BMW is considering adding four-cylinders engines to the 5-series GT to make it more affordable, Autocar can reveal.

The company is looking at the 175bhp four-cylinder unit found in the 320d, which returns over 50mpg on the combined cycle, according to BMW sources.

Currently the 5-series GT starts at around £40,000, putting it out of reach of many 5-series saloon owners.

But the company would like to open it up to more customers, once the new niche has been established.

First up will be the twin-turbo diesel unit and then a cheaper four-cylinder could arrive.

“We are looking at the twin-turbo diesel and are likely to see that soon,” said the car’s product manager, Michelle Roberts, “nothing is confirmed yet but a four-cylinder diesel is also being looked into.”

Ollie Stallwood

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