If you love BMW but want something a bit more unique, the 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo may be the SAV for you. With the interesting styling, and a buttery, smooth ride, this sport activity vehicle blends performance, technology, and luxury into one powerful and some may argue, pricey machine.

The RWD 550i GT is powered by a 4.4 L V8 twin turbo mated to an 8-speed transmission that produces 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque and goes 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. The transmission also gives the option to drive in sport mode. In sport mode, the driver has four options of driving styles: comfort, normal, sport, and sport plus. Each option changes the response/feel of the throttle, shifts, response, and suspension. However, with great performance comes some sacrifice and you will pay at the pump. Average miles per gallon ratings come in at 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

Besides the power, the BMW 550i SAV also comes with some neat features. From the technology side of things, the BMW 550i GT has a lot to offer. There is the much-need dual camera system for the high back, the blind spot monitor system, bimodal trunk opening options, adaptive cruise control, 10 inch LCD screen, and 3D map navigation with dynamic routes around traffic jams when a destination is programmed. The dual panel panoramic sunroof that makes up about 55% of the roof reminds the buyer that they aren’t just in a SAV but that they are also in a luxury vehicle. The last nice touch and possibly most newsworthy feature for the 550i Gran Turismo is the brake energy regeneration.

Our 550i Gran Turismo came with several options. With the cold weather package and the sport package, we topped out at $74,025. However, if you stick closer to the basics, the 550i GT starts at $63,900 but you’ll still be paying the $1000 gas guzzler charge no matter how many or few options you choose.

To discuss the look of the 2010 550i GT, check out our 5 Series Forums.

The 2011 BMW 5 Series debuted to a packed house at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Both the 535i and 550i were in attendance. For 2011, the 5 Series keeps getting better, growing a little wider, longer and lower without losing the classic BMW look.

The 5 Series represents the epitome of the brand and BMW did not forget that fact. While both models come with an 8-speed automatic, BMW offers a 6-speed manual option at no additional cost. The 535i is powered by an inline-six while the 550i uses the V8 twin turbo.

Pricing for the 535i starts just shy of $50k at $49,650 while the 550i, including nav, starts just over $10k more that the 535i at $59,750. While some may balk at the price, prospective buyers should factor in BMW’s warranty for the first 50,000 miles that provides no-cost service.

To discuss the new 5 Series, visit our BMW 5 Series Forum.