BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Model Years and History

Ahead of a 2017 redesign, the BWM 5-Series hits 2016 with only a few changes. Among them, the 550i adds a Harman Kardon stereo, satellite radio, and power trunk lid to its standard features list. All 5-Series models feature enhanced USB and Bluetooth, with mobile office capabilities (texts, email, calendar, tasks and voice memos), and sync for a second phone.

The BMW 5-series returns for 2015 mostly unchanged other than a few new standard features. These include a sportier, leather wrapped steering wheel, LED foglamps and improved Bluetooth integration.

For 2014, the BMW 5-Series receives minor exterior styling updates front and rear, including revised front fascia and headlight and taillight treatments. In the GT, the changes also include a restyled tailgate. A new diesel engine is available in the 535d -- a 3.0L twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder offering 256 hp and 413 ft-lb of torque. BMW claims the new powerplant delivers 36 mpg. Navigation is now standard in the 5-Series.

For 2013, 550i models get a new version of the 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making 445 horsepower and 480 pound feet of torque--that's 45 hp and 30 lb-ft more than last year. BMW 5-Series GT models now get engine stop-start, alongside the 5-Series sedans that received it last year, and the 5-Series vehicles get a new Eco Pro driving mode. 5-Series models otherwise get a new user-configurable 10.25-inch multi-function instrument display with Black Panel technology, as well as a new 'contactless' trunk opener, while a new Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system will be optional.

Following a significant redesign last year, the BMW 5-series enters 2012 largely unchanged, though the 528i replaces its inline-6 with a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder, which produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The unit is mated to an 8-speed automatic. BMW xDrive is also now available on the 528i.

For 2011, BMW's 5-series has been given a complete redesign. Now in its sixth generation, the car is slightly longer and wider, up by 2.3 inches and a half inch, respectively, while the car's styling is much more conservative than the previous generation. The engine lineup has been changed as well; the 535i's 3.0L 6-cylinder dropped to a single turbo but now makes 306 horsepower, and the 550i receives the 7-series' twin-turbo V8, which produces 407 horsepower. A 528i model, with a non-turbocharged version of the 3.0L six making 240 horsepower is expected later in the 2011 model year. All three can be had with a 6-speed manual, but an 8-speed automatic is also available.

Based on the elegant and sporty 5-Series sedan, the all-new 2010 5-Series Gran Turismo is a 4-door designed to eat up long distances in great comfort. A 400-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and 8-speed automatic transmission work in harmony to propel the car while loads of technological goodies enhance everything from passenger safety to comfort to mechanical efficiency and driving dynamics. BMW claims fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway. The Gran Turismo base prices start at $63,900.