The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan will be available in global markets starting February 2017. The new car has improved upon the dynamics, assistance systems, connectivity and operating system of previous-generation BMW 5 Series Sedan.
With the application of the BMW EfficientLightweight lightweight design concept, allowing the extensive use of aluminium and high-strength steels helped the 5 Series Sedan lose upto 100 kilograms from that of its predecessor.
Various chassis options such as Integral Active Steering, which can now be coupled with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, add further to its dynamic talents. The drag coefficient of the new 4,935 millimetre-long BMW 5 Series Sedan is a remarkable Cd = 0.22, which is a record in its segment.
A array of assistance systems that are both passive and active have been added including those necessary in less demanding situations at the wheel, such as traffic jams, slow-moving traffic and highway driving situations. It is fitted as standard stereo camera, which teams up with optional radar and ultrasound sensors to monitor the car’s surrounds. Besides the evasion aid and Crossing traffic warning, other features like Lane Change Assistant and Lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection also make the list.
The new 5 Series also has the optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) system and Steering and Lane keeping assistant. These include adoption of speed restrictions, which the optional Intelligent Speed Assist communicates to the cruise control system (the driver can adjust this figure by +/– 15 km/h / 9 mph). From rest to 210 km/h (130 mph), the car can relieve the driver of acceleration, braking and steering duties, as required. The intelligent Auto Stop/Start function now adjusts its responses to the route and traffic conditions and therefore add greater driving comfort.
The new BMW 5 Series is equipped with the latest-generation iDrive system which controls and displays the navigation, telephone and entertainment features, plus vehicle functions, on a high-resolution 10.25-inch screen. The system can be operated using the iDrive Controller, by voice command or gestures, or and now by touching the display controls directly. The large, tile-style panels can be arranged as desired and show the content of the underlying menus in constantly updated form. The latest-generation full-colour BMW Head-Up Display is 70 per cent larger than before and displays traffic signs, telephone listings, radio stations, music tracks, navigation instructions and warnings from the assistance systems.
There is now extended storage options, (much needed) greater legroom for rear-seat passengers and comfort seats with massage function, innovative seat operation using touch sensors and four-zone climate control complete with ionisation and discreet air fragrancing. Special Synergy Thermoacoustic Capsule (SYNTAK) engine encapsulation technology, the acoustic glazing for the windscreen and the acoustic headliner bring about another noticeable reduction in noise levels inside the car. As standard comes headlamps with LED technology and available as an option are Adaptive LED Headlights with variable light distribution including adaptive roundabout lights and BMW Selective Beam anti-dazzle high beam with a range of up to 500 metres.
The new 5-Series also offers lots of connectivity. It includes new ParkNow technology for digital parking space reservation and payment, the On-Street Parking Information intelligent parking space search function and the optional Parking Assistant, which detects empty spots and parks the vehicle automatically. Plus, the Microsoft Exchange service now enables Microsoft Office 365 users to sync emails, calendar entries and contacts and edit them inside their car. Meanwhile, the optional Remote Parking system allows the Sedan to be manoeuvred into even the tightest parking spaces remotely using the car key – this we gotta see. And wireless Apple CarPlay, inductive phone charging and the WiFi hotspot for up to ten devices have been included.
BMW Connected, the personal digital mobility assistant from BMW, has been available in Europe since July 2016. It gives drivers an overview of their mobility-related information. Relevant content such as the upcoming navigation destinations and estimated arrival time recorded in their personal mobility agenda are transferred seamlessly into the car from their smartphone and displayed on the personalised screen. Remote 3D View allows drivers to call up three-dimensional views of the area around their car on their smartphone while on the move.
All the engines in the 5 Series Sedan line-up belong to the new modular BMW EfficientDynamics units with TwinPower Turbo technology of which two diesel engines and two petrol variants will be available from launch; matched with with either rear-wheel drive or BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
The new 2-litre 4-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW 530i develops peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) and maximum output of 185 kW/252 hp. Its fuel consumption in the combined cycle comes in at 5.4 litres/100 km (52.3 mpg imp)*, which means CO2 emissions of 126 g/km – down more than 11 per cent on its predecessor’s figures. The BMW 530i accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds. The flagship engine at launch will be the 250 kW/340 hp BMW 540i. This 3-litre straight-6 produces a maximum torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) while being capable of 6.5 l/100 km (43.5 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of just 150 g/km*. In xDrive guise, the BMW 540i powers from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds.
The 4-cylinder diesel engine powering the BMW 520d develops 140 kW/190 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 4.1 l/100 km (68.9 mpg imp)* and 108 g/km with the manual gearbox specified or 4.0 l/100 km (70.6 mpg imp)* and 107 g/km with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The sedan accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.6 seconds (Steptronic). Top speed is 237 km/h (147 mph).
The new middle order for diesels comprises of the BMW 530d, which will make as much as 195 kW/265 hp and peak torque of 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) from its 6-cylinder in-line unit allowing it to race from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds. The BMW 530d also makes do with average fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100 km (62.8 mpg imp)* and its CO2 emissions of 118 g/km is almost a 13 per cent improvement over its predecessor.
BMW will be adding another three engine variants to the line-up. The 140 kW/190 hp four-cylinder diesel engine will be presented in its most efficient form in the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition with 8-speed Steptronic. Its CO2 emissions of just 102 g/km are the lowest in the sedan’s class and expected average fuel consumption should be as low as 3.9 l/100 km [72.4 mpg imp]*).
In March 2017, expect to see the plug-in hybrid BMW 530e iPerformance. The combination of the BMW eDrive electric drive concept and a 4-cylinder petrol engine produces extremely low CO2 emissions of just 46 g/km (2.0 l/100 km)* while making as much as 185 kW/252 hp.
Also in March 2017 the BMW M550i xDrive will take over until the M5 comes along. Its is powered by a V8 engine that not only churns out 340 kW/462 hp and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque but is also capable of an average fuel economy figure of 8.9 l/100 km [31.7 mpg imp] while emitting only 204 g/km of CO2 emissions.The BMW M550i xDrive dispatches the 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 4.0 seconds.
