2010 BMW 550
2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery BMW recently launched a new marketing campaign titled "BMW is Joy." The new tag line is explained as, "Part of a big-media strategy the company is doing to raise its profile worldwide with a more emotional, optimistic voice." Raising a company's profile is never a bad thing, however, we question if anything is more high-minded than "The Ultimate Driving Machine," one of the very best auto-related taglines ever concocted. BMW says it isn't moving away from its TUDM slogan, but we can't help but wonder, is BMW is trying to tell us something? What if instead of appealing to those who actually might value the ultimate driving machine, they're looking instead for other customers? Our man Paukert sampled the 535i Gran Turismo last September and came away impressed by the combination of packaging and driving dynamics offered up by BMW's curious new kinda-wagon. The party piece of the cynically-named Gran Turismo is a slick, trick two-way tailgate that opens either as a tiny trunk or as a cavernous hatch. Or maybe it's not such a stretch, name-wise. After all, translated the moniker simply means "grand touring," and after a hard day of driving, being able to easily unload your luggage and get checked into your hotel is its own kind of luxury. Is it possible that the even more potent BMW 550i Gran Turismo is an even better proposition than its slightly weaker sibling? What about compared to a 5 Series Wagon or even an X5? And what about competition from other brands? Given its unconventional form and unique packaging, is there any competition to speak of? More importantly, is it joyful, the ultimate driving anything or a bird of an entirely different feather? Make the jump to find out. %Gallery-88629% Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright ©2010 Weblogs, Inc. We suppose it's downright impossible to discuss the 550i GT without first mentioning its shape. In a word, awkward. To add one more word, really awkward. The front end happily employs BMW's latest design direction, with mega-nostrils dwarfing the Roundel and the newest version of their patented angel eyes. The only thing is, the angel eyes are mounted within clear covers that stretch across three different surfaces (nose, fender and hood). The car looks like it's wearing goggles and the usual aggressive effect is greatly lessened as a result. The real story, of course, is what's going on out back with that clever functioning hatch. Long story short, that added functionality has resulted in something of an aesthetic mess. Our other man, photographer Drew Phillips, tried his very best to photograph the 550i GT in the best light possible, but that rear end simply lacks beauty. And grace. And elegance. And it looks weird, too. Moving on... Thankfully, the inside is a completely different story. Unlike the divisive exterior, BMW has done a first rate job designing and appointing the 550i GT's interior. We enjoyed what we …
Full Review
2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery BMW recently launched a new marketing campaign titled "BMW is Joy." The new tag line is explained as, "Part of a big-media strategy the company is doing to raise its profile worldwide with a more emotional, optimistic voice." Raising a company's profile is never a bad thing, however, we question if anything is more high-minded than "The Ultimate Driving Machine," one of the very best auto-related taglines ever concocted. BMW says it isn't moving away from its TUDM slogan, but we can't help but wonder, is BMW is trying to tell us something? What if instead of appealing to those who actually might value the ultimate driving machine, they're looking instead for other customers? Our man Paukert sampled the 535i Gran Turismo last September and came away impressed by the combination of packaging and driving dynamics offered up by BMW's curious new kinda-wagon. The party piece of the cynically-named Gran Turismo is a slick, trick two-way tailgate that opens either as a tiny trunk or as a cavernous hatch. Or maybe it's not such a stretch, name-wise. After all, translated the moniker simply means "grand touring," and after a hard day of driving, being able to easily unload your luggage and get checked into your hotel is its own kind of luxury. Is it possible that the even more potent BMW 550i Gran Turismo is an even better proposition than its slightly weaker sibling? What about compared to a 5 Series Wagon or even an X5? And what about competition from other brands? Given its unconventional form and unique packaging, is there any competition to speak of? More importantly, is it joyful, the ultimate driving anything or a bird of an entirely different feather? Make the jump to find out. %Gallery-88629% Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright ©2010 Weblogs, Inc. We suppose it's downright impossible to discuss the 550i GT without first mentioning its shape. In a word, awkward. To add one more word, really awkward. The front end happily employs BMW's latest design direction, with mega-nostrils dwarfing the Roundel and the newest version of their patented angel eyes. The only thing is, the angel eyes are mounted within clear covers that stretch across three different surfaces (nose, fender and hood). The car looks like it's wearing goggles and the usual aggressive effect is greatly lessened as a result. The real story, of course, is what's going on out back with that clever functioning hatch. Long story short, that added functionality has resulted in something of an aesthetic mess. Our other man, photographer Drew Phillips, tried his very best to photograph the 550i GT in the best light possible, but that rear end simply lacks beauty. And grace. And elegance. And it looks weird, too. Moving on... Thankfully, the inside is a completely different story. Unlike the divisive exterior, BMW has done a first rate job designing and appointing the 550i GT's interior. We enjoyed what we …
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Retail Price
$60,600 - $60,600
MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | 4.8L V-8 |
| MPG | Up to 15 city / 22 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd man w/OD |
| Power | 360 @ 6300 rpm |
| Drivetrain | rear-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 3,946 lbs |
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