Review: BMW F07 5-Series Gran Turismo (2010-17)

Review: BMW F07 5-Series Gran Turismo (2010-13)

Overview

Released in February 2010, the BMW F07 5-Series Gran Turismo was a luxury liftback with a two-piece (or ‘bi-modal’) tailgate that could be opened like a conventional boot or as a liftback. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the rear-wheel drive BMW F07 5-Series Gran Turismo range initially consisted of the 530d, 535i and 550i models, though the latter was discontinued in September 2011 when features were also revised and retail prices lowered. In July 2012, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 520d.

EfficientDynamics

The F07 5-Series Gran Turismo was fitted with several of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies to reduce fuel consumption, including Brake Energy Regeneration, low rolling resistance tyres, aluminium components and, for the 530d, automatic air vent control. From July 2012, all models – the 520d, 530d and 535i – were fitted with BMW’s ‘Auto Start-Stop’ system (which enabled engine shutdown when stationary) and an electric power steering system.

Body and dimensions

The F07 5-Series Gran Turismo was based on a modified BMW F01 7-Series platform and, compared to the F01 7-Series, was 74 mm shorter (at 4998 mm), 1 mm narrow (1901 mm) and 80 mm taller (1559 mm), though its wheelbase was the same length (3070 mm). Furthermore, the 5-Series Gran Turismo had double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear axle with air suspension.

Inside, the BMW F07 5-Series Gran Turismo was fitted with three rear seats as standard (with fore/aft adjustment) but could be optioned with two single seats for which the backrest angle could also be adjusted. Cargo capacity was 440 litres with the rear seats in place, though this could be increased to 590 litres by moving the rear seats forward and unfastening the rear partition. With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity could be further increased to 1700 litres.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW F07 5-Series Gran Turismo included dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, trailer stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and pretensioners and load limiters for all seats.

Fitted as standard from July 2012, the Active Protection Safety Package could anticipate possible potential collisions via the front-mounted camera, radar, emergency braking or electronic stability control system. The system operated when the vehicle was travelling in excess of 18 km/h and, if a collision was anticipated, would tighten the front seatbelts and close the windows and sunroof. In the event of an unavoidable collision, the system would autonomously apply the brakes; after the collision, the vehicle would be brought to a halt and maximum braking force would be maintained for an additional 1.5 seconds.

Features: BMW 5-Series GT

Standard features for the BMW F07 520d Gran Turismo included 19-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD/DVD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs USB/iPod), dual-zone climate control air conditioning, BMW’s ‘Professional’ satellite navigation system with a 10.2-inch display and 12GB hard-drive for music storage, Dakota leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory settings, cruise control with radar-based braking, a head-up display, front and rear fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 40/20/40 split and flat-folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a power adjustable steering wheel (for tilt and reach), a power-operated tailgate, panoramic sunroof, trip computer, five 12 volt power outlets, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and immobiliser.

Initially, the BMW 530d Gran Turismo was further equipped with a twelve speaker stereo with a six-disc DVD player, four-zone climate control air conditioning, directional bi-xenon headlights with automatic high-beam dipping, proximity key and ambient lighting (BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’). Furthermore, the 535i added 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, electrochromatic door mirrors and voice recognition. In September 2011, however, features were revised (see ‘September 2011 changes’, below).

The BMW 550i Gran Turismo was distinguished by its 20-inch alloy wheels, a sixteen speaker stereo with digital sound processing, TV tuner, screens integrated into the backrests of the front seats, front passenger seat memory settings, powered rear side window blinds and an alarm.

September 2011 changes

From September 2011, the 5-Series Gran Turismo was fitted with Bluetooth wireless internet connectivity as standard, while the 530d and 535i were both fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels. However, the twelve speaker sound system as replaced with a six speaker unit and the six-disc DVD changer was replaced with a single-disc player. Several previously standard features were also omitted such as front seat lumbar adjustment, directional and automatic dipping functions for the bi-xenon headlights and BMW’s Comfort Access system (i.e. keyless entry and ambient lighting). Further omissions for the 535i included heated front seats, voice recognition and electrochromatic door mirrors.

Dynamic Driving Control and Driving Experience Control

Initially, the 5-Series Gran Turismo was fitted with BMW’s ‘Dynamic Driving Control’ system as standard, enabling the driver to select from ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport +’ suspension and throttle response settings. The optional Adaptive Drive system – which combined electronically-controlled dampers and active anti-roll stabilisation – also added a ‘Comfort’ mode. In July 2012, however, Dynamic Driving Control was replaced with BMW’s ‘Driving Experience Control’ with selectable Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport modes.

