Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo hatchback (2009-2017) - Interior & comfort

There’s loads of room in the BMW 5 Series GT, even for the tallest passengers

Carbuyer Rating

3.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Interior & comfort Rating

4.2 out of 5

From the back seats, the BMW 5 Series GT is a spacious and relaxing car to travel in, especially if you specify the optional Executive Package (two separate rear chairs).

The standard rear seats are great and offer a commanding view out, but the upgraded ones recline independently – allowing plenty of scope to get comfortable on longer journeys. There's loads of room in the front and rear for even the tallest passengers thanks to the high roof, while the ambient cabin lighting makes the GT a soothing place to sit at night.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A high-set driving position and wide range of seat adjustment ensure the driver is comfortable, too.

The main problem with the 5 GT is its sheer size. Its driving dynamics confirm that this BMW has been designed more for the passenger’s enjoyment than the driver’s. Plus, the ride quality of the GT isn’t as good as the 5 Series saloon’s, and it’s not as elegant as other large coupe-style luxury hatchbacks such as the Mercedes CLS or Audi A7 Sportback. The hatchback tail is a bit ungainly, as is the slightly raised ride height. Still, the front end is aggressive and purposeful and the latest model has been tweaked to look more like the BMW 3 Series, with new front and rear lights and a sharper front bumper design.

BMW 5 Series GT dashboard

The 5 Series GT’s interior is a very luxurious affair. In fact, few cars at this price point look as beautiful inside. Everything from the dashboard to the standard leather seats is extremely well made, while all the buttons and instruments operate with a quality feel. The cabin feels like you’re in a car from the class above, with lovely leather, metal and soft-touch plastics used across the wide and welcoming dash. The slightly raised seating position means visibility out the front window is good, although those the rear screen pillars get in the way when you’re reversing.

Equipment

All models are very well equipped, although we'd recommend sticking with the basic SE model and adding options such as sat nav and a head-up display rather than forking out for the pricey M Sport version. This commands a hefty premium over the standard car, yet gives you relatively little extra kit – although buyers now have a choice of Modern and Luxury trims, too.

Options

You can kit out your 5 Series GT with a range of features to make long journeys less stressful, such as folding rear tables, sun blinds and iPad holders that attach to the front head restraints. And for that winter Alpine trip, you can even order a bespoke ski and snowboard bag, specially designed for the GT’s boot.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best cars
4 Oct 2024

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024