Following the launch of the impressive new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW is preparing to fight back with its fifth-generation 5 Series executive saloon to be introduced mid-way through 2003.
Following the launch of the impressive new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW is preparing to fight back with its fifth-generation 5 Series executive saloon to be introduced mid-way through 2003.
CARtoday.com reported on Monday that BMW AG would embark on a series of six new product launches over the coming 24 months. The manufacturer will offer its new Rolls-Royce and 5-Series next year and the 1-Series subcompact, 6-Series coupé and X3 sports utility vehicle (SUV) in 2004.
Codenamed E60, the new 5 Series will be the first car conceived and developed under BMW’s research and development leader Burkhard Goeschel. The sedan arrives in early 2003, followed by a stationwagon in 2004. Styled under BMW design boss Chris Bangle, “the E60 is a departure from the current’s familiar look for a more progressive shape and detailing that incorporates cues first seen on the Munich manufacturer’s controversial Z9 concept car,” reported recently.
As can be seen from these pictures, the dramatic appearance differs from what Bangle describes as the “one sausage in different lengths” effect critics have applied to 3-, 5- and the previous-generation 7-Series models. At the front, a flatter, wider version of the classic BMW kidney grille divides almond-shaped headlights that house twin bi-Xenon projector lamps.
The sloping bonnet leads back to a more raked windshield. Towards the rear, the roofline gets a rounded coupé-like profile, the sides are flatter than on today’s car and the higher boot line shows a sharper edge. Overall size remains the same… however, there is more rear seat legroom and boot space.
Inside, BMW will let buyers choose either a standard dashboard or an optional iDrive layout similar to that on the 7-Series.
As CARtoday.com reported earlier this year, the iDrive groups switches in a rotary dial between the front seats, linked to a video display mounted near the instrument binnacle. The car offers an array of telematic features, eight airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability, traction and body roll control and a new system called active front steering (AFS).
According to reports, the AFS system “automatically corrects the angle of the front wheels under sharp braking or other sudden external inputs”.
The engine line-up is said to include 2,2-, 2,5- and three-litre straight-six units, albeit with some modifications, plus versions of the 3,6- and 4,4-litre V8s used in the 7-Series. These powerplants will be revised to feature both BMW’s Valvetronic technology and direct fuel injection system.
There will also be several diesels on offer, including two-litre four-cylinder and 2,5-litre and three-litre six cylinder units, plus the 7-Series’ 3,5 and 4,5-litre V8s. The transmission systems will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic gearbox.
The tried and trusted 4,4-litre V8 might not be the most powerful petrol engine on offer, though. At some point of the Fives’ development, a new 283 kW bi-turbo three-litre engine is on the cards to power BMW’s rival to the Jaguar S-Type R, Audis S6 and, the E55 – the imminent AMG version of the Mercedes E-Class.
But, the biturbo engine is not destined for the next-generation M5. The M5, already a benchmark sports saloon, will have a monstrous 5,5-litre V10 engine – derived from BMW’s F1 unit – which could produce as much as 375 kW. BMW claims the future M5 will sprint from zero to 100 km/h in under five seconds, which will make it the fastest production Beemer on the planet.
Six-speed Steptronic with steering wheel-mounted shift buttons will be offered in addition to the five-speed manual ‘box.
The handling of the Five will be aided by a front aluminium structure that reduces loads on the front axle to provide sharper steering response and reduced understeer. It is joined by an active suspension system that uses hydraulics to reduce pitch and lean during hard cornering, heavy acceleration and emergency braking.
Borrowing from its experience with the aluminium space-frame Z8 and upcoming Rolls-Royce, BMW has been working with US aluminium giant Alcan to develop a connecting process to avoid problems in bonding aluminium to the main steel monocoque.
The new Five is set to be unveiled at next year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and will go on sale at the end of 2003. Right-hand drive versions – and Touring estate and “X” four-wheel drive versions – should follow by 2004.
