BMW 535i Gran Turismo (F07) was one of the first versions of the 5 Series Gran Turismo introduced in 2009 and one of BMW’s most unusual models of the late 2000s. The F07 was not simply a 5 Series with a large tailgate, but a distinct concept intended to combine the comfort of a sedan, the practicality of a Touring, the silhouette of a coupé and a slightly elevated seating position in a single vehicle.
A new type of 5 Series
BMW introduced the 5 Series Gran Turismo in 2009, before the launch of the F10-generation 5 Series Sedan. Although it belonged to the 5 Series family, the F07 differed significantly from the conventional sedan in its dimensions, proportions and intended use. Its overall length approached that of the 7 Series, while the interior offered exceptional legroom and a more spacious feeling created by the taller body.
The Gran Turismo concept was primarily focused on comfortable long-distance travel. BMW described the model as combining the qualities of an elegant sedan, a Sports Activity Vehicle and a traditional Gran Turismo. The result was taller and more spacious than a conventional 5 Series while remaining distinctly more car-like than an SUV such as the X5.
Coupé-like profile and frameless doors
The exterior design of the F07 was highly distinctive within BMW’s contemporary model range. A long bonnet, extended wheelbase and sloping roofline created a coupé-like profile, while the tall body and large rear hatch provided the practicality expected from a more versatile vehicle. The Gran Turismo was also the first four-door BMW to feature frameless side windows, a detail previously associated mainly with BMW coupés and convertibles.
Its styling divided opinion, making the F07 one of BMW’s more controversial designs. However, its proportions were closely connected to the purpose of the car: providing additional passenger space, a slightly higher seating position and easier access to the luggage compartment without adopting the traditional proportions of an estate car.
A unique two-piece tailgate
One of the most distinctive technical features of the F07 was its two-piece tailgate. A smaller opening beneath the rear window worked like the boot lid of a sedan, allowing luggage to be loaded without exposing the entire passenger compartment to outside air. For larger objects, the complete rear hatch could be opened like that of a hatchback or Touring.
In its standard configuration the luggage compartment offered 440 litres of capacity. The rear seats could be moved forward by up to 100 millimetres, increasing capacity to 590 litres, while folding them completely increased the available volume to 1,700 litres. This flexibility was one of the principal reasons BMW treated the Gran Turismo as a separate vehicle concept rather than simply another 5 Series body style.
535i and the new N55 engine
The 535i Gran Turismo was the six-cylinder petrol version of the range and introduced BMW’s new 3.0-litre N55 straight-six engine. It produced 225 kW or 306 hp at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque, available across a broad range from 1,200 to 5,000 rpm.
The N55 represented an important technological step for BMW. For the first time in a BMW six-cylinder petrol engine, turbocharging, High Precision Injection direct fuel injection and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve control were combined in a single power unit. In place of the twin-turbo arrangement used by the earlier N54, the N55 employed a single twin-scroll turbocharger, designed to combine rapid response, strong low-speed torque and improved efficiency.
Eight-speed automatic transmission
The engine of the 535i Gran Turismo was paired with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The additional ratios allowed smaller steps between gears while also providing a tall top gear for lower engine speeds during cruising. This helped combine smooth acceleration with improved comfort and efficiency.
With 306 hp and 400 Nm, the large Gran Turismo accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and reached an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Despite its substantial size and luxury-oriented character, the 535i therefore retained the strong performance traditionally associated with BMW’s six-cylinder models.
7 Series space with 5 Series dynamics
The interior of the F07 placed particular emphasis on rear-seat comfort. Rear legroom could approach that of the 7 Series, while headroom was comparable with the X5. The rear-seat backrests could be adjusted for angle and the complete rear seating unit could slide longitudinally, allowing occupants to choose between greater passenger space and increased luggage capacity.
At the same time, the Gran Turismo was intended to retain BMW’s characteristic driving dynamics. Optional Integral Active Steering was available together with Adaptive Drive, combining electronically controlled dampers with active anti-roll stabilisation. BMW therefore sought to combine the qualities of a large luxury touring car with the driver-oriented character expected from a 5 Series.
A niche concept that continued as a 6 Series
The F07 remained in production until 2017. Although the Gran Turismo concept never achieved the same broad popularity as the conventional 5 Series Sedan or Touring, BMW did not abandon the idea. In the following generation the concept moved into the 6 Series family, with the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32) becoming its successor.
The historical significance of the F07 lies primarily in BMW’s attempt to create a distinct type of vehicle. It was neither a traditional sedan, estate nor SUV, but a luxury long-distance car focused on space, flexibility and comfort. In the 535i, this unusual concept was combined with BMW’s traditional straight-six character and the then-new N55 engine.
Model in the collection
The 1:43-scale BMW 535i Gran Turismo (F07) in my collection was produced by Schuco. The model represents a 2009 car and was issued as a limited edition of 1,000 pieces.
Schuco’s model designation does not identify a specific engine version. The model has been classified in the collection as a BMW 535i Gran Turismo on the basis of the six-cylinder petrol engine represented beneath the bonnet. Its appearance and layout correspond to the N55 straight-six used in the 535i, which was also part of the original F07 range introduced in 2009. For these reasons, the 535i is considered the most likely and best-supported identification of this particular miniature.
Technical data
Production: 2009–2017
Production location: Dingolfing, Germany
Body style: five-door Gran Turismo
Engine: N55B30 turbocharged straight-six petrol engine
Displacement: 2,979 cc
Power output: 225 kW / 306 hp at 5,800 rpm
Torque: 400 Nm at 1,200–5,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic
Drive: rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: 6.3 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Luggage capacity: 440–1,700 litres
Special feature: one of the first BMW models powered by the N55 engine and a distinctive 5 Series concept combining sedan, Touring and luxury Gran Turismo characteristics
Photo of the real car. Photo: Christian Flores / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0