The BMW 7-Series' smaller brother both in terms of size and styling, the new 5-Series, was officially launched today. Key highlights include a less controversial exterior design that's more muscular and draws heavily on the Bavarian firm's flagship limousine and the return of the BMW's driver orientated center console and the classic four circular gauges on the instrument panel. Add to that an increased length of 4,899mm or 192.9'' (previous model: 4,841 mm or 190.6'') combined with a wheelbase of 2.968 mm or 116.9'' (+80 mm or +3.15'') and a revised engine lineup that includes turbocharged inline-six and V8 units.The increased length and what BMW describes as the largest wheelbase in the segment, are said to translates into an extra 13mm of knee room for the rear passengers, compared to the previous 5 Series, while the sedan also get a 520-litre boot with the option to specify 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.
The new 5-Series, codenamed F10, is based on the same platform as the 5-Series GT and the latest 7-Series sedan. The double wishbone layout up front is combined with a multilink axle at the back while for the first time, the 5 Series comes with Electric Power Steering with Servotronic assistance.
Those that specify the car with Variable Damper Control or Adaptive Drive packages, the Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) chassis configurator allows for fine tuning of the chassis with the choice of Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ with each mode changing 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.
All models will come equipped with a Brake Energy Regeneration system that recharges the vehicle's battery during engine over-run while the 520d is the first 5 Series to come with Auto Start-Stop.
At launch, the 2011 BMW 5-Series will be available in Europe with four petrol and three diesel engines. The diesel lineup includes:
- A 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 184HP and 380Nm (280.2 lb-ft) for the 520d that accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.1 sec, has a top speed of 227km/h (141mph) and returns a combined fuel economy of 5.0lt/100km (56.5 mpg US)
- The 525d is powered by 3.0-liter straight-six turbo diesel that makes 204HP and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 7.2 sec, a top speed of 236km/h (147mph) and an avg fuel consumption of 6.2lt/100km (37.9 mpg US).
- The 530d features a 245hp and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) 3.0-liter turbo diesel for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) time of just 6.3 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph). It returns a combined 6.3lt/100km (37.3mpg).
The gasoline range includes:
- The 523i which is equipped with a 204HP and 270Nm (199 lb-ft) 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six that allows for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 238km/h (148mph) with a combined fuel economy of 7.6lt/100km (30.9mpg US).
-Next up is the 528i with a 258HP and 310Nm (228.7 lb-ft) straight six. 0 to 100km/h (62mph) comes in 6.6 seconds while top speed is electronically-limited to 250 km/h (155mph). This model returns an average fuel consumption of 7.8lt/100km (30.2mpg US).
-The 535i gets a new, 3.0-liter inline-six with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger (instead of the 335i's two turbochargers). It makes 306HP and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph) with a combined fuel economy of 8.5lt/100km (27.7mpg US).
-The range topping 550i features a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 407HP and 600Nm (442 lb-ft). It hits the 100km/h (62mph) mark in just 5.0 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph). BMW says that it returns a combined 10.4lt/100km (22.6mpg US).
An eight-speed automatic transmission will be offered as standard on the 550i and an option on all other models which come equipped with six-speed manual gearboxes.
As a further option, BMW also offers a Sport Automatic variant of the eight-speed transmission that allowsmanual selection of gears by means of shift paddles on the steering wheel.
In the States, the new 5-Series will be offered with a choice of three gasoline engines. The entry-level 523i features a naturally aspirated inline-six rated in the U.S. at 240HP; the 535i with a turbocharged straight-six producing 300HP and 300 lb-ft of torque; and the 550i that gets a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 cranking out in U.S-spec "over 400HP" and 450 lb-ft of torque.
BMW said that in the U.S., the 528i and xDrive all-wheel drive variants of all three models will arrive a little after the launch of the RWD 535i and 550i in 2010. In addition, the U.S.-spec 535i and 550i will be available with a choice of 6-speed manual transmission, BMW's new 8-speed automatic transmission, or a new "Sport Automatic" 8-speed.
On the technological side, the 2011 5-series will be available with various standard and optional goodies such as Head-up Display, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info, two rear entertainment packages and a Surround View system that 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 to assist parking.
Last but not least, the new 5er also features a 4th generation iDrive control screen available in two versions: with 7.0-in. dimensions and 800 x 480-pixel resolution in standard form, or with the optional Navigation system, in a 10.2-in., 1280 x 480-pixel version with a wider range of features and functions as seen in the latest 7 Series.
The 2011 5-Series is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in March 2010, and shortly after in North America and other international markets.
