The new sixth generation BMW 5 Series Saloon has been revealed, with a plethora of new features including auto Start-Stop technology and eight-speed automatic transmission the German carmaker is promising its highest ever level of standard specification for the 5 series.
The first BMW 5-series appeared back in 1972 and it has remained a very popular option in the executive saloon sector ever since. Previously incarnations of the car has seen notable firsts including BMW’s first diesel engine, all aluminium suspension, head-up display, and active steering. This sixth generation is no different, as this new model will be available with Auto Start-Stop, eight-speed automatic transmission and double-wishbone front suspension.
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon has been styled to reflect its almost 50:50 weight distribution with a coupé-like roofline and contoured bonnet. The familiar BMW kidney grille stands upright alluding to the car’s sporting pedigree. It’s unmistakenly BMW.
With its near 3 metre long wheelbase the car provides an additional 13mm knee room over the outgoing model, which assists in creating a greater feeling of interior speace. The BMW 5 Series Saloon is also practical with a 520-litre boot and the option to specify 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.
Inside, the cabin features many of the sporting but luxurious quality and comfort features found in the BMW 7 Series. Inclined seven degrees towards the driver, the asymmetrically designed centre console ensures that all controls are comfortably within the reach. The multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all of the function keys in one hand and infotainment in the other.
In a move to allign the new 5 Series with stablemates the 7 Series and 5 Series Gran Turismo the car benefits from the use of Black Panel technology on the centre console and instrument panel. Electronic displays are visible when needed, but when not in use discreetly blend in to form an elegant black band across the interior.
At launch seven variants will be available in the UK, these are:
- BMW 520d SE Saloon
- BMW 525d SE Saloon
- BMW 530d SE Saloon
- BMW 523i SE Saloon
- BMW 528i SE Saloon
- BMW 535i SE Saloon
- BMW 550i SE Saloon
The German giants anticipate the 520d variant will be the biggest seller in the UK, with CO2 emissions expected to be around 130g/km, and a combined mpg of over 55 – this big executive saloon will not be too thirsty.
Topping the range, at launch, is the BMW 550i which is powered by an acclaimed 407hp 4,395cc V8 engine. With its twin-turbocharger technology, the 550i offers scintillating performance with a zero to 62mph time of just 5.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Peak torque of 600Nm is available consistently between 1,750rpm and 4,500rpm. The BMW 550i logs a combined consumption figure of 27.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 243g/km. The 550i also features, as standard, the eight-speed automatic transmission. No news as yet of a new M5, but surely it is only a matter of time until this is revealed.
All models benefit from a raft of EfficientDynamics technology, including the 520d featuring Auto Start-Stop technology, an increasingly common fuel saving device, which turns the engine off when stationary. All manual gearboxes will also come with an optimum gearshift indicator to help drivers know when to change gear to optimise the car’s efficiency. Brake Energy Regeneration, which recharges the vehicle’s battery during engine over-run, is part of the standard specification.
Active Aerodynamics also plays its part in keeping emissions low and performance high by closing off the air cooling flaps behind the kidney grills to improve the aerodynamics of the car and performance on cold starts. Low rolling resistance tyres also feature across the range.
Dakota leather interior comes as standard across the range.
The new 5 Series also comes with a large number of optional extras. For the first time, BMW is offering Park Assist. Once a button on the centre console is pressed ultrasound sensors located in the side indicator surrounds scan the road either side of the vehicle for an appropriate parking space. On location of a suitable free bay the driver then only need operate the accelerator and brake pedals while the Park Assist system swiftly slots the car into the space with ease.
Four-wheel Integral Active Steering can also be specified for the first time on a 5 Series Saloon and a car equipped as such benefits from a 0.5metre smaller turning circle. Meanwhile, the Surround View system uses cameras in the side mirrors and the front wheel arches in conjunction with Park Distance Control and the optional Reversing Assist camera to provide a 360 degree view on the iDrive display for perfect parking.
The BMW 5 Series Saloon is offered with a wealth of optional equipment to enhance driver safety, comfort and enjoyment. Head-up Display, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info and two rear entertainment packages are all available.
In the UK the BMW 5 Series Saloon will be offered with four optional equipment packages. BMW Business Advanced Media and BMW Professional Multimedia packages include BMW Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive – Assist and Online and Voice control. Dynamic package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Sport seats, Anthracite headlining, Sport leather steering wheel and High-gloss exterior trim. The Visibility package includes Adaptive headlights, Xenon headlights, High-beam Assist and headlight wash.
There is not too long to wait either, as the new BMW 5 series Saloon goes on sale 20 March, 2010. Let us know what you think about the car in the comments box below.
