Beijing Preview: BMW adding all-wheel drive to Gran Turismo line

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury

BMW 5-Series xDrive Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has just announced that its 5-Series Gran Turismo will soon be available with the company's xDrive all-wheel drive system. The Bavarian automaker plans to show off the new running gear at the Beijing Motor Show at the end of this month. Eventually, you'll be able to order the xDrive option with any engine combination your heart so desires.

Starting in June, European buyers will have a shot at the 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and the 530d xDrive Gran Turismo. Shortly thereafter, in September, the 535i xDrive Gran Turismo and the 535d xDrive Gran Turismo will follow suit. BMW has also announced that its diesel-powered 740d sedan will receive available xDrive, but that particular model is confined to markets outside of North America, and it's likely to stay that way.

From where we sit, the all-wheel drive option will likely appeal to American buyers. As a population, we just can't seem to give up habits instilled by the SUV era, including the notion that you can't go anywhere without all four-wheels pulling. So far, BMW hasn't said exactly how much specifying xDrive will add to the Gran Turismo's price tag, or when such models will come to the North America. Judging by the company's current price structure, we're guessing the new models will check in at around $3,000 over the rear-wheel drive variants. Check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5-Series xDrive Gran Turismo

[Source: BMW]

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