The fastback returns with BMW unveiling a concept based on its 5 Series.

IT'S BMW's latest foray into niche marketing with the most recent being the X6 coupe SUV.

At the 79th Geneva Motor Show, which opens on March 5, BMW will unveil the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo.

"This innovative idea takes the much loved, often copied, yet unbeatable BMW 5 Series sedan and touring family and creates a new look at sporting luxury mobility," said a BMW statement.

"It focuses on providing elegance, space, versatility and supreme comfort in one eye-catching design."

The fastback styling is reminiscent of the new BMW X6, while the front end carries overtones of the E60 5 Series family.

All four doors feature frameless windows, a la coupe-style, while the large panorama roof was previously reserved for the BMW X Series and 5 Series Touring.

At the rear there is a new tailgate design. The single piece tailgate lifts up to allow access to the boot area for loading bulky items, but when closed, access to the traditional boot is by flipping up the vertical section of the lid, allowing convenient insertion of smaller objects.

"The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is designed for enjoyable long distance travel in supreme comfort," said the statement.

"Interior space is plentiful and the show car reveals a coup-like layout with four large individual seats, bisected by a front to rear central console.

"Designed with ease of entry and exit in mind, there is a high H' point for the front seats, which means occupants step straight in rather than dropping down into the seats as in a typical BMW 5 Series sedan or climbing aboard into a vehicle such as the BMW X6."

Each of the rear seats is electrically adjustable for backrest rake as well as substantial fore and aft movement. Rear headroom is similar to a BMW X5 with legroom on a par with a BMW 7 Series.

The rear seats fold forward to create a luggage area of 1650 litres.

The dash is angled toward the driver and there are large screens inserted into the back of the front seats for the entertainment of the rear occupants.

The instrument cluster has a black panel similar to that in the new BMW 7 Series, but is equipped with four circular dials. The latest generation iDrive system is also featured.

BMW says it has created a new niche in the premium market with this offering that is part sedan, part coup and part wagon.

"The flared wheel arches, filled with unique 21in light alloy wheels, further accentuate the sporting intent of the vehicle," the company said.

The eye-catching paint scheme is called Fluid Cuprite (Cuprite is an oxide of copper) and is a new colour developed specifically for this car.

"The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo could be the ideal vehicle for customers who want a luxury sedan that offers additional flexibility without the sheer size of an SUV," said BMW Australia managing director Guenther Seemann.

"With its abundance of space, comfort and luxury features, not to mention its unique design, this latest BMW will be one of the key talking points of the Geneva Motor Show.

"Once again BMW demonstrates its creative leadership in its constant drive to deliver innovative design and functionality to customers in the premium market."

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