The New BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to debut in 2009.

Whitby. Unveiled in February as a concept vehicle, the BMW 5 Series Gran
Turismo will come to market in 2009, combining the characteristic features of a
sporty BMW Sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo,
in an entirely new style.

The traditional European term Gran Turismo (Grand Touring) was first applied by
Italian carmakers in the 1950s when they combined the performance, handling,
and style of a 2-seat sport car with luxurious amenities and luggage room for
each occupant. BMW's new Gran Turismo nurtures this tradition in its own
contemporary way, providing exceptional space, style, luxury, and comfort for
four passengers, plus the performance and driving dynamics of a BMW.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo will debut as a 550i, powered by BMW's stunning
4.4-liter, twin turbocharged V-8 engine with High Precision direction fuel
injection (also featured in the new 7 Series and X6). Producing 400 hp and
maximum torque of 450 lb-ft., the Gran Turismo easily sprints from 0-100 km/h
in just 5.5 seconds while delivering fuel consumption of 11.2 litres/100 km*
(*preliminary European specification) and meeting the stringent U.S. ULEV II
emission requirements.

The 5 Series Gran Turismo also introduces a brand-new 8-speed high-efficiency
automatic transmission (shared with the forthcoming BMW 760Li), bringing a new
level of seamless responsiveness under acceleration. The 8-speed's "taller"
cruising gears also make a significant contribution to reduced fuel
consumption, carbon-dioxide emissions and drivetrain silence.

Brake Energy Regeneration: an energy-saving innovation.
For the first time on a North American BMW model, the new 5 Series Gran Turismo
is equipped with BMW's Brake Energy Regeneration system. To save energy and
reduce the vehicle's fuel consumption, this system charges the battery only
when the vehicle is decelerating or braking; otherwise, it freewheels, drawing
virtually no power from the engine.

A special, high-capacity battery accommodates the vehicle's electrical demands
using a technology called "glass mat," in which its internal plates are
separated with saturated absorbent glass-boron silicate rather than the usual
liquid electrolyte. This construction sharply reduces the battery's conversion
of charging energy to heat, and can provide the necessary electrical power for
longer periods between charges.

Exterior and Interior - Dynamic, Luxurious and Versatile
With a long wheelbase and graceful, coupe-like roofline, the 5 Series Gran
Turismo exudes an expression of luxury and sportiness, while its innovative
body structure and interior exhibits exceptional capacity and versatility. The
first 4-door BMW to have frameless door windows - a feature BMW usually
reserved for Coupés and Convertibles - the Gran Turismo incorporates BMW's
signature "Hofmeister Kink", portraying an "open" look to side and angled views
of the vehicle.

In standard form, the rear seating accommodates three passengers, with a
40-20-40 split of the backrest allowing for selective fold-down. In addition,
the entire seat cushion can be adjusted by up to 100 mm fore and aft and the
individual backrest sections can be adjusted over a range of 15˚-33˚. Yet there'
s more here than just adjustability: there's also outstanding personal space,
with legroom on the scale of BMW's 7 Series Sedan and headroom comparable to
the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle.

Accompanying the variable seating accommodations is variable cargo capacity,
ranging from an already generous 440 litres in the sedan-style enclosed trunk
to fully 1,700 litres (DIN rating) with folded rear seats, creating a SAV-style
long cargo floor.

The highly distinctive coachwork of the 5 Series Gran Turismo is highlighted by
a unique two-piece bi-modal trunk structure, designed to achieve maximum
convenience and versatility for loading cargo. Consisting of a smaller,
trunklid-like opening under the rear window and a large liftgate similar to
that of BMW's X models, the "trunklid" can be opened separately, remaining
integrated into the larger structure when the liftgate is operated.

The 550i Gran Turismo comes standard with a new version of BMW's dual-panel
Panoramic sunroof. Encompassing about 55% of the roof's surface area, the
entire assembly is 116 cm long and 94.2 cm wide; its forward glass panel
slides open 44 cm or tilts upward. The rear glass panel is fixed, serving as a
highly rigid part of the overall body structure. The sunroof's forward wind
deflector rises to different heights on the basis of vehicle speed, more
effectively taming potential low-speed air drumming or high-speed wind road;
its interior sunshade is also electrically powered.

Following suit from the new 7-Series, the instrumentation of the Gran Turismo
integrates Black Panel technology, and BMW's all-new, 4th generation iDrive
system, available in two versions: with 7.0-in. dimensions and 800 x 480-pixel
resolution in standard form, or with the optional Navigation system, in a
dazzling 10.2-in., 1280 x 480-pixel version with a wide range of new features
and functions . Displays are transreflective so that light from the sun
actually enhances the images on the screen.

State-of-the-art chassis engineering
True to BMW tradition, the new Gran Turismo exploits the creation of a new
vehicle generation to advance the art of chassis technology and engineering.
Improving both driving dynamics and riding comfort are always the core goals of
the transition to a new BMW generation, and in these regards the Gran Turismo
excels, incorporating:
- A new multi-link front suspension with an upper lateral A-arm and
double-pivot lower control arms;
- Integral multi-link, self-levelling rear air suspension;
-The majority of suspension components in aluminum, including rear suspension
subframe, to reduce unsprung weight
- Optional Integral Active Steering incorporating rear-wheel steering
- Optional Adaptive Drive, which integrates Dynamic Damping Control (DDS) with
Active Roll Stabilization (ARS). The DDS system automatically adjusts shock
absorber damping levels, adapting instantly to the optimum setting for
prevailing road conditions and vehicle speed, while ARS simultaneously
minimizes body roll via active front and rear anti-roll bars, optimizing
control and comfort.

Driving Dynamics Control: driver-selectable vehicle dynamics.
Adjacent to the electronic shift lever is the Driving Dynamics Control selector
providing three standard settings that tailor vehicle behavior to different
preferences, with Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings; vehicle parameters
affected include:
- Engine throttle response
- Transmission shift characteristics
- Power-steering assist level
- Dynamic Tractions Control mode (Sport+)
When equipped with optional Adaptive Drive, a fourth mode, called Comfort, is
added.

A full range of safety and comfort options
Emulating the newly-introduced 7 Series, the new 5 Series Gran Turismo will be
offered with the same level of BMW's latest safety options, including Head-Up
Display, Night Vision, Side View Camera, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind
Spot Detection.
In keeping with its luxury orientation, the Gran Turismo will also be available
with advanced comfort options including Active Ventilated Seats and heated Rear
Comfort Seats in a 4-seater interior configuration, along with power sunshades
for the rear door windows and a 4-zone climate-control system.

The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is poised to add an exciting new niche to BMW'
s Ultimate Driving Experience tradition and refine the concept of first-class
travel.

Additional Canadian market information and pricing will be made available
closer to market launch late in the fourth quarter of 2009. Please visit BMW
Press Club Canada at www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/ca02.nsf for additional
technical information and extensive photo library for the BMW 5 Series Gran
Turismo.

BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW
AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance
automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group
Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail
financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW
and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW
Motorcycles. A total network of 40 BMW automobile retail centres, 19 BMW
motorcycle retailers, and 25 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the
country.
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For more information, please contact:

Jochen Frey, Director, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
Office - 905-428-5005 / Cell - 416-627-0436 / Jochen.frey@bmwgroup.ca

Rob Dexter, Specialist - Product & Technology
BMW Group Canada
Office - 905-428-5447 / Cell - 416-258-9018 / Robert.dexter@bmwgroup.ca