Faster, more economical, cleaner: all the variants of the BMW 5 Series come with a raft of optimised details. The result is reduced fuel consumption (in some cases significantly), yet with no drop-off in sporting ability. Indeed, some models actually offer improved performance. Plus, all the engine variants already meet the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust gas standard not due to come into force until September 2014. To this end, the diesel models come with nitrogen oxide-reducing BMW BluePerformance technology as standard.
In addition to Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start-Stop function (also fitted in conjunction with the eight-speed automatic gearbox), Optimum Shift Indicator and ECO PRO mode, the suite of standard-fitted BMW EfficientDynamics technology now also includes a coasting mode (which disengages the powertrain), Proactive Driving Assistant to adjust the car’s speed ahead of a change in speed limit, and the ECO PRO Route function, which can be selected via the optional Navigation system Professional. Meanwhile, extensive optimisation of the cars’ aerodynamics – the drag coefficient (Cd factor) of the BMW 520d Sedan, for example, has been reduced to 0.25 – is one of the key factors in the latest advances made by the engineers in the area of efficiency.
The market launch of the new BMW 5 Series model family also heralds an expansion of its engine range. For instance, the BMW 518d has been added to the line-up as a new entry-level diesel variant. Its four-cylinder diesel with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and 105 kW/143 hp can be ordered for both the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the new BMW 5 Series Touring. Like the BMW 520d Sedan, the BMW 518d Sedan records impressive average fuel economy in the EU test cycle of 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres (26.699 kpl) and CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometre. And the model range now also includes the BMW 520d xDrive in both Sedan and Touring guises. This increases the number of models equipped with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system to seven (in the case of the BMW 5 Series Touring) and eight (for the BMW 5 Series Sedan). Four engine variants of the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo can likewise be combined with xDrive.
The top-of-the-line engine available for all members of the new BMW 5 Series model family is a new V8 unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology developing 330 kW/450 hp. The range of power plants available for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and new BMW 5 Series Touring now comprises four petrol and six diesel units, and also encompasses two BMW M Performance Automobiles – the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and BMW M550d xDrive Touring. Customers opting for the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo can choose from two petrol power plants and three diesels.
The cars’ chassis technology – which includes a double-wishbone front axle, integral rear axle and Electric Power Steering with standard Servotronic function – has been further honed to deliver an unrivalled balance between sporting performance and ride comfort. The BMW 5 Series Touring and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo come as standard with air suspension, including automatic self-levelling at the rear axle. The Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console is standard on all models. Dynamic Damper Control, M Sport suspension and the Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering systems unmatched by any rivals can be specified as options.
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BMW 5 Series Touring:
BMW ActiveHybrid 5:
News Source: BMW