There are some things worth waiting for, and now the wait is over for the highly-anticipated launch of BMW’s new 5 Series sedan. The new 7th generation model is an evolution of what used to be, featuring new engines, technology, reduced weight, and improved fuel efficiency.
The design of the new 5 series boasts a few select features taken from the 3 and 7 Series, such as the hockey stick line that's seen on the 7 Series, and standard LED adaptive headlights that flow into the traditional kidney grille like those on the 3 Series.
New features to the kidney grille are active shutters designed to help reduce drag and improve BMW's EfficientDynamics. The car’s air quality is enhanced due to Air Curtains and Air Breathers, to help keep air moving through and around the car. These implemented enhancements also reduce lift at high speeds.
High-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium were used in the production of this 7th generation 5 Series, resulting in a weight reduction of up to 137 pounds. Although the weight is gone, the new car is longer, wider, and taller than the previous 5 Series. The weight reduction, along with more powerful engines, means the car should be quicker than the one it replaces.
The new engines, dubbed BMW TwinPower Turbo, are a series of modular inline four- and six-cylinder units. The US model will debut as the 530i (2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder) or 540i (3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder engine). Both will be available with xDrive all-wheel drive, but no manual or V8 options will be available at launch. Expect a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds (5.8 with xDrive) for the 530i and 4.9 seconds (4.7 with xDrive) for the 540i. All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic that features
navigation-assisted shifting.