BMW’s new 5-series Gran Turismo makes official debut.

May 22, 2009

In late 2007 BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study called the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Then, at March's Geneva Motor Show, BMW gave us the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Today the wraps have come off the production version of the car, which is set to go on sale in Europe this October and in the U.S. early next year.

Clear differences between the production version and the concept are the smaller wheels, regular beige leather interior, rounded exhaust tips and new side mirrors. Key features include the trademark kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back to give an even more aggressive look. One unique element is the corona rings, which for the first time implement LED daytime running lights.

The body of the 5-series GT features a mix of elements from crossover, hatchback and wagon bodystyles, melding them together to create something that's relatively unique in the automotive world. While the styling may not be to everyone