BMW has unveiled their seventh generation 5-Series. Initial reports from insiders were that this new model would feature an evolutionary new design, although now that the first pictures have emerged, the changes to the cars styling are probably more subtle than we were led to expect.
“The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series points the way into the future, as we have defined it with our NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy. We see technological leadership, emotionally rich products and digitalisation as essential factors in achieving success. With the expansion of our model portfolio in the large-vehicle classes, we are satisfying the wishes of many customers. I’m in no doubt that the new BMW 5 Series will set new benchmarks technologically, but also have huge emotional appeal. It remains the epitome of the business sedan,” says Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG.
BMW’s ‘EfficientLightweight’ design concept brings with it the increased use of aluminium and high-strength steels, reducing the weight of the 5 Series by up to 100 kilograms from that of its predecessor. The newly designed chassis, a low centre of gravity, even weight distribution and a lightweight body should offer exceptional torsional stiffness and combine to deliver dynamic driving experience with the long-distance comfort. Various chassis options such as Integral Active Steering, which can now be teamed with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, add further talents to a dynamics-focused overall package designed to ensure the BMW 5 Series once again stands at the top of its class. The drag coefficient of the new, 4,935 millimetre-long BMW 5 Series Sedan (Cd = 0.22 at its most efficient) sets the benchmark in its class.
The new BMW 5 Series also offers plenty in terms of connectivity. Extensive BMW ConnectedDrive features are joined by new services including the 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 BMW 5 Series Sedan to be manoeuvred into even the tightest parking spaces remotely using the car key. And smartphone integration has been further improved – from Apple CarPlay (which, in a first for a carmaker, has been incorporated fully wirelessly), to inductive phone charging and the WiFi hotspot for up to ten devices.
All the engines in the 5 Series Sedan line-up belong to the newly developed, modular BMW EfficientDynamics family of power units. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology imbues all the members of the family with outstanding performance combined with exceptional efficiency. Two diesel engines and two petrol variants will be available from launch, working in tandem with either rear-wheel drive or BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
The new two-litre four-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), 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 on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The flagship engine at launch will be the 250 kW/340 hp unit under the bonnet of the new BMW 540i. This three-litre straight-six produces torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). Despite its extra output and sharper dynamic edge, average fuel consumption stands at only 6.5 l/100 km (43.5 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions are kept to just 150 g/km. In xDrive guise, the BMW 540i powers from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 4.8 seconds.
The four-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) and 108 g/km with the manual gearbox specified or 4.0 l/100 km (70.6 mpg) 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 BMW 530d likewise does a nice line in dynamics and efficiency. Producing 195 kW/265 hp and peak torque of 620 Nm (457 lb-ft), the six-cylinder in-line unit is clearly superior to the equivalent model in the outgoing range. And yet the BMW 530d also makes do with average fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100 km (62.8 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 118 g/km – an approximately 13 per cent improvement on its predecessor. The new BMW 530d races from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds, and on to an electronically governed 250 km/h (155 mph).
We’ve been told to expect to see the new 5-Series hitting showrooms in February and Irish pricing is set to start at €52,800 pricing.
