive Activity Sedan, which apparently means that it's a fastback wagon that sits a bit higher off the ground than normal sedans. If you love the shape of the X6 but don't need the ground clearance, you'll probably find little to complain about from the 5 Series GT.

While we're not quite sure we're on board with the new bodystyle, one feature we do admire is the two-piece, double-jointed tailgate. It's a clever take on the classic problem of how to access the rear hatch in tight quarters. Once open, that space can hold a cavernous 58 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats folded down. Regardless of the total amount of room, we've got to wonder if that oddly shaped opening will severely limit what can fit in the boot.

For such a large vehicle, there's not that much room inside for passengers. Just four occupants will find a spot for their keisters, though it does appear that each of them will be coddled with plenty of room (all four seats slide fore and aft) and electronic gadgetry. The center console extends from the dash all the way to the rear seating area, providing a spot to put elbows and doodads in their respective places. Our guess is that production won't be too far in the future and with only mild changes to this concept's basic design. Check back next month for live shots of the Tourer from the Geneva Motor Show. Complete press release and videos after the jump.

Gallery: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo concept

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept

Geneva Preview: Full details emerge on BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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