The BMW 5 Series is one of the top three selling executive saloons globally, along with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Audi A6. It has represented all-around luxury automobile competence since it was launched in the early-1970s. The car gets a facelift in the new version launched in India last week. It is manufactured at BMW’s plant in Chennai.
New bits on the 5 Series include updated driver assistance systems like remote-control parking, head-up display, reversing assistant, parking assistant, a gesture control system for the infotainment system and full-LED adaptive headlamps. M Sport variants get BMW’s new laser-light headlamps. The diesel version (530d M Sport and 520d Luxury Line) starts at around Rs 72 lakh, and the petrol variant (530i M Sport) at around Rs 63 lakh.
BMWs are always a great pleasure to drive, and the new 5 Series does not fall short in any manner. The 530i’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine produces 252bhp and 350Nm of torque, pushing the car from zero to 100kph in 6.1 seconds. The 520d gets a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel that makes 190bhp and 400Nm, taking 7.3 seconds to get to 100kph from a standing start. The 530d is the quickest of the bunch; its 3.0-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine makes 265bhp and 620Nm of torque, propelling the car from zero to 100kph in just 5.7 seconds.
All variants in the new 5 Series line-up get an 8-speed ‘Steptronic’ automatic transmission that provides swift, smooth gear shifts. There’s also adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, which offer an optimised mix of ride comfort and high-speed handling dynamics. Driving modes (Comfort, Sport, ECO PRO and Adaptive) allow the driver to further customise the car’s performance. The M Sport variants get an extra Sport+ mode for a sportier driving experience.
Safety features include ABS, traction control and stability control systems, a tyre pressure monitoring system, six airbags and ISOFIX child seat mounting. The instrument panel is fully digital with a customisable display, and there’s a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen. Voice commands are available for a range of functions. High-quality acoustics are assured with the 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.
The new 5 Series comes in a range of new colours, including metallic blue, grey, white, black and silver. The interiors are in Nappa leather upholstery (perforated Sensatec and Dakota natural leather are other upholstery options) with high-gloss satin chrome trim. Finance is available via BMW India Financial Services, with monthly EMIs starting from Rs 49,999. BMW India is also providing assured buy-back after up to four years and flexible end of term options, making it easier for customers when it’s time to trade up to their next BMW.
