BMW seems to really love controversial designs.
Chris Bangle brought BMW into a new era of odd styling cues, with the Bangle-butt now present in cars from Mercedes to Acura. Next, he introduced his flame-surfacing idea on the BMW Z4. This past year, Bangle has stepped down from his post as chief designer for the brand. Enter Adrian Van Hooydonk, responsible for the likes of the BMW X6 and the recently introduced 5 Series GT Concept.
The 5 Series GT Concept is not replacing the current 5 series sedan and wagon. In fact, it is going to be a third model in the lineup. Not sure if you want the look of a standard sport sedan or if you need the extra room of the wagon? The GT Concept is for you. It is in fact the embodiment of what Van Hooydonk calls the Progressive Activity Sedan, combining the size of a sedan, the sleek lines of a coupe, and the trunk of a hatchback.
Looking more precisely, the car looks like an X6 SAV, only lowered to a sedan ride height. The front end is borrowed from the 2010 BMW 7 Series. The rest of the car is distinctly X6 with the exception of the wheels which resemble those that adorn both the 5 and 7 series sedans.
The GT Concept will be powered by the same powerplants as the sedan and wagon. It will be available in Europe with a 3 liter diesel in the 530d along with the USA motors. The USA model will be available with either a 3 liter twin-turbo motor found in the 335i and 135i, and the top of the line model will be a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8. The only transmission available on all these trims is an 8-speed automatic with manual modes.
Pricing should be in the standard 5 series of range between $40k and $60k. Release dates have not yet been confirmed but it could very possibly be released closer to the end of 2009 or sometime in 2010.
-KF