The BMW 5-Series has always set the benchmark when it comes to midsize sports sedans. It’s the kind of car that many aspire to be when they grow up. Models like the E28 and E39 have also become desirable even to this day. And now, seven generations on, the car lives on stronger than ever, with new iteration.
The look, for instance, is instantly recognizable as the BMW 5-Series. The overall profile retains the well-proportioned stance of cars past, yet adds a bit of modernity to the mix. What’s noteworthy about the new 5er is that all this gorgeous sheetmetal equates to one of, if not the lowest drag coefficient ratings around. A staggering 0.22 Cd, mind you. This, along with the EfficientLightweight chassis design means that this car should not only be slippery but real frugal as well.
At launch this coming February 2017, two gasoline and a diesel motor will be offered in both rear- and four-wheel drive versions, each one pumped up by BMW’s TwinPower turbo technology. The potent and efficient gasoline mills consist of a 2.0-liter 252hp/350Nm 530i and 530i xDrive; and a 340hp/450Nm 540i and 540i xDrive 3.0-liter six-pot; while the oil-burner will come in the form of the 520d and 520d xDrive with a 2.0-liter four with 190hp and 400Nm of twist. Each one will be mated to either a six-speed manual or the brand’s vaunted eight-speed Steptronic gearbox.
Come March, more variants will be added to the range. The 530d and 530d xDrive will be the top-spec diesel model with a 3.0-liter, 265hp.620Nm motor under the hood. A plug-in hybrid version, meanwhile will be seen in the 530e iPerformance that packs a 2.0-liter gas mill paired with an electric motor for a total system output of 252hp and 420Nm of system-generated torque. As with the other motors, it will get the eight-speed tranny and will boast an electric range of 45kms. Those who want the M-performance in their 5-Series, however, should wait for the M550i. This one will have a 4.4-liter, eight-cylinder lump that produces 462 horses and 650Nm. This will make for an eye-watering 4-second 0-100kph sprint time.
What BMW is really excited about, however, are the slew of connected and assistance technologies the new 5-Series is packed with. You get stuff like Evasion and Cross-traffic alerts, lane change and keep assist, and a side-collision protection system. Apart from these, there is Intelligent Speed Assist that works together with the smart cruise control to keep drivers from themselves when they feel like speeding. All these systems work using stereo cameras, radar, and ultrasound to ensure that the car can drive itself, help the driver in any situation, and still remain truly safe.
Plus, a wealth of connectivity options keeps driver and passengers wired to the world wide web and the world outside through BMW Connected. The smart mobility solution even lets you choose the content that you receive. Moreover, equally brainy technologies like Park Now, a feature that allows you to reserve a parking space as well as pay for it in advance is available. No more hunting for parking. Speaking of parking, it now has the Remote Parking system that allows you to slot the car into a space via remote control.by simply using the car key—while you are outside the car.
In fact, a lot of the technologies, along with most of the underpinnings come from last year’s 7-Series. This means the car has truly gone up a notch in terms of driving dynamics and overall packaging. Still, BMW promises it will drive like it should—like the Ultimate Driving Machine.
