The less-maligned fourth-gen iDrive comes in two variants. The standard 7.0-in. screen boasts an 800 x 480 pixel resolution, but opt for the navigation package and the screen grows to 10.2-in. and resolution jumps to 1280 x 480. BMW says the transreflective screens actually work better under direct sunlight.
And sunlight there will be, thanks to BMW's devotion to its "open" cabin concept. All 5 Series Gran Turismos come with a dual-panel panoramic moonroof. The forward portion opens and tilts, while the rear portion is fixed in place. And at 45.7-in. long and 37.1-in. wide, it encompasses 55% of the roof's surface area. The sedan also is the first BMW four-door to employ frameless windows, which BMW says allows for larger rear glass and adds to the openness of the cabin.
What BMW calls a "coupe-like" roofline leads into an interpretation of the company's now-legendary "Hofmeister Kink" in the last window aft of the rear doors. Out front, there's the requisite "kidney" grille flanked by now-familiar BMW headlight assemblies employing Xenon and auto-leveling technology. The corona rings in the headlamps now use LED lighting.
The debut Gran Turismo model is the 550i, which receives power from the direct-injected, twin-turbocharged 4.4L V-8 making its way through the BMW lineup. The engine meets U.S. Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle limits -- an impressive feat considering the mill develops 450 lb-ft of torque from 1800 to 4500 rpm and 400-hp from 5500 rpm to 6400 rpm. According to BMW, acceleration to 60 mph takes just 5.4 seconds, and when equipped with the sport package, the 550i Gran Turismo can touch 150 mph. With the standard package and all-season tires, top speed is limited to 130 mph.
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