BMW continues to expand its offerings with the announcement of an additional option package for the six-cylinder and V8-powered range of 5 Series cars.

The new BMW 5 Series Professional Package is stacked with unique features designed to appeal to executive drivers who delight in having the latest technology at their fingertips.

The Professional Package is ideally suited to the ambitious and successful executive who owns the latest laptop, the most multi-functional mobile, and the cinema-sized plasma screen.

The Professional Package is exclusive to BMW and the 5 Series.

Key among the Professional Package features is BMW Head-Up Display. This helps reduce driver distraction by presenting many key information features in the driver’s line of sight, such as road speed, cruise control status and navigation instructions.

Information is projected onto the windscreen but appears to float at the end of the bonnet, so drivers need not refocus let alone take their eyes off the road.

All Professional Package 5 Series cars are equipped with BMW Professional Navigation, which uses a multi-mode map display.

The maps are viewed on a large 8.8-inch full colour screen, which doubles as a television monitor. BMW Voice Recognition is also fitted, allowing easy access to Navigation, Ventilation, Entertainment and Communication functions.

The Professional Package also features BMW Business Bluetooth phone preparation for seamless wireless connection of mobile phone to vehicle. In the 525i Sedan, Park Distance Control is also included.

For the 530i Sedan, Touring and 530d models, the Professional Package additionally incorporates Comfort Access, which allows the driver to leave the electronic ignition key in their pocket or handbag and merely touch the door handle to unlock or lock the car, and press a dash-mounted button to start or stop the engine.

In the BMW 540i and 550i Sedans, powered by the latest generation satisfyingly powerful and smooth 225 kW 4.0-litre and 270 kW 4.8-litre V8 engines, the Professional Package further adds a power sunroof (540i) and LOGIC7 and Active Cruise Control (550i) to the Professional Package features fitted to the six-cylinder cars.

The BMW 5 Series was introduced to Australia in October 2003 and has been consistently praised for its sublime driving characteristics. A new generation magnesium aluminium VALVETRONIC-equipped straight six cylinder engine was introduced in June 2005, giving the 525i and 530i models even more power, poise and performance. The 530d introduced last December is the first BMW passenger car powered by a diesel engine and, thus, providing BMW an opportunity to reduce the drift heading Audi's way.

At launch, the BMW 5 Series introduced the motoring world to the dynamic benefits of Active Steering and Dynamic Drive as well as building on the BMW 5 Series’ reputation for driving excitement, thanks to an even more agile chassis.

This is enhanced by the all aluminium front structure that saves weight and delivers a perfect 50/50 weight distribution front to rear.

The Sport package, available throughout the six-cylinder and V8 powered BMW 5 Series models adds to an already appealing design with a range of cosmetic enhancements inside and out, along with stiffened suspension, lowered ride height and distinctive double-spoke 18-inch light alloy wheels.

The Professional Package is priced at $2,500 for six-cylinder cars and $3,500 (not $3,000 as originally announced) for V8 powered cars.

BMW 5 Series Professional Package

Features at a glance

525i Sedan

• Head-Up Display
• Professional Navigation
• 8.8-inch colour monitor
• BMW Voice Recognition
• Business Bluetooth phone preparation
• Park Distance Control

530i, 530d Sedan, 530i Touring*. As for the 525i plus:

• Comfort Access

540i Sedan.As for the 530i plus:

• Power sunroof

550i Sedan.As for the 540i plus:

• LOGIC7 sound system
• Active Cruise Control

* Some features may already be part of the standard specification of the vehicle.

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