BMW's long expected new 5-Series is here. It is a mid-life or face-lifted version to keep fresh and as popular as the out going versions. And the entry-level diesel version is the 143 bhp 518d SE with a price tag of €43,380.
So how different does it look? Certainly not dramatically so, more evolution than revolution, and that is no real surprise as they hope to build on the major success and popularity of the last model.
It gets some more dynamic tweaking at the front which also delivers a slightly more muscular look. It also gets some of the new 4-Series treatment there too.
BMW also point out that the latest 5-Series gets Xenon headlights as standard and Adaptive LED lights are now an available option.
At the rear of the saloon and touring, there are newly designed tail lights with thin, elegant LED light strips. There is also a slight tweak (or crease ) to the rear panel to supposedly make it look a little more sporty, muscular, and give an impression of a wider car. Another addition is that the door mirrors of all models now have indicators incorporated in them. As you would expect, the new 5-Series comes with some new colours to choose from and there are also some alloy wheel options.
The interior of the new model gets chrome strips bordering the central control display in the cabin, and the new 5-Series saloon and touring gets some larger storage areas and new cup holders too. And note that the 'Comfort Access' system can now close as well as open the boot or tailgate at the wave of the driver’s foot beneath the rear bumper.
But just like the 2014 face-lifted Opel Insignia I drove last week, the biggest change in the new face-lifted 5-Series is in the additional efficiency found under the bonnet. It is here that it delivers with a leaner, meaner, and greener performance than the previous model.
Back to the entry-level diesel model. It emits 119 g/km CO2 emissions, which slots it in to Band A4 for road tax. But even more important, with ideal driving, it delivers 62.8 mpg for a combined cycle.
Aerodynamic additions to the wheel arches, under-body panelling, and front apron have helped to lower its drag co-efficient to enhance fuel efficiency.
In styling terms this is a thoughtful evolution of the previous model with many efficiency improvements. Put simply, an already impressive car has just got better.
