BMW's high five; The German marque's new GT is posh, powerful, practical and admirably different, finds CHRIS RUSSON.

Byline: CHRIS RUSSON

IT'S the German car with an Italian name and a definite American flavour. The 5 Series Gran Turismo is unlike any car BMW have ever produced.

Certainly, it lives up to its name as a Grand Tourer but its looks may not be everyone's cup of tea.

In profile, the styling is captivating with a large, flowing fastback set off by pronounced bodywork cuts.

From the front, it's obviously BMW - although the trademark kidney-shaped grille is a touch on the chunky side. Rear on, and controversy arrives with a slab end bedecked with brightwork - overtly North American.

BMW say they want the Gran Turismo to be a blend of the luxury found in their 7 Series models and the practicality of the X5 sports activity vehicle - and, to be fair, it's probably spot on.

Priced from pounds 40,810 for a three-litre diesel, the 530d GT SE may share part of its name with the 5 Series models but it's a good pounds 5000 more than a saloon.

The GT line-up tops out at pounds 53,490 for a 4.4-litreV8 in Executive trim. In the middle is a three-litre petrol version priced from pounds 41,150 in SE specification or pounds 44,050 for the higher grade.

Executive models are fitted out as luxury four-seaters with plenty of space in the rear.

The back seats are electrically adjustable with a travel of about four inches and cargo space ranges from 440 to 1700 litres.

The car is posh but practical - for example, the tailgate splits so it can be opened either in hatchback fashion or as a saloon.

All versions feature a panoramic sunroof with a retractable blind as well as four-zone air-conditioning.

Leather upholstery is standard throughout the range and the cabin is wide, well appointed and immensely comfortable.

On the road, the GT is supremely confident - and that goes for any of the engines.

All models make use of the eight-speed automatic gearboxes first seen on BMW's 760 Li Limousine. It's claimed to be six per cent more efficient than a six-speed transmission.

Four suspension settings can be selected at the touch of a button, ranging from a comfort mode to an ultra-sporty set-up that disengages some of the GT's automatic stability controls.

The diesel is punchy and can manage the 0-62mph sprint in 6.9 seconds, which is almost as quick as the three-litre petrol. The V8 is very rapid at 5.5 seconds.

Every engine makes use of BMW's Efficient Dynamics technology to help fuel economy, which ranges from 43.5mpg on average for the 530d to 31.7 for the 535i and 25.2 for the 550i. CO2 emissions are 173, 209 and 263g/km respectively.

A fuel consumption meter is incorporated into the bottom of the rev counter and works in a similar way to that of BMWs of old, with the read-out arcing along the bottom of the dial.

Sat-nav - an option costing up to pounds 2400 with Bluetooth - is now shown in a widescreen format.

It is a hi-tech finish to a most sophisticated instrument display, which BMW call Blackpanel.

The Gran Turismo is a bold venture for BMW and aimed at those who love motoring in a car with a difference.

This is a blend of practicality, power and luxury without match.

Factfile: Model: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Engine: Three or 4.4-litre petrol; three-litre diesel Power: 306, 407 or 245bhp 0-62mph: 6.3, 5.5 or 6.9 seconds Fuel economy: 31.7, 25.2 or 43.5mpg CO2 emissions: 209, 263 or 173g/km Warranty: Three years/unlimited miles Price: pounds 40,810 to pounds 53,490 On sale: Now