BMW 5 Series GT displays versatility
By Kim Tae-jong
One of the dilemmas motorists face when buying a new vehicle is whether to choose a sedan or SUV, as they have different values and attractions.
If you can’t afford to own the two different types of vehicles together, you can reach a compromise by selecting a car that combines the driving comfort of a sedan and the practicality of an SUV. In this regard, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (GT) is a choice worth considering.
It is a relatively new concept which made its debut in Germany in 2009 and here in 2010. But it has made quite an impression on a lot of people.
The GT lineup keeps the sporty performance of the 5 Series sedans and also has a coupe-like roofline and frameless windows. But it is slightly higher than the sedan brothers with elevated seating and more trunk space.
Now, the upgraded 5 Series GT is available here with four variants in its lineup — the Efficient Dynamics edition, the 30d, the 30d xDrive and 351 xDrive, whose prices start from 71.9 million won.
This reporter recently test drove the 30d xDrive.
Overall, it all exudes the kind of sporty and luxurious visuals that BMW has been known for.
But what’s more amazing about this car is its driving comfort.
It comes with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder twin turbo diesel engine, which can produce 258 horsepower and the maximum torque of 57.1 kilogram-meters. It can reach 100 kilometers per hour in just 6.2 seconds.
These are very impressive figures but combined with a four-wheel drive mode, this powerful engine does not simply show off how fast it can run but seem to put more emphasis on comfortable driving regardless of road conditions. It smoothly and peacefully makes cornering even at high speeds.
Thanks to its fuel-efficient technology, it also boasts a high fuel economy of 14 kilometers per liter.
Also combined with various safety and convenient features such as the head-up display and adaptive LED headlights, it is surely one of the most desirable vehicles on the market.