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Sixth generation of BMWs class-leading vehicle revealed
Auto Start-Stop technology debuts on the Five
Eight-speed automatic transmission available
Highest ever level of standard specification for BMW 5 Series
Suite of new technology showcased
Innovative new online activities for launch

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. BMWs 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 double-wishbone 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 coupe-like flowing roofline and a long, contoured bonnet. The familiar BMW kidney grille stands upright alluding to the cars sporting pedigree.

The latest BMW has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,968mm, creating a greater feeling of interior space. This translates into an extra 13mm of knee room for rear passengers, compared to the previous 5 Series, while customers specifying the optional glass sunroof benefit from a larger roof panel that allows light to flood in highlighting the generous rear cabin. The BMW 5 Series Saloon is as practical as it is elegant and has a 520-litre boot with the option to specify 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.

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. High-resolution electronic displays are visible when needed, but when not in use discreetly blend in to form an elegant black band across the interior.

Class-leading drivetrains
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. This 1,995cc four cylinder diesel features the latest generation common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry which increases power and efficiency. Producing 184hp at 4,000rpm, the 520d accelerates from zero to 62mph in 8.1 seconds before going onto a top speed of 141mph (140 for automatic transmission).

The peak torque of 380Nm from just 1,900rpm ensures that progress is smooth and swift in any gear. Fuel economy is exceptional with a combined fuel consumption figure of 56.5mpg (54.3mpg)* and a CO2 rating of 132g/km (137g/km)*, making the BMW 520d the most efficient car in its segment.

Two straight-six turbocharged engines will complete the diesel line-up; the 530d and the 525d. Both powerplants feature 2,993cc units with an all aluminium crankcase. The 530d is available with increased power and performance to record 245hp at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 540Nm from as low as 1,750rpm.

With the introduction of upgraded piezo-injectors, the BMW 530d emits just 166g/km, while averaging a combined consumption figure of 44.8mpg. A car equipped with an automatic transmission improves on these figures further recording 162g/km and 45.6mpg. Regardless of chosen transmission the BMW 530d is capable of accelerating from zero to 62mph in just 6.3 seconds and attaining an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

The new 525d sets a new benchmark for efficiency in a six-cylinder diesel with CO2 emissions of 162g/km (automatic transmission is 161g/km) and an average fuel consumption of 45.6mpg (46.3mpg). But performance is not compromised with a maximum power output of 204hp at 4,000rpm and 450Nm of maximum torque consistently from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. This allows acceleration from zero to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 147mph.

Joining the diesel-powered cars from launch are three straight-six petrol engines the 523i, 528i and the 535i. The 535i is the first engine to combine a single turbocharged engine with High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC BMWs own system that controls how much the engines valves open for optimum efficiency.

These measures allow the engine to meet strict emissions regulations whilst delivering optimum performance with a zero to 62mph time of 6.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption and emissions figures reflect its technological prowess with 33.2mpg (33.6mpg) on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 199g/km (195g/km).

The naturally aspirated 523i and 528i both have an upgraded High Precision Direct Injection system resulting in the fast revving driving characteristic, typical of BMW, combined with low fuel consumption and emissions.

In the BMW 523i the unit delivers maximum output of 204hp at 6,100 rpm and a peak torque of 270Nm from 1,500 all the way through to 4,250 rpm ensuring smooth progression at any speed. This power translates into a zero to 62mph speed of 7.9 seconds (8.2 seconds) with a top speed of 148mph (145mph). Ultimately this ends up with emissions of 177g/km (178g/km) and a combined consumption of 37.2mpg.

The BMW 528i extends the performance envelope by producing 258hp at 6,600rpm and 310Nm of torque from 2,600-5,000rpm. This equates to a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds (6.7 seconds) and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The sporting performance is not to the detriment of economy and emissions and the 528i records a combined consumption figure of 36.2mpg (37.2mpg) and CO2 emissions of 182g/km (178g/km).

Topping the range is the BMW 550i which is powered by an acclaimed 407hp 4,395cc V8 engine. With its twin-turbocharger technology, the 550i offers outstanding performance with a zero to 62mph time of just 5.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Peak torque of 600Nm is available consistently between 1,750rpm and 4,500rpm. The BMW 550i logs a combined consumption figure of 27.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 243g/km.

Award-winning EfficientDynamics as standard
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon comes with an array of EfficientDynamics technologies. The BMW 520d is the first 5 Series to come with Auto Start-Stop, reducing the engine idle period when coming to a short stop. All manual gearboxes will also come with an Optimum gearshift indicator to help drivers know when to change gear to optimise the cars efficiency. Brake Energy Regeneration, which recharges the vehicles battery during engine over-run, is part of the 5 Series Saloons standard specification.

Active Aerodynamics also play a part in keeping emissions low and performance high by closing off the air cooling flaps behind the kidney grills to improve the aerodynamics of the car and performance on cold starts. Low rolling resistance tyres also feature to improve efficiency still further.