According to a recent report, BMW will not produce a high performance 5-Series GT M.
While not totally unexpected, considering the Z4 M was also nixed, it does seem odd that BMW has approved M versions of the X5 and X6. If the report is correct, the range-topping 5-Series GT will be the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 550i with 400 horsepower.
With performance out, efficiency is in. According to 5-Series GT product manager, Michelle Roberts, "We are looking at the twin-turbo diesel and are likely to see that soon. Nothing is confirmed yet, but a four-cylinder diesel is also being looked into." Autocar believes this indicates an entry-level 520d GT, with the 175 bhp four-cylinder diesel engine from the 320d. If this is the case, the 520d GT would be cheap (relative to the other 5-Series GTs) and fuel efficient (it would likely average 50+ mpg in the combined cycle).
