DUE IN SA IN MAY 2010

+ Click to Enlarge THE WORD IS SLEEK: The new BMW 5 Series' profile is cleaner, smoother and places more emphasis on the horizontal elements than that of the 2007 model (inset).

November 24, 2009

BMW has announced the next chapter in the story of one of its most successful models – the sixth generation 5 Series.

The first 5 Series appeared in 1972 and every incarnation since then has raised the bar in terms of design, engineering or technology. BMW's first diesel engine appeared in a Five, as did other innovations such as all-aluminium suspension, head-up display and active steering.

Now BMW says the latest 5 Series – due for SA release in May, 2010 - is the first in its class with auto stop-start, an eight-speed auto transmission and double-wishbone front suspension.

The new 5 Series has been styled to reflect its almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution with balanced proportions, short overhangs, a coupé-like flowing roofline and a long, contoured bonnet with the signature kidney grille standing upright.

According to its maker it has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2968mm, which translates into an extra 13mm of knee-room for rear passengers, compared to the previous 5 Series, and a 520-litre boot with the option to specify 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.

The cabin has many of the features of the 7 Series: the asymmetrical centre console is angled seven degrees towards the driver to ensure that all the controls are comfortably within reach and the multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all the function keys under one thumb and infotainment under the other.

Black panel technology, as seen in the 7 Series and the 5 Series Gran Turismo, makes its first appearance in the 5 Series sedan, the integrating the centre console into the trim of the car. Its electronic displays are visible when needed but, when not in use, simply disappear to leave an elegant black band across the fascia.

Customers in Europe will have a choice of three diesel and four petrol engines from launch:

520d (135kW / 380Nm) 225km/h, 5.1 litres/100km.
525d (150kW / 450Nm) 235km/h, 6.2 litres/100km.
530d (185kW / 540Nm) 250km/h (limited), 6.3 litres/100km.
523i (150kW / 270Nm) 237km/h, 7.6 litres/100km.
528i (190kW / 310Nm) 250km/h (limited), 7.9 litres/100km.
535i (225kW / 400Nm) 250km/h (limited), 8.6 litres/100km.
550i (300kW / 600Nm) 250km/h (limited), 10.5 litres/100km.

The 1995cc, 520d has the latest generation common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 8.1sec. Peak torque is available from 1800rpm for smooth acceleration.

The 525d and 530d are in fact the same 2993cc, all-aluminium straight six in different levels of tune; the 185kW version will reach 100km/h from a standing start in 6.3sec.

Of the three petrol straight-sixes the 523i and 525i are non-turbo, direct-injection units while the 535 is the first single-turbo BMW six to combine direct fuel-injection with variable valve lift.

The range-topping 550i has a 4395cc, twin-turbo V8 that kicks it from 0-100 in five seconds flat with peak torque available from 1750-4500rpm.

EFFICIENTDYNAMICS

Model line-up for the South African market has yet to be finalised but is likely to mirror that currently available, i.e. all of the above except the 525d and 535i.

The New Five has an array of EfficientDynamics technologies as standard, from auto stop-start low rolling-resistance tyres, brake energy regeneration and aerodynamic flaps that close off the grille on cold starts for smoother airflow.

A six-speed manual gearbox with a redesigned shift mechanism and enhanced internal packaging for a smoother, sportier gearshift is standard on all but the 550i, with a gearshift indicator to guide drivers for optimum efficiency.

The Big Five has an eight-speed automatic transmission, derived from that of the 7 Series but more compact; BMW claims it's no bigger or heavier than the six-speed self-shifter it replaces. The eight-speed auto is available as an extra-cost option on all the smaller 5 Series variants, either as a straight auto or as a sport automatic with paddle shift.

The new 5 Series has double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension with Servotronic electric power steering (a first for this model).

OPTIONS FOR AFRICA

Models ordered with the optional variable damper control or adaptive drive packages also come with drive dynamic control, offering the driver normal, comfort, sport and sport+ modes, eanch with its own settings for steering assistance, throttle response, gear change characteristics, stability control interaction and ride and handling characteristics.

All 5 Series sedans now have leather upholstery, BMW Professional audio systems and Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and ambient lighting – and even the 520d entry level model has auto aircon.

Extra-cost options include parking assistance – a first for BMW – that scans the road on either side of the car for an appropriate parking space. Once it finds one, all the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake and the car will park itself.

Four-wheel active steering can also be specified for the first time on a 5 Series, reducing the car's turning circle by 0.5m, while the surround view option uses cameras in the side mirrors and front wheel arches, together with parking sensors and the optional reversing camera to provide a 360-degree view on the iDrive display for perfect parking.

Also available will be head-up display, night vision with pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning, lane change warning, speed limit warning and two rear-seat entertainment packages, plus the usual sports seats, larger rims, adaptive xenon headlights, automatic high-beam dip and headlight washers.