News

BMW is pleased to announce the next chapter in the story of one of the most successful cars ever to have been produced.

The new, sixth generation BMW 5 Series Saloon offers customers the perfect blend of class-leading powerplants, unrivalled driving dynamics and a sporting yet elegant design to set a new benchmark in the executive class.

The very first BMW 5 Series Saloon appeared in 1972 and every incarnation since then has raised the bar in terms of design, engineering or technology. BMW’s first diesel engine appeared in a Five, while other generations hailed the introduction of innovations such as all-aluminium suspension, Head-up Display and Active Steering. The latest BMW 5 Series Saloon similarly sets new standards  and is the first in its class to feature Auto Start-Stop, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a  doublewishbone front suspension.

The new BMW 5 Series Saloon has been styled to reflect its almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution with beautifully balanced proportions, short overhangs, a coupé-like flowing roofline and a long, contoured bonnet. The familiar BMW kidney grille stands upright, alluding to the car’s sporting pedigree.

Inside, the cabin features many of the sporting but luxurious quality and comfort features found in the BMW 7 Series.  Inclined seven degrees towards the driver, the asymmetrically designed centre console ensures that all controls are comfortably within the reach. The multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all of the function keys in one hand and infotainment in the other.

The use of Black Panel technology on the instrument panel and centre console, as seen in the BMW 7 Series and the 5 Series Gran Turismo, adds an extra touch of luxury to the cabin. A signature piece of BMW design, Black Panel technology integrates the centre console into the trim of the car. Highresolution electronic displays are visible when needed, but when not in use discreetly blend in to form an elegant black band across the interior.

Buyers of the BMW 5 Series Saloon will be able to choose between three diesel powerplants and four petrol engines from launch. The biggest seller in the UK is predicted to be the 520d.

The BMW 5 Series Saloon is offered with a wealth of optional equipment to enhance driver safety, comfort and enjoyment. Head-up display, night vision with pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning, lane change warning, speed limit info and two rear entertainment packages are all vailable.

In the UK the BMW 5 Series Saloon will be offered with four optional equipment packages. BMW Business Advanced Media and BMW Professional Multimedia packages include BMW Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive – Assist and Online and Voice control. Dynamic package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, sport seats, Anthracite headlining, sport leather steering wheel and highgloss exterior trim. The Visibility package includes Adaptive headlights, Xenon headlights, High-beam Assist and headlight wash.

The new BMW 5 Series Saloon goes on sale March 20, 2010.