Press Kit

• Press Kit: BMW F07 5-Series Gran Turismo (May 2009)

Review: BMW F07 LCI 5-Series Gran Turismo (2013-17)

Overview

Released in July 2013, the BMW F07 LCI 5-Series Gran Turismo introduced Euro 6 emissions compliant engines, fuel efficiency enhancements and subtle styling changes.

As part of the update, diesel engines were fitted with BMW’s nitrogen oxide-reducing ‘BluePerformance’ technology which, depending on the model, consisted of either a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter with urea injection. Additional fuel saving measures included:

• A coasting function which disengaged the drivetrain; and,
• For models fitted with the Professional navigation system, an Eco Pro Route function.

The BMW F07 LCI 5-Series Gran Turismo could be identified by its modified front apron, revised rear mask, three-dimensional surface design for the licence plate holder and the chrome strip in its rear apron. Inside, there was additional chrome trim around the iDrive Control Display, larger storage compartments and cup holders in the centre console and new upholstery colours. Furthermore, a revised rear section increased boot capacity from 440 litres to 500 litres.

Safety equipment

Compared to the BMW F07 5-Series Gran Turismo, standard safety equipment for the F07 LCI 5-Series Gran Turismo was extended to include BMW’s ‘Driving Assistant’ which included:

• Forward Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking: operating at speeds between 10 and 60 km/h, the system would warn the driver if a pedestrian or stationary vehicle was detected in the vehicle’s path. If the driver failed to react, the system would automatically apply the brakes to prevent or minimise the severity of a collision; and,
• Lane Change Warning System: could identify lane markings and warn the driver via steering wheel vibrations if the vehicle was drifting out of its lane.

Features

Relative to the BMW F07 5-Series Gran Turismo, standard features for the F07 LCI 5-Series Gran Turismo were extended to include 19-inch alloy wheels, a twelve speaker Hi-Fi sound system, extended smartphone connectivity, BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system (with the iDrive touch controller and internet functionality), bi-xenon headlights, LED fog lights and a reversing camera.

The BMW 530d Gran Turismo was further equipped 20-inch light alloy wheels, four-zone climate control air conditioning and adaptive LED headlights (with anti-glare high beam assist and variable light distribution).

Finally, the BMW 535i Gran Turismo gained a surround view camera, a proximity key, hands-free opening and closing tailgate (BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’) and electrochromatic rear view and door mirrors.

Luxury and Modern Line packages

The BMW F07 LCI 5-Series Gran Turismo was available with optional Luxury and Modern Line packages. Both packages include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, high-gloss black B-pillar trim and door mirror bases, illuminated door pulls with chrome trim and illuminated door sill strips with aluminium inserts.

The Luxury Line further included:

• Chrome finishes for the trim bars on the outer sections of the lower air intake, the fronts of the kidney grille slats, window recess finishers, trim strip in the rear apron and exhaust outlets;
• Leather upholstery with exclusive stitching;
• Black sports leather steering wheel; and,
• ‘Fineline’ anthracite wood interior trim strips.

The Modern Line package, however, is distinguished by its:

• Matt chrome finishes for the air intake bars, kidney grille slats, rear trim strip and exhaust outlets;
• Exclusive stitching for the optional leather upholstery;
• Dark Pearl interior trim strips; and,
• The Sports leather steering wheel and instrument panel could be specified in the light Oyster shade.

Professional and Exclusive options packages

From March 2015 production, the BMW F07 LCI 5-Series Gran Turismo was available with ‘Professional’ and ‘Exclusive’ options packages.

For the BMW 520d Gran Turismo, the Professional Package added a head-up display, digital radio, BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’ system, automatically dipping interior and door mirrors, BMW’s ‘Surround View’ camera system and BMW’s ‘ConnectedDrive Freedom’ which provided access to internet-based services, remote services, real-time traffic information and concierge services.

For the BMW 530d and 535i Gran Turismo, the Exclusive package included BMW’s ‘Driving Assistant Plus’, Lane Change Warning System, Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, ‘Comfort’ seats with active headrests, heated seats, ‘BMW Individual’ leather instrument panel, soft-close doors, rear sunblinds and BMW’s ‘ConnectedDrive Freedom’.

Related links

• Specifications: BMW F07 LCI 5-Series Gran Turismo (August 2016)
• Wikipedia.org: BMW F07 5-Series Gran Turismo