BMW rounds out top-end models

Bigger engines and toys for all above the 1-Series

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 26 July 2005 / Loading comments

5-Series gets more toys and power

BMW is to introduce a raft of new models in the autumn of this year, including all-new four-wheel drive versions of its 3 and 5-Series cars, plus bigger engines for at the top-end 3, 5, 6 and 7-Series cars.

3-Series

The six-cylinder 3 Series saloon and Touring models are now also available with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The system distributes power "in fractions of a second" according to BMW. It's the same system that's used on the SUV models.

There's also a new 330d model, whose six-cylinder diesel develops a maximum output of 231bhp and torque of 369lb-ft. With acceleration to 62mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, the car makes 43.5mpg in the composite EU cycle. The new entry-level diesel, the 318d, makes 122bhp, peak torque of 206 lb-ft, and 50.4mpg.

If you plan to tow, you can do so more safely, with the company's addition to its stability systems. The Saloon and Touring equipped with a trailer towing hook feature anti-sway logic. It's a system that detects any inclination of the trailer to sway out of control and which automatically applies appropriate counter-forces. BMW reckoned this preventive action quickly enough that drivers won't notice its effects. But if the trailer insists swaying out of control the stability system will intervene by applying the brakes.

5-Series

It starts to get interesting here, with the introduction of the 540i and 550i saloons -- plus more 4WD. The new 4.0-litre V8 in the 540i develops maximum output of 306bhp and peak torque of 287lb-ft, accelerating the 540i to 62mph in 6.2 seconds and providing a top speed 155 mph.

Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range 550i, also a V8, replaces the 545i. The upgraded power unit develops maximum output of 367bhp, with torque of 361lb-ft at 3,400 rpm. The 550i accelerates to 62mph in 5.5 seconds. Both eight-cylinder models come as standard with a manual six-speed gearbox. Six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is available as an option on both models, with BMW's six-speed sequential manual gearbox available only with the 550i.

Four-wheel drive is available on the new 530xd, BMW's first diesel-powered car with all wheels driven. Its' a bit quicker than the established 530i, at 6.6 seconds to get to 60mph, compared to 6.8 in the 530d although at 150mph, top speed is 5mph down in comparison.

There's more technology available too, with Hill Start Assist, Brake Standby, Dry Braking, Fading Compensation and Soft-Stop all becoming standard in the 5 Series from autumn 2005.

What is all this stuff? Hill Start Assist enables you to make hill starts without having to use the handbrake, Brake Standby pre-aligns the brake pads close to the brake discs whenever the driver takes his foot rapidly off the brake pedal, reducing the time lag and stopping distance if you brake suddenly. Dry Braking works the brakes imperceptibly at pre-defined intervals in the rain, removing water from the discs to shorten braking distances. Fading Compensation boosts brake pressure when the brakes are extremely hot, while Soft-Stop reduces brake jolt when coming to a halt by automatically reducing brake pressure immediately before the car stops.

There's even a sop to fashion in the form of an Engine Start/Stop button on the instrument panel.

6-Series

The 4.8-litre eight-cylinder engine that powers the 750i will be inserted into the 6-Series Coupé and Convertible models, the two new BMW 650i models replacing the BMW 645Ci -- which only launched last year.

Developing a maximum output of 367bhp and torque of 361lb-ft, it gives 34bhp more power and an increase in torque of 30lb-ft -- the new 650i Coupé accelerates from a standstill to 62mph in 5.4 seconds, while its open-air counterpart completes the same exercise in 5.7 seconds.

The stability system on the 6-Series receives the same improvements the 5-Series gets.

7-Series

The 745d top-of-the range diesel now sports more power and torque, with maximum output of 330bhp at 3,800 rpm and peak torque of 553lb-ft extending from 1,900 to 2,500rpm, BMW describes the V8 power unit in the 745d as "the most powerful diesel engine in a luxury saloon". The car accelerates from standstill to 62mph in 6.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than before, and is limited to a top speed of 155mph.

There's also more kit of course, in the form of multimedia systems for those in the back, and especially on the new stretch long wheelbase version, the 730Ld which gets electric seat heating front and rear, plus electric sunblinds on the rear and rear-side windows.

All the new cars are for BMW's 2006 model year -- we'd expect prices to be announced closer to the time.