Photo: bmw
It’s no longer news that BMW is already working on its new 5 Series range, codenamed G30. We’ve seen the first prototypes out testing and we know a thing or two about the chassis as well. However, unlike what a lot of people out there seem to be dreaming of, the 5 Series Gran Turismo (the ugly duckling of the range) will live on.
According to German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, this particular model had sales that were far better than what the company expected and they decided to keep the production going and introduce a new version in the future.
Based on the same G30 architecture, the new model would also bring a revised design to the market along with all the technical improvements expected to be launched on the sedan and touring models as well.
That means the biggest flaws of the GT will be solved, being revolved around the weight of the car that drove consumption up and turned down the handling.
According to IHS analyst Stephanie Brinley talking to Autoblog, the Gran Turismo was sold in 21,089 units worldwide in 2013 out of which 42 percent went to China. The reason behind this demand is the copious amount of space rear seat occupants get, a cultural issue in the communist country.
While the analysts are still trying to calculate how many GTs were sold in 2014, we should also tell you that the new model, if it will drop around 200 kg (440 lbs) as it is rumored, will be fitted with 2-liter and 3-liter mills along with electric motors for plug-in hybrid versions.
Based on the same G30 architecture, the new model would also bring a revised design to the market along with all the technical improvements expected to be launched on the sedan and touring models as well.
That means the biggest flaws of the GT will be solved, being revolved around the weight of the car that drove consumption up and turned down the handling.
High demand in China is to thank for
If you’re interested in the 5 Series GT and want to get one when the new model comes out, you should thank China for BMW’s decision to keep it alive. As it turns out, the high demand in the Asian country was decisive in taking this step.According to IHS analyst Stephanie Brinley talking to Autoblog, the Gran Turismo was sold in 21,089 units worldwide in 2013 out of which 42 percent went to China. The reason behind this demand is the copious amount of space rear seat occupants get, a cultural issue in the communist country.
While the analysts are still trying to calculate how many GTs were sold in 2014, we should also tell you that the new model, if it will drop around 200 kg (440 lbs) as it is rumored, will be fitted with 2-liter and 3-liter mills along with electric motors for plug-in hybrid versions.
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