The new BMW 5-Series range is to be launched this July with a refreshed exterior design, with prices starting at €51,850 for the SE saloon.
BMW boasts that the new 5 Series reaffirms its leading position in the premium executive class, thanks to a new look, an interior brimming with refinements, cutting-edge innovations, and even greater efficiencies, as most models now feature mild-hybrid technology.
Like the new BMW 5 Series saloon, the new BMW 5 Series Touring will also be available with a plug-in hybrid drive system from November 2020. The use of mild hybrid technology with a 48V starter-generator will be rolled out to all models with a four or six-cylinder engine, except PHEV and M550i xDrive models.
Inside, new interior features include a larger 12.3” central information display powered by the latest Operating System 7.0, including BMW’s intelligent personal assistant and smartphone integration. The new 5 Series also benefits from the latest camera and radar-based driving assistant systems, including features such as steering and lane-control assistant, and active cruise control.
More than 600,000 units of the BMW 5 Series saloon and Touring have been sold worldwide since the current generation was launched.
The exterior design of the BMW 5 Series features precise modifications to heighten the car’s distinctive presence and sporting style. The BMW kidney grille has extra width and height, dropping down further into the front apron and framed by a single-piece surround. The slimmer contouring of the headlights brings a modern twist to the focused look so familiar from BMWs past and present. The standard full LED headlights include two U-shaped daytime driving lights to create a precise and modern light graphic.
Sports package
The M Sport package features new 19” and 20” wheels while the new limited M Sport Edition comes with exclusive individual metallic paint and unique 20” air performance wheels. The M Sport package delivers a sportier look from both the front and rear profiles of the car. Typical of the most popular trim level, these models include the M aerodynamics package, M Sport steering wheel and new 19” and 20” M Sport alloy wheels.
A new M Sport Edition version will be available from launch in a limited worldwide production run of 1,000 units. Its exclusive specification includes the M Sport package, model-specific 20” air performance wheels and a choice of two exclusive exterior paints, including Donington Grey and Tanzanite Blue. The central information display has increased in size from 10.25” to 12.3” and is powered by BMW’s latest Operating System 7.0.
The new BMW 5 Series comes in a choice of three trim levels: SE, M Sport and M Sport Edition. For the first time in Ireland, it will also be introducing a range-topping M Performance M550i xDrive on saloon models. Standard features of the SE include a choice of 17”, 18” and 19” alloy wheels and Steptronic or Steptronic Sport transmission depending on the engine variant. The interior benefits from Dakota leather upholstery, Oxide Silver dark matt trim, sport leather steering wheel and heated front seats.
The SE Touring specification includes split folding rear seats and matt silver roof rails, with all body styles also having an electronic tailgate.
New for the SE are folding mirrors, front electric lumbar support and parking assistant. Comfort, convenience and connectivity are heightened with automatic air conditioning, DAB radio, Connected Package Professional and BMW Live Cockpit Professional.
A choice of plug-in hybrid models with the latest fourth-generation battery technology, including a new six-cylinder 545e xDrive Saloon and four-cylinder 530e sDrive/xDrive Touring from November 2020.
Also from November 2020, the latest-generation BMW eDrive technology will be combined with a four-cylinder petrol engine on the new BMW 530e saloon and - for the first time – the BMW 530e Touring.
Active navigation
The German car maker says there is a choice of "sophisticated" chassis systems designed to enhance either agility and dynamism or driving comfort. M Sport suspension, Adaptive M suspension and Adaptive M suspension Professional, including active roll-stabilisation can all be found on the options list.
Red M callipers are now available as an alternative to blue with the M Sport Pro pack on M Sport models and are standard on M550i xDrive Saloon models.
The driver assistance systems available for the new BMW 5 Series are to enhance driving comfort on long journeys and increase safety in situations where the driver does not have a clear view. As part of ‘driving assistant professional’, updates to steering and lane control assistants are included, which in turn introduces active navigation. This system uses navigation data to spot in advance when a lane change will be required, and this can then be performed simply in advance notice, using the lane change assistant. The newly standard parking assistant’s range of functions has been extended with the addition of the reversing assistant, which takes control of the steering while reversing for distances of up to 50 metres.
