Test Drive: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo
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VOICE OVER: Miranda Lightstone
At first glance, the BMW 550i Gran Turismo seems to be having an identity crisis: is it a crossover, a sedan, an SUV or a station wagon? The car is obviously a Bimmer through-and-through, and after a little while its strengths stand out. Modern touches like frameless windows and a large moonroof are great additions, plus its bi-modal trunk adds extra cargo space when necessary. Its twin-turbo V8 engine will get you where you need to go in a hurry, but the company has also taken the environment into account in their design. http://www.WatchMojo.com got to spend a week behind the wheel of this Gran Turismo, and thought you might like to check it out as well.
At first glance, the newest model from the Bavarian giants is a bit confusing. With the front end and lines of a 7 Series, the height and space of an X5 and the similarity of shape to an X6, this melange of models is the perfect combination. We got the chance to take the BMW 550i Gran Turismo for a spin.
Clearly a BMW from nose to tail, the brand new 550i GT's lines are superb. Just as polarizing as the X6, this Gran Turismo design is bound to be a hit with some and a very big miss with others. While not quite a wagon and not as large as an SUV, this Beemer blends the two classes nicely in design that's both classy and practical. And while BMW held the market for such a design two years ago when it first unveiled its concept for the 550, Honda has since snatched the look with the funky Crosstour. For anyone with cargo needs, the 550i offers a stylish alternative -- with a premium, of course.
If we take a look at the BMW head on, it looks exactly like BMW's flagship line, the 7 Series -- signature kidney grill, slanted feline-like headlights and a softer, less aggressive hood than the 3 and 1 Series models. Walk to the side of the car and you'll take in a profile that's both sleek and tough. With a lower stance than most crossovers, the 550i still offers all the headroom and cargo space you'd need in a car like this without being boxy. You'll also notice the undulating side panel that creates a nice effect in the paint that'll keep you intrigued every time you approach your car. Frameless windows add a modern touch to the 550i, as does the large moon roof that stretches right over the back seats. Coming to the back of the car and you'll notice the most unique part of the 550i GT's design; the bi-modal trunk. Like a shrunken version of the X6 (but much more practical), the 550i's trunk can be opened in two ways, in a traditional pick-up/car fashion for smaller cargo, or like a proper SUV for those bigger items. Unlike the X6, the almond shape doesn't hinder the cargo space in the rear, though it does pose a bit of a problem when it comes to visibility. With the trunk closed, you'll notice BMW's signature L-shaped taillights that finish this stylish package off quite nicely.
Inside the high-end design and gadgets continue. As is always the case with BMW, ergonomics are key and the design just always works. From the Steering-wheel mounted controls to iDrive, everything just works -- which is one of the nicest parts about driving a BMW. However, there's one feature I'm not too keen on in this new model; no matter how you leave the climate control system when you turn the car off, it automatically turns itself on when the car is started.
In this particular car we got most of the gadgets and gizmos; from heated and ventilated seats to a rear view camera, head-up display, Satellite radio, and even a rear entertainment package to keep my passengers quiet on long trips.
Outfitted with a twin-turbo V8, this kid carrier is sure to get your Timmy to soccer practice on time every day. Coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the throttle is light and responsive -- eventually. As is the case with most manufacturers now, green is the name of the game and BMW is playing its strongest hand right now. BMW's EfficientDynamics powers the battery with kinetic energy when you brake and when you lift your foot off the accelerator to promote better fuel efficiency. The system design is incredible, however, you do feel it working -- if you pay attention. When you take your foot off the accelerator at low speeds it almost sounds as if the car is about to stall, and leaving a stop sign is nothing but slow unless you want to mash your foot into the throttle and give you and all your dogs in the back severe whiplash.
Put the 550i Gran Turismo in Sport + mode (like anyone would, obviously) and you've got yourself a real BMW. Their cars are all about the drive, and this crossover is no different. Just because you've got the back loaded with groceries doesn't mean you can't have a little fun behind the wheel. With 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, don't think you're getting into another boring people carrier when you sit behind the wheel. Just make sure you remember to put the eggs somewhere safe.
