Thought it was time to update this thread - it's taken me so long time as the thread would be completley useless without some pictures and the weather has been so poor lately.
Before anyone says anything - yes the car could do with a wash...
Impressions
Well although it’s called a 5 Series Gran Turismo, there’s actually not very much 5 series about it other than the 530d badge (and mine is now debadged!). As mentioned above, the GT is actually based on the current model F01 BMW 7 series. It also has the 8 automatic speed box.
Yes it’s a hatchback, with a clever / possibly over engineered (in true german form) dual opening boot.
The other contenders
Although I started looking at Mercedes GL’s and Mercedes R Class’s with my heart set on a GL420 I ended up discounting the GL for two reasons. Firstly, it truly would have been too big for general everyday use. Secondly both the GL’s (& also some of the X5's) I looked at both Mercedes / BMW AUC and from independent traders generally weren't as high spec or as neatly presented (scary how some people don't appear to look after their cars).
Whilst I would have been more than happy with an E70 X5 or a Cayenne (facelift previous model), the modernity of the GT itself won me over.
So what’s it like?
Well it's the interior of the F07 GT that really won me over and would go as far as saying that it’s one of the best interiors BMW have ever done. Just realised I haven't posted many interior shots!
Anyway, the interior and general ambience with the contrast of dark carpets & headlining, pano' roof, the lighter leather and ambient lighting is IMO, spot on, truly a superb place to be.
Although it's not a 4WD the driving position is great compared to a normal saloon car. I can easily see how this would make a great long distance cruiser.
At this point I've only had my GT for a little over 2 weeks, with not a lot of time to drive it – other than the 200 or so miles from collecting it. So whilst my opinion is still forming, initial impressions are that it is one of the most luxurious cars I've owned and it may be with us for quite some time.
The car has a lot of road presence and right now still delivers a real sense of occasion every time I get into it, from the ride height to the frameless doors and the great BMW in car Telematics / Nav setup.
Superb to drive on the motorways with a well-planted stance, nice hydraulic steering for the tactile feel that is every bit true to BMW coupled with the epic 3-litre diesel engine with tons of low-down torque for surprisingly quick starts and 32mpg fuel economy in mixed driving (lots of sub 30mph city driving)
What’s to complain about, nothing yet (touch wood!)…
