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Nearly 40 years after its 1972 debut, the iconic Bavarian saloon has been revised for its sixth generation. The new 5 Series consolidates new drivetrain technology with the gamut of modern BMW technical innovation and creature comforts compiled in the latest 7 Series, so expect all of the below to seep into the other model lines.



In North America, the 5 Series will be powered by one of three gasoline engines. The range-topping 550i will receive the twin-turbo V8, first used in the X6 Sport Activity Vehicle and the latest 7 Series and rated at 402 hp. The entry-level 528i will receive a naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder rated at 255 hp. The 535i receives an updated version of BMW's turbocharged inline six. Successor to the very popular twin-turbo I6 (coded N54), this new engine (coded N55) employs BMW's TwinPower Turbo Technology — essentially a single "twin scroll" unit serving all cylinders. Combined with BMW High Precision (fuel) Injection and Valvetronic variable valve timing, this single-turbo unit actually improves output (302 hp), overall performance and fuel economy versus the twin-turbo I6. A manual six-speed transmission is standard on the 528i and 535i. An all-new eight-speed transmission is available as an option on either of those models, and standard equipment on the 550i. The eight forward gears serve to provide virtually seamless automatic operation for silky smooth acceleration and deceleration, as well as improved fuel efficiency. The driver may also elect to take gear switching into his or her own hands using the steering column-mounted shift paddles — the left hand for downshifting, the right for upshifting. The interior retains BMW's signature driver-oriented layout, what BMW terms "asymmetrical design," where the center dash is angled 7 degrees toward the driver and all information and controls relevant to to piloting the vehicle are grouped around the number-one seat. Displays and controls relating to comfort functions (climate control, audio) are positioned more toward the middle of the center dash. High on the list of innovations is a revised iDrive control cluster. The system's capabilities are greatly enhanced with a group of direct-select "action" buttons that jump instantly to any of the system's sub-menus (navigation, audio, and so on) rather than forcing you to manually navigate through the digital display in search of features. The iDrive functions, as well as navigation and vehicle information, are displayed on a high-resolution 10.2-inch LCD screen at the top of the center dash. The nav system uses an integrated hard-disc (with the full vehicle owner's manual installed thereon and viewable through iDrive). The new 5, like the 7-Series, features Dynamic Drive Control, a four-stage system that adjusts steering, suspension and drivetrain parameters from their most comfort-oriented to their most sport-oriented settings (Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+). Each gradient progressively sharpens steering, throttle, and transmission response, tightens the suspension, and expands DSC stability control intervention thresholds. The 5-Series employs EPS Electric Power Steering, which assists steering on demand; less assistance at high speeds or in a straight line, more assistance with greater steering angles. Integral Active Steering at the rear wheels is available as an option, where at low speeds the rear wheels turn contrary to the fronts to increase maneuverability in tight places (like parking lots); at high speeds, the rears turn in the same direction, enhancing stability and tracking. Active Cruise Control is available as an option. This allows the driver to automatically maintain a pre-set cruising distance between the 5 Series and the vehicle preceeding it. If the set distance is no longer maintained, the car actively slows itself through engine management to maintain the proper speed for current traffic conditions. The system also incorporates a collision-warning system that both alerts the driver audibly and independently applies the brakes if it detects that a collision is imminent. BMW's Adaptive Drive system is available as an option. Comprising Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive active anti-roll stability management, it independently adjusts the suspension dampers to the road surface and driving style to preclude any “undesired movement” caused by dips, bumps, or high lateral acceleration. As with the range of BMW models, the standard sound system may be upgraded to "Premium Sound," BMW's generic description of its high-fidelity audio. No longer branded the way some of its competitors bill their top-tier stereos (like Audi's Bang & Olufsen or Jaguar's Bowers & Wilkins), BMW's Premium Sound for a factory system is bass-heavy for a thick, substantial presence, though it may lack the high-range fidelity of other boutique-brand systems.

Other optional features include (see the videos below): Lane change and lane departure warnings (the former monitors adjacent lanes and alerts the driver to obstacles in his or her blind spot, while the latter monitors painted lane boundaries and alerts the driver through small vibrations in the steering wheel if the vehicle wanders too close to those boundaries); Head-up Display (projects information such as speed and navigation instructions on the windshield above the instrument cluster); Rear-seat entertainment system (includes LCD displays in the backs of the front seats along with DVD and MP3 playback capability. Standard and Professional versions are available, the latter suppying 9.2-inch displays — up from 8 inches — that may be operated independently of one another; BMW Night Vision (monitors the road ahead using an infrared camera to see in the dark, with playback on LCD navigation display; Parking Assistant (a system that actively scans for suitable parallel parking spaces and guides the vehicle into a selected space by moving the steering wheel automatically; the driver retains control of the procedure using the gas and brake pedals); Surround View (cameras mounted at the rear, in the side mirrors, and near the wheel well of each front fender project images on the LCD navigation display, forming a virtual bird's eye view of the car's surroundings.

All the above information may seem daunting, but keep in mind most of these systems are passive and require no active driver participation. The new iDrive is a complete about-face in terms of operation and intuitive use—no more faceless machined-metal knob controlling an incomprehensible cluster of digital menus. And the drive, well, the drive is signature BMW, with aptly placed controls, a wraparound seating position, and top-tier driving dynamics. And the fact that this model consolidates all that is cutting-edge in Bavarian automobile technology — it may be regarded as the most advanced BMW to date.

 

[Sidebar] BMW 550i Gran Turismo For the new generation, the 2010 5 Series offers a unique new variant, something like a cross between a 5 Series Touring (that's Euro-speak for "wagon") and the company's X6 Sport Activity Vehicle. Together with cars like the Honda Accord Crosstour, it seems ready to define a new segment of crossover crossovers, for lack of a better term. The 5 Series GT is based on the standard 5 Series platform but adds a generous roofline and two-stage hatch to the vehicle's rear two-thirds. That said, it incorporates all other standard and optional 2010 5 Series features, but packages them with the utility of an SUV. The rear cargo area can be opened two ways; either the window glass portion may be released independently, allowing stowage access similar to that of a standard 5 Series sedan trunk, or the entire rear portion may be opened as on an X5 or X6 to allow storage of larger, bulkier items. The rear seats can be folded completely flat for even more room. The rear seating area itself can be upgraded with a Luxury Rear Seating Package, which replaces the standard bench configuration with a center median console and two individual bucket seats. The package also includes full seat adjustment, ventilation and heating capabilities, and independent climate control. With its sedan-like driving behavior and SAV-esque rear end, the 550i GT really seems to offer the best of both worlds. And perhaps even more so, it is reputed to have even more headroom than a BMW X5.