The new BMW 5 Series Saloon

The very first BMW 5 Series Saloon 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, while other generations hailed the introduction of innovations such as all aluminium suspension, Head-up Display and Active Steering. The latest BMW 5 Series Saloon similarly sets new standards and is the first in its class to feature Auto Start-Stop, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a double-wishbone front suspension.

The new BMW 5 Series Saloon has been styled to reflect its almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution with beautifully balanced proportions with short overhangs, a coupé-like flowing roofline and a long, contoured engine compartment lid. The familiar BMW kidney grilles stand upright alluding to the car’s sporting pedigree.

The latest BMW has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,968mm, creating a greater feeling of space for those travelling inside. This translates into an extra 13mm of knee room for rear passengers, while customers specifying the optional glass sunroof benefit from a larger roof panel that allows light to flood in highlighting the generous rear cabin. The BMW 5 Series Saloon is as practical as it is elegant and has a 520-litre boot with the option to specify 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.

Inside, the cabin reflects the sporting but luxurious quality and comfort features also found in the BMW 7 Series. Inclined seven degrees towards the driver, the asymmetrically designed centre console ensures that all controls are comfortably within the reach. The multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all of the function keys in one hand and infotainment in the other allowing the driver the opportunity to enjoy the driving experience.

The use of Black Panel technology, as shown in the BMW 7 Series and the 5 Series Gran Turismo, on some elements of the dashboard adds an extra touch of luxury to the cabin. A signature piece of BMW design, Black Panel technology integrates the centre console into the trim of the car. High-resolution electronic displays are visible through the Black Panel technology when needed but when not in use discreetly blend in to form an elegant black band across the interior.

Class-leading drivetrains
Buyers of the BMW 5 Series Saloon will be able to choose between three diesel powerplants and four petrol engines from launch.

 *Electronically-limited. **Figures subject to confirmation.

The biggest seller in the UK is predicted to be the 520d. This 1,995cc four cylinder diesel features the latest generation common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry which increases power and efficiency. Producing 184hp at 4,000rpm, the 520d accelerates from zero to 62mph in 8.1 seconds before going onto a top speed of 141mph (140 for automatic transmission). The peak torque of 380Nm from just 1,900rpm ensures that progress is smooth and swift in any gear. Fuel economy is exceptional with a combined fuel consumption figure of 56.5mpg (54.3mpg)* and a CO2 rating of 132g/km (137g/km)*, making the BMW 520d the most efficient car in its segment.

Two straight-six turbocharged engines will complete the diesel line-up; the 530d and the 525d. Both powerplants feature 2,993cc units with an all aluminium crankcase. The 530d is available with increased power and performance to record 245hp at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 540Nm from as low as 1,750rpm. With the introduction of upgraded piezo-injectors, the BMW 530d emits just 166g/km, while averaging a combined consumption figure of 44.8mpg. A car equipped with an automatic transmission improves on these figures further recording 162g/km and 45.6mpg. Regardless of chosen transmission the BMW 530d is capable of accelerating from zero to 62mph in just 6.3 seconds and attaining an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

The new 525d sets a new benchmark for efficiency in a six-cylinder diesel with CO2 emissions of 162g/km (automatic transmission is 161g/km) and an average fuel consumption of 45.6mpg (46.3mpg). These class-leading emissions don’t result in poor performance with the BMW 525d reaching a maximum 204hp at 4,000rpm and 450Nm of maximum torque consistently from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. This level of power makes it accelerate from zero to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 147mph.

Joining the diesel-powered cars from launch are three straight-six petrol engines the 523i, 528i and the 535i. The 535i is the first engine to combine a single turbocharged engine with High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC – BMW’s own system that controls how much the engine’s valves open for optimum efficiency. These measures make sure that BMW’s latest petrol engine meets strict emissions regulations whilst delivering optimum performance. The performance credentials of the car are underscored by a zero to 62mph time of 6.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption and emissions figures reflect its technological investment with 33.2mpg (33.6mpg) on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 199g/km (195g/km).

The naturally aspirated 523i and 528i come with an upgraded High Precision Direct Injection system resulting in the fast revving driving characteristic, typical of BMW, combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. In the BMW 523i the unit delivers maximum output of 204hp at 6,100 rpm and a peak torque of 270Nm from 1,500 all the way through to 4,250 rpm ensuring smooth progression at any speed. This power translates into a zero to 62mph speed of 7.9 seconds (8.2 seconds) with a top speed of 148mph (145mph). Ultimately this ends up with emissions of 177g/km (178g/km) and a combined of 37.2mpg.

The BMW 528i extends the performance envelope by producing 258hp at 6,600rpm and 310Nm of torque from 2,600-5,000rpm. This equates to a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds (6.7 seconds) and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The sporting performance is not to the detriment of economy and emissions and the 528i records a combined consumption figure of 36.2mpg (37.2mpg) and CO2 emissions of 182g/km (178g/km).

