R&T Test Results for 550i GT and 550i - Surprising

Road & Track in the March 2011 issue reported their test results for the 550i equipped with a 6MT. Previously in July 2010,
R&T reported numbers for the 550i GT. The 550i GT and the 550i test results were very close. I am surprised by the results.

..............................GT...............550i
0 – 60.....................5.1 ...............5.0
0-100......................11.6..............11.4
¼ mile.....................13.4@106.5...13.4@106.8
Top speed................150...............150
Brake 60-0................122...............125
Brake 80-0................220...............218
Skidpad, g.................0.89..............0.88
Slalom mph................66.7..............66.0
R&T mpg...................16.0..............17.8
Curb weight...............4720.............4410

Not surprised by MPG due to weight but surprised by the performance numbers. only 0.1 second faster from 0-60 and 0.2 from 0-100. Skippad, slalom and braking are most surprising. With 310lb more, GT seems to be a better car. 310lb only means 2 ft difference when braking from 80-0, wow!!

The general perception is that the 550i is much sportier; the numbers would argue that the 550i and 550i GT are dynamically equivalent. I find this surprising given the GT's greater weight, higher center of gravity, and larger scale. In general, I view the test results not in negative terms with respect to the 550i - a car I find very desirable - but as a very positive 550i GT statement.

Originally Posted by svanil

The general perception is that the 550i is much sportier; the numbers would argue that the 550i and 550i GT are dynamically equivalent. I find this surprising given the GT's greater weight, higher center of gravity, and larger scale. In general, I view the test results not in negative terms with respect to the 550i - a car I find very desirable - but as a very positive 550i GT statement.

I couldnt agree more. Also notice that the air of disastifaction is not really present in this forum as you will find in some of the others. Why, because we all understand the purpose of the GT. We knew that we would not be dynamically dissapointed, quite the contray, as the athletisim, as you have so eloquently expressed - in addition to the functionality and versatility - is a bonus.

I can honestly say - as a primary sedan - nothing else in BMW's current line up pleases me more than the GT.

You beat me to it, I was looking for that "Road Test Summary"

Does the GT have a wider track? I wonder if was tested with those magnificent and very wide 20s which I believe come with more aggressive rubber than the 550i grand touring" Excellence" Goodyears. Kudos to the GT but Im surprised!

Originally Posted by DrCJ

Does the GT have a wider track? I wonder if was tested with those magnificent and very wide 20s which I believe come with more aggressive rubber than the 550i grand touring" Excellence" Goodyears. Kudos to the GT but Im surprised!

The 550i and 550i GT share 7 series architecture. The wheelbase of the 550i is 116.9 with a F/R track of 63.0 in. /64.1in. - the 550i GT mirrors the 750i and has a wheel base of 120.9 with a F/R track of 63.4/65.1. R&T tested both the 550i and 550i GT equipped with sport packages and dynamic handling. The 550i sport package comes with 19 in. wheels. The test of the 550i GT did not specify if it was equipped with 20 " wheels since this was a R&T "short test". I assume the car was equipped with 20 in. wheels - I have never seen a test without the 20 inchers. I love the 20 in. wheels and Goodyears on my car. I never thought I would like runflats after having them on my 335i Vert equipped with the sport package but the suspension of my 550i GT is compliant and the handling is engaging. The 550i GT challenges convention and forces one to examine prejudices.