BMW is emphasising low prices and high spec for its
all-new 5-series, which was revealed online last night
When it goes on sale in the UK after the Geneva motor show in March next year, the new BMW 5-series will cost from £27,555 for the 520d SE. That's £125 more than the old car cost, but even the most basic new 5-series will come with leather upholstery as standard, Bluetooth connectivity and BMW's 'Professional' radio, a set of options that would cost you £2235 on the current (E60) 5-series.
The value for money seems a little less spectacular at the top of the 5-series tree, with the new BMW 550i SE coming in at £49,440 - £3480 more than the outgoing 550i SE. The new 550i does have a lot more to offer, however. It replaces the old 362bhp naturally aspirated V8 with the 4.4-litre 401bhp twin-turbo V8 from the X5, X6 and 7-series, while BMW's latest 8-speed automatic gearbox - an option across the entire 5-series range - is standard on the 550i.
In all, BMW is offering seven different engine options; three turbodiesels, and four petrol motors,
with a full-on M5 not expected until 2011
. Even the most basic four-cylinder diesel offers 181bhp and a thoroughly healthy 280lb ft of from 1900rpm, which translates to 0-62mph in 8.1seconds and a 141mph top speed. Respectable performance is combined with impressive economy - official combined fuel consumption is 56.5mpg.
The familiar 2993cc turbodiesel straight sixes for the 525d and 530d, with the 530d getting the upgraded 241bhp version that first appeared in the recently facelifted 3-series, enough for 0-62mph in 6.3secs and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
Petrol-powered honours are upheld by the six-cylinder 523i, 528i and 535i, as well as the new twin-turbo V8. The 523i and 528i get 201bhp and 254bhp respectively, while the 535i gets 302bhp and 295lb ft courtesy of a twin-scroll turbocharger. That's enough, says BMW, to whisk the big exec to 62mph in 6.0secs.
At the top of the range is the 401bhp, 442lb ft twin-turbo BMW 550i, which is capable of reaching 62mph from rest in just 5.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.
Under the skin, a sophisticated double-wishbone set-up from the 7-series replaces the MacPherson strut arrangement from the E60, while the rear is the usual multi-link set-up.
Ominously, BMW has switched to all-electric power steering for all its 5-series models rather than the more traditionally 'feelsome' hydraulic set-up.
High-end versions get all the expected electronic driver and chassis aids, but these will be controlled for the first time by the driver with a single device. Called DDC (Driver Dynamic Control), it offers drivers a choice of normal, comfort, sport and sport+ modes.
The new 5-series is also the first to be offered with active four-wheel steering, part of a long optional equipment list that also includes park assist, a head-up display, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning, lane change warning, live speed limit information and a choice of two rear entertainment packages.