The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) 550i Steptronic, produced from 2009 to 2012, represented BMW’s attempt to blend the luxury and driving dynamics of the 5 Series sedan with the practicality and space of a crossover. Positioned as the flagship of the F07 Gran Turismo range, the 550i offered a high-performance option within a body style that aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile, premium vehicle. It was built on the F07 platform, sharing underpinnings with the 5 Series (F10) but distinguished by its unique fastback design, larger dimensions, and a focus on rear passenger comfort. The 550i specifically targeted buyers who desired a powerful, luxurious grand tourer with ample space for passengers and cargo.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 5 Series |
| Generation | 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) |
| Type (Engine) | 550i (407 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Grand Tourer |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 16.2 l/100 km (14.5 US mpg, 17.4 UK mpg, 6.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 263 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.1 kg/Hp, 197.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.4 kg/Nm, 291.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 407 Hp @ 5500-6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 92.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 1750-4500 rpm (442.54 lb.-ft. @ 1750-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | N63B44A |
| Engine displacement | 4395 cm3 (268.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-power turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.6 l (11.2 US qt | 9.33 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2060 kg (4541.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2690 kg (5930.43 lbs.) |
| Max load | 630 kg (1388.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1700 l (60.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4998 mm (196.77 in.) |
| Width | 1901 mm (74.84 in.) |
| Height | 1559 mm (61.38 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3070 mm (120.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1621 mm (63.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1636 mm (64.41 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.2 m (40.03 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Steptronic |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/45 R19; 275/40 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 19; 9.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 550i Gran Turismo is BMW’s N63B44A 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This engine, a significant departure from naturally aspirated BMW V8s of the past, utilizes direct fuel injection and Valvetronic variable valve timing to optimize performance and efficiency. The twin-turbochargers, positioned within the V of the engine, provide a substantial boost in power and torque across a wide RPM range. The engine produces 407 horsepower at 5,500-6,400 rpm and a robust 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. This power is delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The Steptronic transmission offers both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.
Driving Characteristics
The 550i Gran Turismo, with its powerful V8 and eight-speed automatic, delivers a refined and capable driving experience. Acceleration is brisk, with a 0-60 mph time of around 5.2 seconds. The automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive, providing quick shifts and seamless gear changes. However, compared to the more driver-focused 5 Series sedan, the Gran Turismo’s larger size and weight are noticeable. While still offering good handling, it doesn’t possess the same level of agility or sharpness. The emphasis is more on comfortable cruising and effortless power delivery. The gear ratios are tuned for both acceleration and fuel efficiency, with higher gears designed for relaxed highway driving. Compared to the 535i Gran Turismo (with its inline-six engine), the 550i offers significantly more power and torque, resulting in a more authoritative and engaging driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 550i Gran Turismo came standard with a comprehensive list of features, reflecting its position as the range-topping model. Standard equipment included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, a premium sound system, a navigation system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional extras included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, active steering, and upgraded interior trim options. The interior design was luxurious and spacious, with a focus on rear passenger comfort. The rear seats offered ample legroom and headroom, and could be folded down to increase cargo capacity.
Chassis & Braking
The F07 Gran Turismo features a double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, designed to provide a comfortable ride and stable handling. The 550i typically came equipped with larger brakes than the lower-trim models, featuring ventilated discs at all four corners. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) were standard safety features. The steering system is a rack-and-pinion setup with electric power assistance. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over outright sportiness.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 5 Series Gran Turismo, and particularly the 550i variant, received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its spacious interior, luxurious features, and powerful engine, it was often criticized for its unconventional styling and compromised driving dynamics. Some reviewers found the Gran Turismo to be a jack-of-all-trades, master of none, lacking the sporting character of the 5 Series sedan and the practicality of a traditional SUV. Compared to the 535i Gran Turismo, the 550i offered a significant performance upgrade but came at a higher price point. Fuel economy, while respectable for a V8-powered vehicle, was not a strong point, with combined fuel consumption around 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg).
Legacy
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) was a relatively short-lived model, discontinued after just three years. While it didn’t achieve the same sales success as the 5 Series sedan, the 550i variant remains a desirable option for buyers seeking a unique and luxurious grand tourer. The N63B44A engine, despite some early reliability concerns related to fuel pump failures, has proven to be a robust and capable powerplant when properly maintained. Today, well-maintained 550i Gran Turismo models can be found on the used car market at relatively affordable prices, offering a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and space. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for higher maintenance costs associated with a complex, turbocharged engine and a vehicle of this age.
