OK, kids, you definitely don’t want to try this stunt at home. Imagine tooling down a desert highway with a tanker aircraft just a few feet over your head; one gust of wind, one wrong control input and it’s over, Johnny. Think “smoking crater in the desert floor” and you get the picture. Sure, I know this was done via CGI, but the very thought of attempting this stunt still makes me pucker. It does make for a cool video, though, so enjoy BMW’s efforts to tell you that the new 5 Series gets up to 32 miles per gallon below.

It’s worth mentioning that only the 528i is rated at 32 MPG on the highway, and that the car’s 3.0 liter inline-six only cranks out 240 horsepower. That’s not a lot for a sedan that tips the scales at over 3,800 pounds, which would have me leaning towards the 535i. It still gets 28 MPG on the highway, but packs a much more reasonable 300 horsepower and 300 pound feet of torque. Of course a turbo diesel would be the ideal compromise for a car like the 5 Series, so let’s hope that BMW begins thinking along those lines for future U.S. models.

The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo offers a unique blend of sytle, space, luxury and sportiness.

We recently posted a few official images that were leaked over the internet and now we have our hands on THE OFFICAL images released by BMW with the official press release. Because the full press release is several pages long, we have provided a link to the PDF file below.

[source: BMW, BMWBlog]

Offical BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo  Press Release

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 23 2009… The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo adds new facets to BMW’s Ultimate Driving Machine tradition and refines the concept of first-class travel. For the first time, attributes of an elegant sedan, a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle and a classic Gran Turismo are masterfully melded into a single, harmonious vehicle concept.

The traditional European term Gran Turismo (Grand Touring) was first applied by Italian carmakers in the 1950s when they combined the performance, handling, and style of a 2-seat sport car with luxurious amenities and luggage room for each occupant. BMW’s new Gran Turismo nurtures this tradition in its own contemporary way, providing exceptional space, style, luxury, and comfort for four passengers , plus the performance and driving pleasure of a BMW.

It does so with 21st-century performance. BMW’s wide-ranging EfficientDynamics initiative endows this new automobile with an outstanding balance between performance and efficiency. Thanks to its innovative twin turbo V-8 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, the 550i Gran Turismo can accelerate from rest to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, yet delivers remarkable fuel efficiency in everyday driving.

Design: Abundant sportiness, elegance, luxury and versatility.

• Typical BMW proportions communicate dynamic character and sportiness.
• Long wheelbase and graceful, coupe-like roofline.
• An interior with contemporary design, generous dimensions and premium materials.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo radiates a unique blend of sportiness and stylish presence. Typical BMW proportions, four doors with frameless windows, and a coupe-like roofline combine into a harmonious, highly distinctive silhouette that visually represents this vehicle’s unusual blend of capabilities.

This vehicle’s visual presence is a captivating fusion of established BMW identity and new elements. Its elongated hood and long 120.7-inch wheelbase coalesce with a “greenhouse” set well aft and a fastback roofline into a profile that’s immediately recognizable as a BMW, yet at the same time communicates a new vehicle concept. From the first glance, it’s clear that this is an exceptionally roomy conveyance, yet also a highly dynamic one.

continue reading (PDF file)…