Hot on the heels of the latest generation E-class, BMW is launching the new 5 series, set to debut in show rooms in February next year. BMW has significantly upped the ante with the new 5-series. In the same vein as Mercedes’ E-class, the 5 -series has received numerous tech updates.
BMW has placed a huge emphasis on driver aids and in car connectivity with the new 5 series: Everything from autonomous driving to a new and improved i-drive system(BMW’s infotainment system). The latter being able to be controlled with hand gestures which is technology filtered through from the current generation 7-series.The new 5-series as standard comes equipped with a stereo camera which helps monitor the area around the car. BMW’s Heads Up Display(HUD) has been updated to feature more information such as telephone listings and radio stations. The HUD also covers a much wider area than before and is in colour. Apple car play can now be used wirelessly which BMW is keen to point out is a first in the car industry.
Two petrol engines and two diesel engines will be available from launch. The 2.0 l four cylinder engine powers the entry level 530i and has a peak output of 185kw(252hp) of power and 350Nm of torque. The more powerful six cylinder in the 540i develops 250kw(350hp) of power and 450nm of torque. The 520d and 530d come equipped with a four cylinder and six cylinder engine respectively. The four cylinder has an output of 140kw of power and 400Nm of torque while the six cylinder produces 195kw(265hp) of power with a peak torque figure of 620Nm.
The engines can either be coupled to a six speed manual transmission or BMW’s 8 speed steptronic transmission depending on the variant. Rear wheel drive will come as standard, in traditional BMW fashion but four wheel drive(x drive) will be available as an option.
BMW will later expand the model line up with 3 more engine variants of which include a plug in hybrid and the high performance M550i x drive. BMW will most likely launch the M5 mid-year next year. For now no details of the next incarnation of high performance five series have been released.
