BMW 5 Series GT (2009-2017) Review | heycar

This mash up of different styles was supposed to make the BMW 5 Series GT appeal to a broad selection of customers. However, they already had the BMW 5 Series saloon and 5 Series Touring, 6 Series coupe, 7 Series luxury car and the X5 and X6 to pick from, not to mention the various SUVs from other premium brands including Porsche. This made the BMW 5 Series GT a tough sell and the numbers bore this out. We’ll explain all in our BMW 5 Series GT review.

However, the BMW 5 Series GT is not without its charms and those who looked past the slightly awkward exterior styling that was never the best expression of the original Bangle-era ‘flame surfacing’ experiment were in for an opulent treat. Just as Mercedes had discovered with its gawky R-Class, if you could get people to sit in and drive the BMW 5 Series GT, they would be impressed with its space, comfort and versatility.

While it’s called the BMW 5 Series GT, it’s more a cross between the luxury BMW 7 Series saloon and the X5. It’s also bigger than it looks at five metres long, but the coupe profile helps to disguise the sheer size of it. The exterior styling divides opinion and it’s certainly not what you’d describe as a traditionally attractive shape, but it does stand out from the rest of the BMW range, even if it does look unfortunate from certain angles.

It’s when you get inside that the BMW 5 Series GT really starts to make sense. It has amazing space for four or five adults with acres of rear legroom and superbly comfortable seats. And then there’s the clever twin-opening boot which can operate like a standard saloon boot, or open up larger like a hatchback. If you want to carry four adults – and a large amount of luggage – in supreme luxury, the BMW 5 Series GT is a perfect choice.

And this is where it’s really at home – long distance cruising. The ride is smooth and quiet, and you have all the technology and luxury kit you could wish for in a car of this era.

BMW also didn’t stint when it came to the engine line-up. There was an entry-point 520d model, but most buyers ignored this and head straight to the 530d and 535d versions for their greater pace. Buyers could also choose the rapid 535i and 550i petrol models, though these found fewer takers outside of the USA due to their appetite for unleaded.

So, the BMW 5 Series GT is an unusual mixture of styles and influences. However, they do work when you’re inside the car and want masses of space for people and luggage. Just don’t expect it to handle with the same panache as a BMW 5 Series saloon.

If you’re looking for the classic version, you need our BMW 5 Series review.