BMW 5 Series GT refreshed with new 520d GT joining the range

BMW’s 5 Series GT has received some minor specification and performance enhancements in Australia. The range has also been expanded to include a new entry model, the 520d GT, priced from A$89,900.

Since its launch in 2009, the 5 Series Gran Turismo has been uniquely sitting in an entire new category of its own.

“The 5 Series Gran Turimso exists in a class of its own and offers the distinguished premium customer a real alternative to the conventional sedans and SUVs on our roads,” said Mr Horton, BMW Group Australia Managing Director.

“This is a car that combines the luxury and ambience of our flagship 7 Series with the versatility and increased ride height of an SUV all the while maintaining the dynamics of a sporty sedan,” he said.

The 520d GT is equipped with BMW’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. It produces 135kW (181hp/184PS) of power and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque, enabling the high riding hatchback to sprint from 0 – 100km/h in 8.9 seconds, while averaging 5.3l/100km of fuel. CO₂ emission is rated at 139g/km.

Meanwhile, power output from the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six diesel in the BMW 530d GT has been increased to 190kW (255hp/258PS), with maximum torque boosted to 560Nm (413 lb-ft). At the same time, fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions have been reduced to 5.8l/100km and 153g/km respectively.

Similar to all new BMWs, a host of additional BMW Efficient Dynamics measures such as the Auto Start Stop function and Electronic Power Steering (for both the standard and optional Integral Active Steering systems) work to improve the efficiency of the 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine in the 535i GT. Fuel consumption is now down to 8.2l/100km and CO₂ emissions drop to 192g/km.

The company’s Driving Experience Control with ECO PRO mode is also now standard on all 5 Series Gran Turismo models. It adjusts the car’s drive train, steering and suspension component (if equipped) set up against three predefined parameters – ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT. In the ECO PRO mode, average fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 20 percent.

On the safety front, the 5 Series GT now comes with the Active Protection Safety Package. This driver assistance system becomes active at a speed of 18 km/h by automatically tightening the seatbelt in order to eliminate slack. In a critical situation, the front seatbelts are tightened and the side windows and sliding sunroof closed. In the event of an unavoidable collision, the system automatically slows the vehicle down. Following the collision, the vehicle is brought to a halt using maximum braking force and then held for an additional 1.5 seconds, significantly reducing the likelihood of a secondary collision.

New options added to the list include BMW’s latest Parking Assistant and top end Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System. Also available is the M Sport Package that consists of sport suspension, sports seats, M aerodynamics package, 20” M Double-spoke 303 alloy rims, BMW Individual roof liner and High Gloss shadow line trim, M Sports steering wheel with gear shift paddles.