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BMW's updated 5-Series arrives late September

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5th August, 2013

  • Enhanced standard specification across the new BMW 5 Series range
  • Updated exterior with fresh design highlights
  • Fresh design for the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
  • Increased performance and efficiency for the BMW 550i
  • BMW Luxury Line and Modern Line available for the first time
  • Adaptive LED headlights available for the first time on the new BMW 5 Series

First released in 2010, the current BMW 5 Series sedan has been a success in the local vehicle market. Together with the versatile Touring and the unique Gran Turismo variants, the BMW 5 Series range has sold over one million vehicles globally and has brought new levels of driving pleasure.

In 2013, the BMW 5 Series range is having an update. Details of the mid-lifecycle update have been announced by BMW Group Australia. It is evident the company is determined to expand the appeal of the 5-Series.

The vision for the new BMW 5 Series has been to deliver precise modifications to the design with enhanced engine performance and innovative BMW ConnectedDrive technologies to raise the appeal of the BMW 5 Series range.

And the best news for Australian consumers came with an announcement from BMW Group Australia confirming a significant increase in specifications, right across the entire new BMW 5 Series range. These enhancements represent value for the BMW 5 Series range.

The mid-lifecycle update for the BMW 5 Series range brings with it refreshed exterior styling along with some interior refinements.

Additional contour lines make a slightly sharper sporting edge around the signature kidney grille and a restructured lower air intake in the front bumper apron highlights new standard LED fog lights. Redesigned rear lights, as well as an additional crease in the rear bumper strengthen the design at the rear of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and Touring models.

Updates to the interior include chrome strip borders on the control display as well as increased capacity for storage compartments and cup holders in the centre console.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo receives similar styling updates to the front, with a revised air intake in the front bumper apron which also features the now standard LED fog lights. However, the biggest updates have been reserved for the rear of this car, with a new and extended tailgate making a longer and more dynamic silhouette. This effect is further enhanced by revised two-section tail lights and updated styling cues around the license plate holder and rear bumper, providing an elegant and sporty appeal.

All new BMW 5 Series models now have side indicators integrated into the exterior mirrors.

Performance and efficiency in the updated BMW 5 Series range has increased, particularly in the BMW 550i.

This model is now equipped with a new generation 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which incorporates BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve control system. The new technology package boosts the maximum power output by 10 per cent to 330 kW from 5,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm, and increases maximum torque to 650 Nm, now available between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. The increased output propels the 550i from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, nearly half a second faster than the outgoing engine.

While there’s no doubt these styling and performance updates will receive a positive reception from BMW’s extensive consumer base, the tour-de-force of the new BMW 5 Series update is the comprehensive – and generous – re-packaging of every model in the range.

Leading the charge are the company’s 5 Series entry level models, the 520i and 520d sedans. These vehicles feature BMW safety features, including dynamic stability control system, active head restraints and an active protection system, as well as six airbags for occupant protection.

Standard lighting and driver assistance features include Bi-Xenon headlights, LED fog lights and anti-dazzle interior rear-view mirror to ensure optimum visibility for the driver. In addition, features such as cruise control with braking function, a speed limiting device, front and rear park distance control and reversing camera provide excellent speed control measures as well as a high level of awareness during low speed and parking manoeuvres.

The comfort and convenience of occupants is well served in the new BMW 5 Series sedans. Standard appointments include Dakota leather electric front seats, extended two-zone automatic climate control system, sports leather steering wheel with gear-shift paddles, and a through loading system with a 60:40 split and folding rear seat backrest.

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Infotainment excellence is assured with the provision of an impressive array of standard entertainment and connectivity features. These comprise a 12 speaker Hi-Fi audio system, convenience telephony and extended smart phone connectivity including Bluetooth audio streaming and office functions, USB audio interface, Navigation System professional now with the iDrive touch controller and internet functionality.

The 520d Touring provides the same exceptional standard level of specification and adds automatic tailgate function, sunblinds for the rear side windows and BMW’s parking assistant feature.

Stepping up into the BMW 528i sedan is a treat. In addition to the previously listed standard specifications, the BMW 528i sedan offers several cutting edge technologies. New features include Adaptive LED headlights with anti-glare high beam assist and variable light distribution; interior and exterior mirrors with anti-dazzle function; comfort access system with “hands free” opening of the boot-lid;  driving assistant consisting of lane departure, forward collision and pedestrian warning with light city braking function and head-up display. Also included in the standard specifications for the BMW 528i sedan are a multifunctional instrument cluster, harman/kardon surround sound system and DAB + digital radio, surround view and an upgrade to 19 inch alloy wheels.

