New BMW 5 Series unveiled
24/11/09 15:35 Filed in: News
BMW has unveiled its new,
sixth-generation BMW 5 Series Saloon. The new car is not likely to
cause quite the stir that the fifth generation model did when it
was announced with its then controversial styling.
BMW say they have aimed to give the new car coupé-style lines. Certainly that would tie in with what is ‘flavour of the month’ with many manufacturers. While some are going for taller profiles, prestige manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes seem to be competing to see whose saloon looks most like a sports coupé.
Much of the news with the 5 Series is under the surface, with features like a new automatic start-stop technology to boost economy, park assist, night vision, head-up display and an automatic gearbox with no less than eight gears!
BMW promise their usual attention to driving dynamics with a claim of almost perfect 50:50 front/rear weight distribution. Opinions will have to wait until we have had a chance to drive the new car, but BMW are talking boldly of “unrivalled driving dynamics” and a car that “sets new standards”.
Notably, the latest BMW has very short front and rear overhangs with the result that it claims the longest wheelbase in its class at 2.9 metres. BMW say this has been used to create greater space inside. The new car apparently offers an extra 13 mm of knee room for rear seat passengers.
The spacious ambience can be increased by opting a large glass roof panel which allows light to flood into the rear as well as the front seats.
BMW say they have incorporated many of the cabin features from the 7 Series in the new 5 Series. Inclined seven degrees towards the driver, the asymmetrically designed centre console aims to put all controls comfortably within reach. The multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all of the function keys in one hand and infotainment in the other.
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon will be launched in the UK on March 20 next year. Prices start at £27,555 – which BMW point out is only £125 more than the previous model. The bonus is that the new model comes with Dakota leather, BMW Professional radio and Bluetooth phone preparation.
BMW say they have aimed to give the new car coupé-style lines. Certainly that would tie in with what is ‘flavour of the month’ with many manufacturers. While some are going for taller profiles, prestige manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes seem to be competing to see whose saloon looks most like a sports coupé.
Much of the news with the 5 Series is under the surface, with features like a new automatic start-stop technology to boost economy, park assist, night vision, head-up display and an automatic gearbox with no less than eight gears!
BMW promise their usual attention to driving dynamics with a claim of almost perfect 50:50 front/rear weight distribution. Opinions will have to wait until we have had a chance to drive the new car, but BMW are talking boldly of “unrivalled driving dynamics” and a car that “sets new standards”.
Notably, the latest BMW has very short front and rear overhangs with the result that it claims the longest wheelbase in its class at 2.9 metres. BMW say this has been used to create greater space inside. The new car apparently offers an extra 13 mm of knee room for rear seat passengers.
The spacious ambience can be increased by opting a large glass roof panel which allows light to flood into the rear as well as the front seats.
BMW say they have incorporated many of the cabin features from the 7 Series in the new 5 Series. Inclined seven degrees towards the driver, the asymmetrically designed centre console aims to put all controls comfortably within reach. The multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all of the function keys in one hand and infotainment in the other.
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon will be launched in the UK on March 20 next year. Prices start at £27,555 – which BMW point out is only £125 more than the previous model. The bonus is that the new model comes with Dakota leather, BMW Professional radio and Bluetooth phone preparation.