New 5 is sixth from BMW

Nov 24 2009 Maurice Glover

New 5 is sixth from BMW

BMW has released details of the sixth generation 5 Series executive saloon that will be in the showrooms in Spring.

A firm favourite with business motorists, the swish model will come with the highest level of standard equipment ever offered, including stop-start and brake regeneration technology and low-rolling resistance tyres to aid economy.

Eight-speed automatic transmission will also be available on the new 5, which is aimed at setting a fresh benchmark in the executive class to maintain a tradition set when the first version appeared 37 years ago.

Styled with short overhangs, a coupé-like flowing roofline and a long, contoured bonnet, the latest BMW has the longest wheelbase in its class to provide greater interior space with extra knee room for rear passengers. A 520-litre capacity boot means the car is also a practical load carrier for business and family use.

Inside, the cabin features many of the features found in the BMW 7 Series, including Black Panel technology on the instrument panel and centre console. A signature piece of BMW design, this technology integrates the centre console into the trim of the car with high-resolution electronic displays visible when needed, but discreetly blending in when not in use to form an elegant black band across the interior.

Buyers will be able to choose between three diesel powerplants and four petrol engines from launch and the biggest seller in the UK is predicted to be the 520d, which will have full automatic climate control as standard.

Priced at £28,165, the four cylinder, two-litre engine uses the latest direct injection and turbine geometry to produce 184bhp - sufficient to take the car to 62mph from rest in 8.1 seconds and go on to a top speed of 141mph while returning class-leading fuel economy of more than 56mpg.

All versions will come with Dakota leather upholstery, BMW Professional Radio and Bluetooth telephone preparation, compared to the previous model. Six-cylinder engine derivatives will also have a USB audio interface and ambient lighting, while the top 550i version will have eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

'The increase in standard specification means the latest model will represent excellent value for money when compared like for like with the previous car,' said a spokesman.

The 520d will be the cheapest of the new models with the range topping out at £50,520 for the 550i SE.