Standard specifications for both the 535i and 535d sedans are based on the 528i sedan – and they receive additional features. Both are driven by more powerful engines that deliver increased performance, and, in the case of the 535d, improved efficiency. These sedans also offer a more powerful braking system and BMW’s parking assistant feature as standard over the 528i.

The 535i Touring boasts an even higher level of standard specification with the addition of automatic tailgate function and sunblinds for the rear side windows.

The optional automatic tailgate function, (standard on the BMW 5 Series Touring and Gran Turismo models) allows the ‘hands free’ opening and closing of the tailgate when the comfort access feature is additionally selected.

The ActiveHybrid 5, with its powerful yet efficient full-hybrid drive train, has a similarly impressive standard specification list. Incorporating most of the same standard features as the 535i, the ActiveHybrid 5 adds a four-zone automatic climate control system, an instrument cluster with extended contents and 18 inch light alloy wheels.

The more powerful and efficient 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, isn’t the only addition to the new BMW 550i. When compared to its predecessor, the BMW 5 Series sedan range topper comes laden with a host of additional features as standard.

These include multifunctional instrument cluster; harman/kardon surround sound system and DAB + digital radio;   Adaptive LED headlights with anti-glare high beam assist and variable light distribution; Driving assistant consisting of lane departure, forward collision and pedestrian warning with light city braking function. Combined with the standard surround-view, parking assistant feature as well as a BMW Individual instrument panel finished in leather demonstrate the incredibly high level of standard equipment. This all translates into incredible customer value, especially considering the new BMW 550i will be available from a new price point of $159,900*.

The unique BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo likewise benefits from a substantial increase in value with a similar restructure of its standard features.

The 520d Gran Turismo shares a similar level of specification to the entry level sedan and touring models, which now also feature Bi-Xenon headlights, LED fog lights, full electric seat adjustment and professional navigation with internet access and rear view camera.

Furthermore, the new BMW 520d Gran Turismo features BMW’s Driving Assistant, which includes lane departure warning, forward collision and pedestrian warning with light city braking function; head-up display;  multi-functional instrument display and 19 inch alloy wheels as standard.

The 530d Gran Turismo adds 20 inch light alloy wheels, four-zone automatic climate control and Adaptive LED headlights including the anti-glare high-beam assist.

Finally, the top-of-the-range 535i Gran Turismo boasts additional features such as surround view camera, interior and exterior mirrors with anti-dazzle function and comfort access system.

All BMW 5 Series models will now receive a ‘Luxury line’ or ‘Modern line’ finishing package, designed to add exclusive styling elements and distinctive character to each vehicle.

The ‘Modern line’ adds exclusive features such as B-pillar and mirror base trims in high-gloss black and matt chrome exhaust tips, rear bumper embellisher and front air inlet surrounds. In addition, ’Modern line’ offers aluminium door sill trims illuminated with BMW designation and the kidney grille is highlighted with chrome film. The window recess trims are satinated aluminium.

There is also a range of options exclusive to ‘Modern line’ with interior trim and leather upholstery colour changes offered as a no cost option.

The ‘Luxury line’ targets the same vehicle features; however, the package offers a completely different character. This is achieved through different styling of the alloy wheels and chrome finishes to the exhaust, kidney grille, window recess covers, bumper, tailgate and door handle trims. The’ Luxury line’ package also includes specific design alloy wheels that, depending on the model, range in size from 18, 19, or in the case of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, up to   20 inches.

The range of interior and upholstery trim colours on offer for each ‘line’ package differs, and this further enhances the opportunity to individualise each vehicle’s character.

An important feature to the new 5 Series sedan line-up is the optional M Sports Package. Known the world over for its sporting heritage, the BMW M brand presents optional packages to enhance the sporty nature and reveal the 'DNA' of the BMW 5 Series range.

This package delivers sharper handling and a more performance oriented ride through M Sport suspension settings (not available for ActiveHybrid 5); BMW sports seats (excluding 550i, which retains the comfort seats) and an M leather steering wheel.

The M aerodynamics package includes 19 inch M double-spoke 351 alloy wheels or 20 inch M Double spoke 303 alloy wheels for the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, as well as a range of exclusive trims such as anthracite roof lining and M designated door sill finishers.

BMW 5 Series Range Australian Pricing*:

BMW 520i Sedan $79,900*
BMW 520d Sedan $82,400*
BMW 528i Sedan $97,400*
BMW 535i Sedan $116,900*
BMW ActiveHybrid 5 $119,900*
BMW 535d Sedan $121,900*
BMW 550i Sedan $159,900*
   
BMW 520d Touring $90,900*
BMW 535i Touring $122,900*
   
BMW 520d Gran Turismo $93,900*
BMW 530d Gran Turismo $108,900*
BMW 535i Gran Turismo $117,900*


NOTE:

* Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.

E&OE.


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