Prices are up, but BMW has ramped-up the specifications for the glamorous all-new 5-Series range.
While most models launch in June, the entry level 520d (now stickered at $83,300) doesn’t arrive until September.
The entry-level petrol model, the 528i retails for $99,900 while the range-topping 550i is priced at $178,900. In between is the 535i ($128,900).
Immediately obvious with the sixth generation 5-Series is the glorious styling – reminiscent of the new 7-Series, but with the smaller overall dimensions, the ‘5’ looks athletic and purposeful, highlighted by its coupe-like roofline.
As expected, the all-new 5-Series is a technological masterpiece, as evidenced by the eight-speed automatic transmission which is standard across the range. There’s also standard Head-up Display and BMW’s Black Panel instrument cluster technology (only displays essential information unless asked).
Also available is a staggering array of extra technology including four-camera Surround View, Active Cruise Control, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning plus the latest generation BMW Night Vision with a thermal imaging camera capable of detecting individual pedestrians.
Inside, BMW has enhanced the luxury/convenience stakes with beautiful Dakota leather, three different types of wood or brushed aluminium trim, ambient lighting and upgraded entertainment/navigation systems.
Headlining the engines is the 550i’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 which delivers 300kW from 550 rpm and peak torque of 600Nm from as low as 1750 rpm. That’s 30kW/110Nm more than the outgoing 550i and enables the four-door sedan to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just five seconds.
It’s also kinder to the environment with fuel economy down (thanks to the eight-speed transmission) to 10.4l/100kms and emissions decreases to 243g/km.
The 535i replaces the 530i and employs a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine providing 225kW at 5800 rpm and 400Nm from 1200 rpm. Fuel economy is commendably low at 8.4l/100kms and emissions are 195g/km.
Entry-level 528i gains a naturally-aspirated 3.0-litre six cylinder (replacing the 2.5-litre) with 30kW more power (190kW at 6660 rpm) and 60Nm more torque (310Nm from 2600 rpm).
All the 5-Series engines comply with Euro V standards.
Underneath, BMW has gone for a new independent suspension design with double aliminium wishbones at the front and an ‘Integral-V’ rear end. Other available technologies include Dynamic Driving Control, Dynamic damper Control and Adaptive Drive (the latter only on 535i and 550i).
“The new BMW 5-Series Sedan represents a dramatic advancement in the evolution of the world’s best luxury executive sedan” revealed BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Stavros Yallouridis. “In keeping with our objective to consistently increase value for our customers, BMW Group Australia has been able to maintain the price of the new model at levels that are comparable to the previous generation on a specification adjusted comparison and more than competitive with our major rivals.”
