The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) 550i Steptronic, produced from 2012 to 2013, represented the high-performance end of BMW’s ambitious attempt to blend the luxury of a 7 Series sedan with the practicality of a sport utility vehicle. Positioned as a premium grand tourer, the F07 aimed to offer a unique combination of space, comfort, and driving dynamics. This particular 550i variant, equipped with the N63B44B engine and an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, was the flagship model of the Gran Turismo range, offering significantly more power than the 535i and 528i versions. It was primarily marketed towards buyers seeking a luxurious and capable vehicle for long-distance travel, prioritizing performance and refinement over outright fuel economy.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 5 Series |
| Generation | 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) |
| Type (Engine) | 550i (450 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Grand Tourer |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.5 l/100 km (18.8 US mpg, 22.6 UK mpg, 8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg, 30.7 UK mpg, 10.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 214 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.6 kg/Hp, 217.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.2 kg/Nm, 314 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 450 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 102.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 650 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm (479.42 lb.-ft. @ 2000-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | N63B44B |
| 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 | 2070 kg (4563.57 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2690 kg (5930.43 lbs.) |
| Max load | 620 kg (1366.87 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) | 151 mm (5.94 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.2 m (40.03 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| 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 |
INTRODUCTION
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) was produced from 2009 to 2016, and the 550i Steptronic, available from 2012-2013, sat at the top of the range. Built on the F07 platform, which combined elements of the 5 Series and 7 Series, it aimed to offer a more spacious and versatile alternative to traditional sedans. The Gran Turismo featured a unique hatchback design with a two-piece tailgate, providing a large and easily accessible cargo area. The 550i variant distinguished itself with its powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine and smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, targeting buyers who desired a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 550i Gran Turismo is the N63B44B 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and variable valve timing (Valvetronic) to optimize performance and efficiency. The twin-turbochargers, positioned within the V of the engine, provide significant boost, resulting in a substantial 450 horsepower and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. The engine’s architecture is notable for its aluminum block and cylinder heads, contributing to a relatively lightweight construction. The 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is a key component of the powertrain, offering smooth and responsive gear changes. This transmission features a torque converter and allows for both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The transmission’s wide gear ratio spread contributes to both strong acceleration and improved fuel economy at highway speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 550i Gran Turismo delivers a refined and powerful driving experience. The twin-turbo V8 provides ample power across the rev range, enabling brisk acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 4.8 seconds, making it a genuinely quick vehicle for its size. The Steptronic transmission complements the engine well, providing seamless gear changes and contributing to a smooth and comfortable ride. While the Gran Turismo is not as agile as a traditional 5 Series sedan due to its increased weight and size, it still offers a composed and confident handling experience. The suspension, tuned for comfort, effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a relaxed ride quality. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback to the driver.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 550i Gran Turismo came standard with a comprehensive array of luxury features. These included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, a premium sound system, a navigation system, and a panoramic sunroof. Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. Optional extras included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, a rear-seat entertainment system, and upgraded interior trim options. The interior design emphasized luxury and spaciousness, with high-quality materials and a well-appointed dashboard layout. The rear seats offered ample legroom and headroom, making the Gran Turismo a comfortable vehicle for passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The F07 Gran Turismo features a robust chassis designed to handle the weight and power of the 550i variant. The front suspension utilizes a double wishbone design, while the rear suspension employs an independent multi-link setup. This configuration provides a good balance of ride comfort and handling performance. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and stability control are standard features, enhancing safety and control. The Gran Turismo’s steering system utilizes an electric power steering system, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 5 Series Gran Turismo, and particularly the 550i variant, received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its spacious interior, luxurious features, and powerful engine, it was often criticized for its unconventional styling and relatively high price. Compared to the 535i Gran Turismo, the 550i offered significantly more performance but came at a higher cost. The 550i also differed from the diesel-powered 535d Gran Turismo in terms of fuel economy and engine characteristics. Fuel economy figures were respectable for a vehicle of its size and performance, averaging around 25.6 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability reports suggest that the N63 engine, while powerful, can be prone to certain issues, such as oil leaks and cooling system problems, requiring diligent maintenance.
Legacy
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo was a bold and ambitious attempt to create a new vehicle segment. While it didn’t achieve widespread popularity, it remains a unique and interesting vehicle. The N63 engine, despite its potential maintenance concerns, is widely regarded as a powerful and refined powerplant. Today, the 550i Gran Turismo can be found on the used car market at relatively affordable prices. However, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential maintenance costs associated with the N63 engine and ensure that the vehicle has been properly maintained. The F07 Gran Turismo represents a fascinating chapter in BMW’s history, showcasing the brand’s willingness to experiment with new designs and technologies.