Topping the range is the BMW 550i which is powered by an acclaimed 407hp 4,395cc V8 engine. With its twin-turbocharger technology, the 550i offers performance well above its class with a zero to 62mph time of just 5.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Its twin-turbochargers provide a near flat torque curve to provide relaxed yet rapid in-gear acceleration for the automatic transmission only equipped car. Peak torque of 600Nm is available consistently between 1,750rpm and 4,500rpm. The BMW 550i logs a combined consumption figure of 27.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 243g/km.

Award-winning EfficientDynamics as standard
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon comes with an array of EfficientDynamics technologies. The BMW 520d is the first in the range to come with Auto Start-Stop as standard, reducing the engine idle period when coming to a short stop.  All manual gearboxes will also come with an Optimum gearshift indicator to help drivers know when to change gear to optimise the car’s efficiency.  Brake Energy Regeneration, which recharges the vehicle’s battery during engine over-run, is part of the 5 Series Saloon’s standard specification.

Active Aerodynamics also play a part in keeping emissions low and performance high by closing off the air cooling flaps behind the kidney grills to improve the aerodynamics of the car and performance on cold starts. Finally, the low rolling resistance tyres also feature.

Transmission
Benefiting from dry sump lubrication, the BMW 5 Series Saloon comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox which has been optimised compared to previous transmissions for greater efficiency.  A redesigned gearshift leaver and enhanced internal packaging have resulted in a smoother, sportier gearshift.

The range topping 550i comes as standard with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission bringing the luxury and refinement of the 7 Series to the 550i.  Whilst being six percent more fuel efficient, the weight and size are unaffected. Buyers of all variants can specify the eight-speed automatic gearbox or an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission with Formula One style steering wheel mounted paddles for those that prefer more enthusiastic performance.

Bespoke chassis configurator
For those BMW 5 Series Saloon variants specified with Variable Damper Control or Adaptive Drive packages the Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) chassis configurator is fitted to build on BMW’s renowned 50:50 weight distribution, front engine, rear-wheel-drive set-up for the best in ride and handling. DDC allows for even greater fine tuning of the chassis with the choice of Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Each mode changes the levels of steering assistance, throttle response, gear change characteristics, degree of Dynamic Stability Control interaction and, courtesy of adjustable dampers, the ride and handling characteristics.

The combination of a double wishbone front axle and a multilink rear axle ensures that occupants are provided with a composed ride whilst still maintaining supreme driving dynamics.  For the first time the 5 Series Saloon comes with Electric Power Steering with Servotronic assistance for enhanced driving dynamics and comfort, thus saving weight and helping to reduce emissions.

Highest ever standard specification
The BMW 5 Series Saloon features the highest ever level of standard specification for the model. All models now come with Dakota leather upholstery, BMW Professional Radio and Bluetooth telephone preparation compared to the previous (E60) BMW 5 Series Saloon. Six-cylinder engine derivatives additionally gain USB audio interface and Ambient lighting, while the BMW 550i has the eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. The BMW 520d additionally benefits from full automatic air-conditioning system as standard.

The increase in standard specification means the latest BMW 5 Series Saloon, when compared like for like with the previous car, represents excellent value for money. For example, the (E60) BMW 520d SE Saloon costs £27,430 OTR** while the new model will be priced at £27,555 OTR**, but comes with Dakota leather, BMW Professional radio and Bluetooth telephone preparation, previously £1,340, £365 and £525 options. The table below details an exact cost comparison between the two models based on the 2009 15 per cent VAT charge.

Innovative new optional equipment
The BMW 5 Series Saloon is the first BMW to be offered with Park Assist aimed at enhancing driver convenience. Once a button on the centre console is pressed ultrasound sensors located in the side indicator surrounds scan the road either side of the vehicle for an appropriate parking space. On location of a suitable free bay the driver then only need operate the accelerator and brake pedals while the Park Assist system swiftly slots the car into the space with ease.

Four-wheel Integral Active Steering can also be specified for the first time on a 5 Series Saloon and a car equipped as such benefits from a 0.5metre smaller turning circle. Meanwhile, the Surround View system uses cameras in the side mirrors and the front wheel arches in conjunction with Park Distance Control and the optional Reversing Assist camera to provide a 360 degree view on the iDrive display for perfect parking.

The BMW 5 Series Saloon is offered with a wealth of optional equipment to further enhance driver safety, comfort and enjoyment. Head-up Display, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info and two rear entertainment packages are all available.

In the UK the BMW 5 Series Saloon will be offered with four optional equipment packages. BMW Business Advanced Media and BMW Professional Multimedia packages include BMW Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive – Assist and Online and Voice control. Dynamic package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Sport seats, Anthracite headlining, Sport leather steering wheel and High-gloss exterior trim. The Visibility package includes Adaptive headlights, Xenon headlights, High-beam Assist and headlight wash.

The new BMW 5 Series Saloon goes on sale 20 March, 2010.