FEATURING extensively updated styling, equipment and specification enhancements, the new BMW 5 Series will arrive in Australia in October, with the new range to include a beefed up version of the hybrid 530e.
The updated 5 Series builds on the previous model’s superior driving dynamics and elevated refinement with contemporary styling touches, enhanced power trains and new integrated technology elements.
These include the renowned BMW Operating System 7.0 and a high definition 12.3-inch centre control display. A new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and the addition of wireless Android Auto capability will also be included.
But it’s not just technology that gets a boost, with a raft of exterior updates, including a wider and taller BMW kidney grille, now placed lower into the front apron, and more modern headlights, including double L-shaped daytime driving lights.
New full-LED headlights including adaptive cornering function, BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam with matrix technology, and the High-beam Assistant, all enhance night driving capability.
BMW Laserlight is also available for the new BMW 5 Series to provide an even more powerful level of illumination of the road ahead. In both headlight variants, the outer daytime driving lights also perform the role of turn indicators.
Black edging and a new three-dimensional L-shaped graphic give the rear lights of the new BMW 5 Series additional visual impact. The rear lights and brake lights are integrated into a shared light fixture that now forms a single unit.
Regardless of the equipment line and engine specified, all models of the new BMW 5 Series come with trapezoidal tailpipe finishers. A new high gloss Shadow line specification has also been added.
This adds a high gloss black version of the signature BMW kidney grille and tailpipe finishers in dark chrome. An extended palette of metallic paints also allows customers to personalise the 5 Series to their specific tastes.
As always, BMW’s M Sport package is standard across the range, but now adds a more muscular design to the front and rear of the vehicle.
Inside, a new look centre console and standard sports leather steering wheel with new multi-function buttons headline a host of refinements. You can even option the seats from the BMW M5 Competition.
Alongside the 390kW V8 under the bonnet of the range-topping BMW M550i xDrive sedan, the new BMW 5 Series comes with a choice of two other petrol engines, one diesel engine and one plug-in hybrid generating between 135kW and 215kW.
The High Precision Injection system in the petrol units operates at increased pressure, from 200 bar to 350 bar, meaning greater efficiency, while the two-stage turbocharging technology now fitted in all diesel variants makes for even sharper power delivery.
The 530e plug-in hybrid model also now includes the new XtraBoost function as standard equipment. The feature delivers an additional dose of power under vigorous acceleration, up by 30kW up to a maximum of 215kW for up to 10 seconds.
All engines link up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is offered on the M550i xDrive and M550i xDrive Pure.
M Sport Suspension, Adaptive M Suspension and Adaptive M Suspension Professional including active roll stabilisation, are all available. The latest version of the optional Integral Active Steering can also be included.
Red brake calipers are now available as an alternative to the blue units as a visual differentiator for the M Sport brakes.
On the safety front, the lane departure warning system included with the optional driving assistant now also features lane return via steering assistance. The Parking Assistant’s range of functions has been extended with the addition of the reversing assistant.
The new Drive Recorder lets drivers capture and store videos of the scene around the vehicle, while the new 3D visualisation of the surrounding area in the instrument cluster provides an enhanced overview of the current traffic situation.
The new 5 Series range includes the 520i at $95,900 plus on roads and the 530i at $115,900 plus on roads. The 530e PHEV and 530d will hit the road at $118,900 and $125,900 respectively, again both plus on roads.
The range topping M550i xDrive sedan is priced at $152,900 plus on roads.
