The all-new 5-Series, generationally called the G30, will be making its Australian debut early next year (March 2017, specifically). Before that happens, though BMW gives us some key information about the grades and prices of the four variants that will be available at launch - two petrols and two diesels.
The least expensive of the bunch, the 520d, will arrive with a starting price of $93,900 and will spearhead the entry of BMW’s seventh-generation 5 Series that uses more efficient powertrains, more inboard technology, and rides on the new OKL platform and utilises carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) in its construction for a lighter, more rigid body.
But at nearly $94k, the new entry-level 5 Series will now be over $9,000 more expensive than the outgoing F10, and the same theme of price hikes can be applied for most of the range, ending at the range-topping 540i priced at $136,900.
Kicking off with the 520d, it’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder that generates 140kW and 400Nm, enough poke to accelerate it to 100km/h from rest in a respectable 7.5 seconds but enough of a fuel sipper to average a claimed 4.3-litres/100km. All versions of the 5 Series use an 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF.
Some of the highlights of its list of standard equipment include LED headlights, 18-inch light alloy wheels, Dakota leather upholstery, Professional navigation system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with iDrive, 12-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and BMW Head-Up display.
The next car in BMW Australia’s four-pronged 5 Series rollout for 2017 is the 530i, priced at $108,900. Unlike its model designation, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder lives under its bonnet, turbocharged to 185kW and 350Nm. This model trims the 100km/h acceleration time to a 6.2 seconds, enough to worry most hot hatches, while it amazingly is claimed to need just 5.8-litres of petrol to cover 100km.
The 530i comes standard with the M Sport Pack which adds sportier interior and exterior accents as well as 19-inch light alloy wheels. In addition to that it gains an automatic tailgate, adaptive LED headlights, Dynamic Damper Control, 12.3-inch multi-function digital instrument cluster, and a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. BMW is also keen to point out that, over the current 528i, the jump over the base model adds around $16,000 worth of kit.
Up next we have the 530d ($119,900) and this time we have a matching 3.0-litre engine, a turbodiesel straight-six that produces 195kW and an epic 620Nm that takes 5.7 seconds to sprint to 100km/h, all while maintaining a claimed combined average fuel consumption of 4.7-litres/100km. In terms of additional specification, its list of kit mostly mirrors the 530i.
Finally we have the current king of the 5 Series hill (at least until the next M5 arrives, rumoured to be all-wheel driven), the 540i, priced at $136,900. Under its bonnet lives a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six that produces 250kW and 450Nm.
This is the version most geared to keen drivers, clearly, and is also therefore the most accelerative, taking 5.1 seconds to reach 100km/h from rest. To keep the rest of the car in check, it has BMW’s Adaptive Drive system with active anti-roll bars which should help the large 20-inch wheels from compromising ride quality too much.
An electric sunroof also comes as standard, as does an interior dressed in Nappa leather and active seat ventilation for the two front occupants. BMW says that the added specification of 540i equates to around $34,000 worth of additional value over the outgoing 535i.
For more on BMW vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
