2013 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 535d 8AT RWD (313 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2013, BMW decided to upgrade the sixth generation of the 5 Series, and it also tried to improve the Gran Turismo version, which suffered from low sales compared to its sedan and estate versions.

BMW took a big gamble when it introduced the 5 Series Gran Turismo in 2009. The German automaker tried to provide customers with a mix between a 7 Series and an SUV. In theory, that should work well, but customers were not very attracted by the car’s exterior styling, which was far from being as attractive as the one offered by its sedan and estate siblings. But just like its siblings, the F10 and the F11, the 5 Series Gran Turismo (the F07) received an update in 2013, improving the vehicle in key areas. Furthermore, its exterior styling was significantly enhanced.

At the front, the 5 Series GT featured new bi-xenon headlamps with an option for Adaptive LED headlights that could automatically switch between the high and the low beam. BMW also slightly updated the look of the kidney grille, trying to make it look smaller. But still, the tall front fascia was challenging to conceal. To do that, the automaker redesigned the lower bumper and adorned it with horizontal chromed elements that made the car look wider.

From its profile, the 2013 5 Series Gran Turismo featured a redesigned tailgate that was extended rearwards, creating a more harmonious transition from the arched roofline to the sloped-down back. A new set of door mirrors featuring LED turn signals was also part of the LCI package and improved the vehicle’s look. Finally, at the back, the 5 Series Gran Touring received completely new LED taillights that emphasized the car’s width and provided a sportier appearance. Like its non-facelifted sibling, the 2013 F07 featured frameless door windows and, as an option, an openable panoramic glass roof.

Regardless of the car’s exterior, the cabin was both luxurious and airy. Its high-mounted seats and long wheelbase provided enough headroom and legroom for four passengers. The one seated in the middle, in the back, had to hump above the transmission tunnel, which was not comfortable on long travels. At the front, customers found thick and plushy bucket seats separated by a tall center console that housed the gear selector and the iDrive infotainment unit controller. On the dashboard, the automaker installed the new NBT system that featured a 16:9 ration display placed atop the center stack. Even though most interior elements looked similar to those from the 5 Series sedan (the F10), the comfort provided was closer to what a 7 Series (the F01) could offer.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a wide choice of engines, depending on the market. In the U.S., BMW sold the 5 Series Gran Turismo with either a turbocharged inline-six or a twin-turbo V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Europe, the automaker offered more options, including several turbodiesel powerplants.