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The Design of the 550i Gran Turismo
The sheer space and the
inspiring, modern design of the interior team up to provide a truly luxurious
ambience and the supreme long-distance comfort of a modern Gran Turismo. The
sleek surfaces on the front and rear door panels merging smoothly into one
another as well as the horizontal arrangement of the instrument panel enhance
the impression of supreme generosity. Seat comfort, headroom and elbow freedom
are all of the highest standard otherwise to be found only in the luxury
performance class. The slightly elevated seating position, the clear, structured
arrangement of the controls, BMW's new iDrive with its Control Display up to
10.2 inches in size, and the cockpit in Black Panel technology all help to give
the driver maximum supremacy at all times. The rear seats may be adjusted
individually fore-and-aft and also come with individual adjustment of the
backrest angle. To meet the greatest demands in terms of individual luxury,
finally, two individual comfort seats at the rear are available as an option.
The Engine and Transmission
The top engine in the 5 Series
Gran Turismo range is the V8 TwinPower Turbo delivering maximum output of 400
hp. It comes as standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission previously
to be admired only in the BMW 760i twelve-cylinder luxury saloon. Featuring an
innovative configuration of gearsets, a unique level of internal efficiency, and
the same low weight and compact dimensions as a six-speed automatic
transmission, this high-tech automatic combines gearshift comfort, dynamic
performance, and motoring efficiency of the highest caliber. The most advanced
engine technology, the innovative eight-speed automatic transmission, and a wide
range of unique technologies in the context of BMW EfficientDynamics allow the
BMW 550i Gran Turismo to set new standards also in terms of economy and emission
management.
Suspension Designed for Fascinating Driving Dynamics and
Supreme Comfort
The modern, demanding suspension technology of the
550i Gran Turismo is designed for both fascinating driving dynamics and supreme
grand touring comfort. The double track control arm front axle and the
Integral-V rear axle exclusive to BMW are made largely of aluminum. Standard
features also include rear axle air suspension as well as hydraulic
rack-and-pinion steering with a steering servo pump operating on demand.
Integral Active Steering is available as an option, combining active steering of
the front wheels with rear-wheel steering varying according to driving
conditions and current requirements.
Featured as standard, Dynamic Drive
Control influences not only the gearshift dynamics, but also the gas pedal and
steering assistance control map. In combination with optional Adaptive Drive,
the dampers with infinite variation on both the inbound and rebound stroke
contribute to the superior suspension function. In addition to the NORMAL, SPORT
and SPORT+ programs, the driver also has the choice of the COMFORT mode
available directly from the Dynamic Drive Control button on the centre console.
A further point is that intervention in DSC Dynamic Stability Control is reduced
in the SPORT+ setting and in the traction mode.
The optimized body
structure in conjunction with appropriately coordinated and electronically
masterminded passive safety systems ensures maximum occupant safety at all
times. These systems include three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats,
frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, crash-activated
headrests at the front, runflat tires and a tire defect indicator. The standard
features include foglamps and adaptive brake lights, with bi-xenon dual
headlights including a daytime driving light function as well as Adaptive
Headlights with variable light distribution and Bending Lights all coming as an
option.
Wide Range of Features
The BMW 550i Gran Turismo is
also available as an option with the complete range of features from BMW
ConnectedDrive, including Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a High-Beam Assistant,
Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision
with detection of individual persons, Side View, Top View, and a back-up camera.
Over and above these outstanding features, BMW ConnectedDrive also offers BMW
Online, BMW Assist, BMW TeleServices, as well as an Enhanced Emergency Call
function automatically determining and reporting the current location of the
car.
The wide range of standard features offered by the BMW 550i Gran
Turismo includes four-zone automatic air conditioning, an audio system, an
AUX-In connector bush, and the Integrated Owner's Manual. Optional features
include telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, an 80 GB hard disc
for navigation data and the user's private music collection, a multi-channel
audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a
Head-Up Display, a panorama glass roof optimized for noise control and
attractive design, as well as an electrically swiveling trailer hook.
BMW 550i Gran Turismo: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications