The New “GT” by BMW & Porsche

BMW’s PAS.

By Hardy Drackett | IMG BMW NA, Porsche NA

ARRIVING later this fall, Porsche and BMW showrooms will be the first place to get a glimpse of a new vehicular niche.

Not quite sedans, not really wagons either, and with a lower roofline than SUVs, Porsche is starting the party with the long-rumored Panamera, and BMW is answering back with the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Interestingly, these automakers have come from opposite directions to reach the same conclusion.

Porsche is using the Panamera to expand its portfolio, while BMW has positioned the 5GT as the replacement for an existing model.

And true to each marque, Stuttgart and Munich have produced similar machines with different personalities.

I don’t usually buy into marketing jargon, but if you put aside images of front-engine Ferraris with luggage belted in place under the rear window, the GT moniker BMW has chosen seems apt to describe this niche segment.

After all, Gran Turismo, or “grand touring” has historically been used to connote sports cars that emphasize comfort over flat-out performance, and are able to make long-distance, high-speed journeys in style while carrying a reasonable amount of luggage. So don’t be surprised if you see one or two of these new models at the next Gumball Rally.

But even as a daily driver, the concept makes sense: combine the driving dynamics of a sedan with some extra cargo space, while avoiding the stigma of being a wagon (not cool) or SUV (gas guzzler).

2010 PORSCHE PANAMERA

Porsche takes a lot of guff whenever it adds a vehicle to its fleet that isn’t a Carrera or a limited-edition supercar.

Think back to 1996 when Porsche introduced the Boxster. 911 purists hated the idea of a Porsche for the masses. But it won respect for it’s fun-to-drive factor and sales soared. Porsche pushed the envelope further in 2002 with the debut of the Cayenne.

Brand loyalists were outraged by the paradox of a Porsche SUV. It was -ahem- unsightly, but Porsche earned credibility for delivering the world’s best-performing SUV, and the Cayenne quickly became their top seller in North America.

Now, with “roadster” and “SUV” crossed off its to-do list, Porsche is out for a third win with the Panamera. Like the Cayenne, no one seems to think the Panamera’s design deserves a spot at MoMA. But enthusiasts can’t ignore the facts: these cars are quick.

All variants use Porsche’s double-clutch transmission, which keeps the next cog on standby and changes gears with virtually no interruption of momentum. Bury the go pedal and the Turbo will hit 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds. If it’s any indication of interest, Porsche dealers have waiting lists and aftermarket tuners 9ff and Gemballa have mods at the ready.

After the long wait, it seems clear that the Panamera will be well received by Cayenne drivers who’ve grown wary of the SUV image, 911 drivers that want more room, and first time customers who have been holding out for just such an offering from Porsche.

To avoid any criticisms that the new addition will dilute the Porsche brand, the U.S. will get the Panamera in three potent flavors; the 400 horsepower S and 4S, and the 500 horsepower Turbo. Good news for purists, who may have a point when they say the $45,000 base Cayenne, which limps to 60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds, is a little too close to Touareg territory.

2010 BMW 5 SERIES GRAN TURISMO

When rumors about the Panamera surfaced, designers at Bayerische Motoren Werke took notice. And so began a project to create a “Progressive Activity Sedan.” Objective: create a vehicle whose passengers could enjoy the rear legroom of a 7 Series, the headroom of an X5, and a ride height somewhere in between, for a commanding view of the road and ease of entry and exit.

So where does a Progressive Activity Sedan fit into BMW’s ever-growing model lineup? When BMW hits us with the 550i GT, we’ll wave auf vidersen to the 535i xDrive Sport Wagon. Which may not go over so well with wagon loyalists. Market research shows that 5 Series wagon buyers are the wealthiest and most traditional of all BMW customers. They’re still driving wagons because they bucked the SUV trend.

Love it or hate it, the 5GT design is for a more modern customer. Four can travel comfortably, thanks to reclining bucket seats in the rear. But don’t ask anyone to sit between them for a long ride.

And don’t plan on an optional third row bench. The fastback silhouette doesn’t allow room. But it does conceal a slick new tailgate design – you can open the whole thing, or just the bottom half to keep drafts from disturbing the rear passengers.

The 550i GT will have a healthy 400 horses on tap, thanks to the twin turbo V8 found in the X6 and 750Li. And a 535i GT with a modest 300 horsepower turbo six is slated to appear in the spring of 2010. But true to its 7 Series underpinnings, no M version has been confirmed, and there’s been no mention of xDrive, meaning Porsche’s Turbo will outgun BMW at the top of the spectrum.

Bottom line: this is not your mother’s station wagon. But these days, your mother is a very small slice of the Bavarian Pie. And BMW is willing to risk losing a few old customers to Volvo (they still make wagons, right?) to gain a piece of the action in this new segment.

So who exactly are these cars for? A pretty small crowd. Both manufacturers estimate a worldwide demand of only about 20,000 units per year. The takers will likely be early adopters who want performance and practicality in a new package.

And the competition will be watching closely.

Audi has already hinted at an A7, and it’s a good bet that Mercedes is contemplating breeding its CLS and R Classes. There’s even talk of hyper-exotics that would top out the segment, including the Aston Martin Rapide and Lamborghini Estoque.

So if their grand tourers catch on, you can bet that Porsche and BMW won’t be the only show in town for long.