Wraps off the new 5 Series

The 5 Series has been recognised as a segment benchmark ever since the first generation debuted in 1972. With the unveiling of the latest model, BMW hopes to offer an unparalleled driving experience with the new 5's impressive array of new technology and features.

Assembled at BMW's Dingolfing plant since its inception, the 5 Series has sold in excess of 5,5 million units in its 37 year existence and just like its predecessors, the sixth generation displays the simple characteristics that have been the cornerstones of a product that remains as popular as ever, including a longitudinally-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive layout and high-tech suspension componentry.

Not only does the new 5 Series offer the sporting driving dynamics typical of the brand, but more emphasis has also been placed on achieving class-leading fuel efficiency supplemented by innovative comfort and safety specification.

The latest 5 Series, penned by Chris Bangle's recently-appointed successor Adrian van Hooydonk, displays much of the usual exterior fare, like the trademark kidney grille and dual round headlamps up front - both features have been restyled and are slightly elongated, although it has to be said that the front end appears very much like an uneasy compromise between and 3 and 7 Series.

Its long wheelbase aside, the 5 Series is visually lengthened by a striking contour line that runs through the door handles and reaches well into the front and rear fenders. The rear end of the 5 Series employs all-new L-shaped tail lamp clusters as well as a multitude of contours and flared wheelarches for a particularly muscular emphasis.

The engine line-up consists of four petrol engines and two diesel units. First up is the 3,0-litre straight-six petrol unit employed in the 523i, which produces 150 kW at 6 100 r/min and 270 N.m of torque from 1 500 r/min to 4 250 r/min. In 528i guise, this unit develops 190 kW at 6 600 r/min and 300 N.m of torque from 2 600 to 5 000 r/min.

Next is the 3,0-litre straight six twin-turbocharged unit employed in the 535i that produces 225 kW at 5 800 r/min and 400 N.m of torque from 1 200 r/min to 5 000 r/min. The 4,4-litre V8 employed in the 550i produces 300 kW at 5 500 r/min and 600 N.m of torque from 1 750 r/min.

The oil-burner line-up starts with the four-cylinder turbodiesel unit in the 520d that produces 135 kW at 4 000 r/min and 380 N.m of torque from 1 900 to 2 750 r/min. The straight-six turbodiesel powerplant in the 530d develops 180 kW at 4 000 r/min and 540 N.m of torque from 1 750 r/min to 3 000 r/min. All 5 Series models will boast the new eight-speed automatic transmission as standard - said to offer "a unique combination of gearshift comfort, sportiness and efficiency".

As can be expected, the 5 Series boasts a sophisticated suspension system, which, enhanced with Adaptive Drive, provides enhanced handling characteristics and agility when called upon, as well as supreme comfort. The EPS Electric Power Steering System not only reduces energy consumption to zero when the car is in a straight line, but is also capable of providing enthusiastic drivers with more steering feedback when in the Sport mode of Dynamic Drive Control and with DSC switched off.

As is normally the case with BMW automobiles, the interior is very driver-oriented, with a multi-function steering wheel, two steering wheel columns that feature a multitude of controls and an optimised head-up display. Safety specifications are headed up with three-point inertia reel seatbelts on all seats with dual front and side airbags, as well as crash-activated headrests for the driver and front passenger and Isofix childseat mountings.

The new BMW 5 Series is expected to arrive in South Africa during the first half of 2010.