The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) 550i xDrive Steptronic, produced from 2010 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 potent combination of performance and comfort, aimed at buyers seeking a versatile grand tourer. It was part of the broader F07 generation, which itself was a unique offering within the 5 Series lineup, attempting to carve out a niche between traditional sedans and more conventional SUVs. The “xDrive” designation indicates BMW’s all-wheel drive system, and “Steptronic” refers to the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 5 Series |
| Generation | 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) |
| Type | 550i (407 Hp) xDrive Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Grand Tourer |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16.9 l/100 km (13.9 US mpg, 16.7 UK mpg, 5.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg, 32.1 UK mpg, 11.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 275 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.2 kg/Hp, 191.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.6 kg/Nm, 281.7 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 | 2130 kg (4695.85 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2730 kg (6018.62 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 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.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 145 mm (5.71 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.5 m (41.01 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| 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 98Y RSC; 275/40 R19 101Y RSC |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 19; 9.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 550i Gran Turismo is the N63B44A 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This engine, a cornerstone of BMW’s performance lineup during this period, utilizes direct fuel injection and variable valve timing (VANOS) and variable valve lift (Valvetronic) technologies to optimize power and efficiency. The twin-turbocharger setup, employing two small turbochargers, minimizes turbo lag and delivers a broad torque curve. The engine produces 407 horsepower at 5,500-6,400 rpm and a substantial 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. This power is channeled through BMW’s eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, known for its smooth shifts and efficiency. The xDrive all-wheel drive system distributes power between the front and rear axles, enhancing traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 550i xDrive Steptronic offers a refined and powerful driving experience. The twin-turbo V8 provides effortless acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 5.1 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission is well-tuned, offering quick and seamless gear changes. While not as overtly sporty as the 5 Series sedan, the Gran Turismo’s xDrive system provides confident handling and stability. Compared to the 535i Gran Turismo (with its inline-six engine), the 550i delivers significantly more power and torque, resulting in a more responsive and engaging driving experience. However, the added weight of the V8 and all-wheel drive system does impact fuel economy compared to lighter, rear-wheel drive variants.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 550i Gran Turismo came standard with a comprehensive list of features, befitting its flagship status. These 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 Gran Turismo’s unique feature was its two-piece tailgate, offering both a conventional trunk lid and a large, power-operated rear window for easy access to the cargo area. Interior trim options ranged from standard wood veneers to more exclusive aluminum or piano black finishes.
Chassis & Braking
The F07 Gran Turismo utilizes a double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The 550i xDrive models typically featured larger brakes with ventilated discs at all four corners to handle the increased power and weight. The xDrive all-wheel drive system incorporates an electronic differential lock to further enhance traction. The steering is electrically assisted, providing precise and responsive control. Stabilizer bars are fitted front and rear to minimize body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 5 Series Gran Turismo, and particularly the 550i variant, received mixed reviews. Critics praised the engine’s performance and the luxurious interior, but some found the car’s styling polarizing and its size cumbersome. Compared to the more traditional 5 Series sedan, the Gran Turismo offered more space and versatility, but at the expense of some driving agility. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the 550i achieving relatively low mpg figures for its class. The 550i was positioned above the 535i and 528i in the Gran Turismo lineup, offering a significant performance upgrade but also carrying a higher price tag.
Legacy
The N63B44A engine, while powerful, has been known to exhibit some reliability issues, particularly related to the turbochargers and fuel injectors. Regular maintenance and timely servicing are crucial to prevent costly repairs. Today, the F07 550i Gran Turismo represents a unique and somewhat niche offering in the used car market. Its combination of luxury, performance, and space appeals to buyers seeking a distinctive grand tourer. However, potential buyers should be aware of the engine’s potential maintenance requirements and factor those costs into their ownership plans. The F07 Gran Turismo, while not a mainstream success, remains a testament to BMW’s willingness to experiment with new vehicle concepts.
