The new BMW 5 Series has arrived and for those looking to minimise their VED tax liability there is a hybrid version too. Here are some highlights from the BMW press info;
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon features mild hybrid technology, with extra driver assistance features, updated styling and enhanced in-car camera systems.
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 like steering and lane-control assistant and active cruise control to name just a few.
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon will also be built by our production partner Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.
Exterior design
There is slimmer contouring of the headlights, plus the standard full LED headlights include two U-shaped daytime driving lights. With the Visibility pack, customers can upgrade to either Adaptive LED headlights with matrix technology or BMW Laserlights including High-beam Assistant – these headlight upgrades are characterised by two L-shaped daytime driving lights.
The latest generation of BMW’s Laserlight technology increases the lighting range up to 600 metres and includes a blue laser effect within the eye-brow.
The LED taillights are now presented with an additional top overhang that transforms the L-motif into a C-shape. Blackened lenses frame the taillights for a more slender, high-tech look, with bold, stepped contours providing a modernised appearance.
M Sport package features new 19” and 20” Wheels whilst the new limited M Sport Edition comes with exclusive Individual metallic paint and unique 20” Air Performance wheels.
Trim levels
The new BMW 5 Series comes in a choice of three trim levels: SE, M Sport and M Sport Edition. For the very first time in the UK, we’ll also be introducing a range-topping M Performance M550i xDrive on Saloon models.
The M Sport trim level adds new alloy wheel designs in 18”, 19” and 20”sizes, the M aerodynamics package and high gloss shadowline exterior trim, which now extends to the roof rails on the Touring. Inside, there is the M leather steering wheel, front sports seats, a distinctive instrument panel finished in Sensatec, anthracite headliner and Aluminium Rhombicle Grey trim details. M Sport suspension is standard except on 530e and 530e xDrive models.
Engines
A choice of plug-in hybrid models with the latest fourth-generation battery technology including an all new six-cylinder 545e xDrive Saloon and four-cylinder 530e sDrive/xDrive Touring from November 2020.
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 very first time – the BMW 530e Touring.
48V mild-hybrid technology for all four- and six-cylinder models
Mild-hybrid technology, first introduced in the BMW 520d and BMW 520d xDrive models in autumn 2019, will now offer enhanced performance combined with lower fuel consumption and improved driving comfort in all four- and six-cylinder variants of the new BMW 5 Series.
Fitting a powerful 48V starter-generator and a second battery enables a significant increase in the amount of brake energy that can be regenerated and stored. This energy is used not just to supply the electrical system, but also to lighten the combustion engine’s workload and boost its power.
The starter-generator produces an electric boost that instantly makes an additional 8 kW/11 hp available, enhancing overtaking and off-the-line acceleration. The starter-generator also increases efficiency by assisting the engine when driving at constant speeds and improves comfort when the Auto Start-Stop and coasting functions are in use.
Further developed powertrain and chassis technology
Alongside the 530hp V8 found in the range-topping BMW M550i xDrive Saloon, the new BMW 5 Series comes with a choice of three additional petrol and three diesel engines producing between 184hp and 340hp.
CAMERAS CAN NOW RECORD INCIDENTS AND STORE EVIDENCE
Driver assistance systems offering additional functions
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.The new Drive Recorder option coupled with Parking Assistant Plus, uses in-built cameras to record video footage from different points around the vehicle, before storing the recordings so they can be either watched later on the control display or exported via the USB port.
IE Comment; This is perhaps of most interest to insurers, as gathering video evidence may well help determine who is responsible for typical fender bender car park incidents, vandalism, or low speed accidents at junctions. The tech underpinning the system is clever enough to realise that footage BEFORE an incident is crucial.
Recordings can be up to 40 seconds in length, comprising the 20 seconds of video saved immediately prior to the Drive Recorder being activated and the next 20 seconds. In the event of a collision, the 20 seconds up to the moment of impact and the next 20 seconds are automatically recorded and saved.
New digital services: BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Smartphone Integration and Remote Software Upgrade
The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional brings in the latest BMW Operating System 7.0 and a host of digital services as standard.
The new BMW 5 Series includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with the latest extended functionality. This technology learns routines, habits and preferences to help the driver get the best out of the in-car functionality. Smartphone Integration is offered as standard, without any runtime limitations, and is now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Offered for the first time on the new BMW 5 Series the Remote Software Upgrade functionality keeps the vehicle up to date with the latest software. All updates can be imported over the air, either on a smartphone via BMW Connected or directly into the car using its built-in SIM card. Installation is much like a smartphone update.
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