Prices are mostly unchanged, equipment levels are up, looks are freshened and BMW’s 5 Series remains one of the world’s best mid-sizers. As major updates go, there’s plenty of inclusions, but BMW has signaled its intent by keeping prices for all bar one model identical to the outgoing range (the 520d Gran Turismo is the exception, rising by $3,000 to $93,900).
On the styling front for sedan Sedan and Touring models, look for a revised front-end with extra contour lines around the hallmark kidney grille and a revised lower apron with a new air intake plus standard LED fog-lights while the rear sees a re-styled bumper and new-design tail-lights.
Inside are some extra chrome highlights and additional storage nooks.
BMW 5 series Gran Turismo models score similar styling updates at the front but the rear boasts a major change with a new, extended tailgate, bumper and two-piece tail-lights.
Under the bonnet, the big news is the range-topping BMW 550i which scores a new generation TwinPower Turbo 4.4-litre V8 with the BMW Valvetronic variable valve control system. Power is up by 10 per-cent to 330kW from 5500rpm to 6000rpm and torque jumps to 650Nm.
That increased output means the latest BMW 550i covers zero to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
Naturally there’s substantial technology updates as well – including the i-Drive touch controller for the Navigation System Professional. BMW 520d and 535i Touring add parking assistant, rear sunblinds and an automatic tailgate function.
For the 528i sedan, extras include adaptive LED headlights, driving assistant (which includes lane departure warning, forward collision and pedestrian warning and head-up display) plus multifunction instrument cluster, Harman/Kardon audio with DAB+, surround-view and new-design 19-inch alloy wheels.
BMW 535i and 535d get more power plus, for the diesel model enhanced fuel consumption.
Hybrid-powered BMW ActibeHybrid 5 gets the same specifications as the 535i and new 18-inch alloy wheels.
And BMW has introduced its ‘Luxury Line’ and Modern Line’ packs to the 5 Series.
Best of all, the M Sports package (including styling and interior enhancements, sports suspension and more) is now available across the range.
The full lineup is:
520i Sedan $79,900
520d Sedan $82,400
528i Sedan $97,400
535i Sedan $116,900
ActiveHybrid 5 $119,900
535d Sedan $121,900
550i Sedan $159,900
520d Touring $90,900
535i Touring $122,900
520d Gran Turismo $93,900
530d Gran Turismo $108,900
535i Gran Turismo $117,900