BMW is all about designing and engineering cars that aren't just beautiful to look at it, but that are fun to drive and practical too. With their latest creation, the 550i Gran Turismo, they've checked all the necessary boxes with vigor and released a vehicle that's clearly set the bar in a category I didn't even know existed until it came along; the high-class crossover SUV.
About the car
Clearly a BMW from nose to tail, the brand new 550i GT's lines are superb. Just as polarizing as the X6, this Gran Turismo design is bound to be a hit with some and a very big miss with others. While not quite a wagon and not as large as an SUV, this Beemer blends the two classes nicely in design that's both classy and practical. And while BMW held the market for such a design two years ago when it first unveiled its concept for the 550, Honda has since snatched the look with the funky Crosstour. For anyone with cargo needs, the 550i offers a stylish alternative -- with a premium, of course.
Exterior
If we take a look at the BMW head on, it looks exactly like BMW's flagship line, the 7 Series -- signature kidney grill, slanted feline-like headlights and a softer, less aggressive hood than the 3 and 1 Series models. Walk to the side of the car and you'll take in a profile that's both sleek and tough. With a lower stance than most crossovers, the 550i still offers all the headroom and cargo space you'd need in a car like this without being boxy. You'll also notice the undulating side panel that creates a nice effect in the paint that'll keep you intrigued every time you approach your car. Frameless windows add a modern touch to the 550i, as does the large moon roof that stretches right over the back seats. Coming to the back of the car and you'll notice the most unique part of the 550i GT's design; the bi-modal trunk. Like a shrunken version of the X6 (but much more practical), the 550i's trunk can be opened in two ways, in a traditional pick-up/car fashion for smaller cargo, or like a proper SUV for those bigger items. Unlike the X6, the almond shape doesn't hinder the cargo space in the rear, though it does pose a bit of a problem when it comes to visibility. With the trunk closed, you'll notice BMW's signature L-shaped taillights that finish this stylish package off quite nicely.
Interior
Inside the high-end design and gadgets continue. As is always the case with BMW, ergonomics are key and the design just always works. From the Steering-wheel mounted controls to iDrive, everything just works -- which is one of the nicest parts about driving a BMW. However, there's one feature I'm not too keen on in this new model; no matter how you leave the climate control system when you turn the car off, it automatically turns itself on when the car is started.
In this particular car we got most of the gadgets and gizmos; from heated and ventilated seats to a rear view camera, head-up display, Satellite radio, and even a rear entertainment package to keep my passengers quiet on long trips.
Engine/Driving
Outfitted with a twin-turbo V8, this kid carrier is sure to get your Timmy to soccer practice on time every day. Coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the throttle is light and responsive -- eventually. As is the case with most manufacturers now, green is the name of the game and BMW is playing its strongest hand right now. BMW's EfficientDynamics powers the battery with kinetic energy when you brake and when you lift your foot off the accelerator to promote better fuel efficiency. The system design is incredible, however, you do feel it working -- if you pay attention. When you take your foot off the accelerator at low speeds it almost sounds as if the car is about to stall, and leaving a stop sign is nothing but slow unless you want to mash your foot into the throttle and give you and all your dogs in the back severe whiplash.
Put the 550i Gran Turismo in Sport + mode (like anyone would, obviously) and you've got yourself a real BMW. Their cars are all about the drive, and this crossover is no different. Just because you've got the back loaded with groceries doesn't mean you can't have a little fun behind the wheel. With 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, don't think you're getting into another boring people carrier when you sit behind the wheel. Just make sure you remember to put the eggs somewhere safe.
BMW is all about designing and engineering cars that aren't just beautiful to look at it, but that are fun to drive and practical too. With their latest creation, the 550i Gran Turismo, they've checked all the necessary boxes with vigor and released a vehicle that's clearly set the bar in a category I didn't even know existed until it came along; the high-class crossover SUV.
