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2010 BMW 5-Series GT May Replace Wagon in U.S.

 
9 2,242 views Jul 8, 2009
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2010 bmw 5 series gt 040

The new 5-Series GT may replace BMW's more traditional 5-Series Wagon in U.S. showrooms.

The new 5-Series GT may replace BMW's more traditional 5-Series Wagon in U.S. showrooms.

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BMW's controversially styled new 5-Series GT will be heading to U.S. showrooms later this year. When it does, it could take the place of the current 5-Series Wagon altogether.

According to BMW's Martin Birkmann, head of product planning, "it's possible" that the hatchback 5-Series could be the replacement for the more traditional wagon. The new body style hasn't won many fans online in BMW forums, but it does give BMW a more visually distinctive vehicle to sell against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon, which also arrives in the U.S. in the next nine months.

BMW plans to launch the new 5-Series GT late this year. The first model to make its debut will be a 550i GT, outfitted with BMW's twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 engine. Six-cylinder versions, and GTs with xDrive all-wheel drive, will follow in 2010.

MotorAuthority will have more on the new 5-Series GT from the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.
2010 BMW 5-series GT official images

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 bmw 5 series gt 040




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Comments (9)

  1. ma_james avatar James Martinez Posted: 7/8/2009 1:13pm PDT

    if it's admittedly "controversial" in its styling why not just "un-controversial-ify" it. and while they're at it, they should make it less ugly. by the way, am i the only one who thinks that this is a travesty to bmw's former styling glory of the 90s?
     
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  2. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 7/8/2009 3:08pm PDT

    I do not like the look over the traditional wagon
     
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  3. ma_NC2010 avatar NC2010 Posted: 7/8/2009 3:34pm PDT

    It would seem wise on BMW's part to offer many designs for many different customers.

    They still have the conventional sedans, coupes and convertibles for those groups.

    They have SUVs for those groups.

    I don't see why all the fuss about BMW trying to attract another group.

    BMW is too small to survive in the future if they don't get aggressive now.
     
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  4. ma_bepsf avatar bepsf Posted: 7/8/2009 6:47pm PDT

    So let me understand this...

    BMW are going to replace a 4100lb vehicle in their lineup with a 4800lb vehicle that has a higher center of gravity, less cargo space and lower fuel mileage?

    What is it about "Ultimate Driving Machine" am I missing?

    Seems like another great reason to buy an Audi A6 Avant...
     
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  5. ma_bepsf avatar bepsf Posted: 7/8/2009 6:47pm PDT

    So let me understand this...

    BMW are going to replace a 4100lb vehicle in their lineup with a 4800lb vehicle that has a higher center of gravity, less cargo space and lower fuel mileage?

    What is it about "Ultimate Driving Machine" am I missing?

    Seems like another great reason to buy an Audi A6 Avant...
     
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  6. ma_Rocko avatar Rocko Posted: 7/9/2009 4:05am PDT

    Agree with bepsf...

    I would lean more towards buying an Audi, Merc or even a Volvo. For those of us who have dogs larger than a cat and want practicality w/o having to buy an overbearing SUV/SAV/SUX (or whatever the new moniker is now) will no longer have a choice from BMW (granted there is the 3 series) to compare to the above noted brands.

    I just don't understand why N.A would need a GT like this... Its seems practical enough to offer it in Europe but do N.Americans travel enough by road to warrant a GT?
     
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  7. ma_WizardsLore avatar WizardsLore Posted: 7/9/2009 10:45pm PDT

    first and foremost it is an ugly car, while the wagon was nice to look at. Look at what Audi can do with the Avant to see that it can look stylish.
    secondly, how dare BMW ruin the nameplate of "GT". This is not a GranTourer, it is a mish mash of differing body styles in a vehicle that will struggle to find its niche.
    And dont tell me that it will create a new one, it wont, i cant see this "thing" being a big seller because most sensible people will want a wagon or a hatch. if they want bigger they will go a SUV.
    Decision makers at BMW need a slap around the head !
     
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  8. By JimNic Posted: 8/13/2009 5:11pm PDT

    Talk about rejecting your past, what is BMW thinking? The GT, in my mind is vying for the ugliest car in recent history along with that paragon of hideousness the Pontiac Aztec. Ultimate driving machine? No longer.
     
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  9. By  ipod zubehoer Posted: 12/29/2009 9:59pm PST

    I disagree that it's simply a fastback. Clearance may be sedan-like, but the higher waistline is definitely trying to convey more of a truck stance. Nor does its design have anything to do with safety standards. If anything, having a higher front end is a safety liability, as lower cars get "shoveled" underneath, thus nullifying impact crumple zones.
     
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