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BMW 5-Series GT upgraded

The 520d Gran Turismo priced from $89,900 gives a new entry point into the 5-Series GT models.

The 520d Gran Turismo priced from $89,900 gives a new entry point into the 5-Series GT models, sitting below the $102,500 530d GT and $108,900 535i GT.

The Gran Turismo was unveiled in 2009 as a cross between a 5-Series and a 7-Series...with a hatchback the Hatchback of Notre Dame. But it holds some appeal for a number of punters who have plopped down their dosh for one of the big luxo' hatches.

It's a good thing to drive and offers a degree of versatility not available with a sedan. Luxury levels inside approach the 7-Series.

ENGINE UPGRADES

The 520d Gran Turismo comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine featuring TwinPower Turbo technology (variable twin turbo principle with common rail direct injection). This four-cylinder engine delivers 135kW/380Nm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 8.9 seconds with an excellent 5.3 litres/100km fuel economy.

The diesel six-cylinder 530d GT gains more power, now 190kW with 560Nm of torque. It too has excellent fuel economy rated at a mere 5.8 litres/100 km. All GT models gain start/stop function and electronic power steering.

SAFETY

Occupant safety is upgraded with the standard inclusion of the Active Protection Safety Package. This driver assistance system becomes active at a speed of 18 kmh by automatically tightening the seatbelt in order to eliminate slack. In a critical situation, the front seatbelts are tightened and the side windows and sliding sunroof closed.

Active Protection identifies a potential collision either by means of a front-mounted camera or radar, through deliberate emergency braking or distinctive understeering or oversteering of the vehicle. In the event of an unavoidable collision, the system automatically slows the vehicle down.

Following the collision, the vehicle is brought to a halt using maximum braking force and then held for an additional 1.5 seconds, significantly reducing the likelihood of a secondary collision.