Well BMW certainly can't be accused of resting on its laurels. Just a few weeks after announcing the new
5 Series
- a car that isn't on sale until next year - BMW has now released a full suite of M Performance parts for it. And while some of the upgrades are of dubious worth - polyurethane rear diffuser anyone? - there is some worthwhile stuff to talk about.
Power Kits will be available for the 530d and 540i. In the petrol car, this takes power to 360hp (up 34hp) and torque to 369lb ft (from 332lb ft). BMW says this "increases response, sprint capacity and pulling power" but hasn't yet provided any numbers to support that. CO2 and fuel consumption are officially unchanged though. The new exhaust silencer that's part of the upgrade is available as well as a separate option on the 540i and 530i.
In the 530d, the Power Kit provides an additional 27hp and 22lb ft for totals of 292hp and 479lb ft. Combine this with CO2 that remains from 118g/km and up to 62mpg and the 530d already looks a fairly compelling choice. Let's see.
Elsewhere BMW is offering an M Performance sports brake system (upgraded front discs and calipers), forged 20-inch wheels (seen here in the Bi-Colour finish), plus an Alcantara steering wheel (with red marking at 12 o'clock, for if the slip road becomes just that).
Debadged but with stickers? Hmm
Then we're into the more suspect options. The M aerodynamics package brings a front bumper, rear diffuser and spoiler in carbon, to which side sill attachments, carbon mirror caps and the stickers can be added. Nice.
BMW says the accessories will be available a few weeks after the 5 Series launch in February, with the 530d Power Kit following in the summer. Expect prices nearer the time. And bring on the M5!