The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 2: Winter 2016/17 | Page 30

REVVED UP BMW 5 Series The executive buy for 2017 BMW enthusiasts have been waiting a long time for the new and seventh generation BMW 5 Series. Well, it has finally been launched and will be available in February 2017. The new model’s looks are evolutionary rather than revolutionary yet it cuts a sporty, elegant and stylish figure. Typically, executive cars are a conservative sector, thus it makes sense for BMW to stick with the formula. There is no sense in fixing what is not broken. The ‘three-box’ saloon profile remains, along with the German brand’s hallmark kidney-shaped front grille. The new 5 Series shares a platform with the larger 7 series. The headlights meet the grille at the front, giving more of a sense of width than the outgoing model. The headlight units feature LEDs as standard with adaptive LED units featuring automatic high beam optionally available. long-distance comfort, say the company. It certainly seemed that way following a very brief viewing of a pre-production version recently. Various chassis options such as Integral Active Steering, which can now be teamed with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, add further talents to a dynamics-focused overall package designed to ensure the BMW 5 Series once again stands at the top of this prestige sector. The dashboard is angled toward the driver with a whole range of driver assistance technology. Previous experience has demonstrated that the iDrive infotainment screen, which sits atop the dashboard, is the best system of its type. It includes gesture controls from the BMW 7 Series. This allows occupants to control features with a flick of the wrist. On board WiFi also features to keep children occupied on long journeys, always a bonus. The cabin offers more space than the outgoing model. Headroom and all-round elbow and shoulder room are all improved. The door openings have been optimised to make it easier to get in and out and the 530L boot gains 10 litres over the old model, the wider opening allowing easier loading. It would not be wrong to say that this car has been improved upon across the board. Lightweight in design, the increased use of aluminium and high-strength steels have reduced the weight of the BMW 5 Series Saloon by up to 100 kilograms from that of its predecessor. The Company’s traditional even weight distribution based upon a newly designed chassis and a low centre of gravity, combine to achieve a wonderfully dynamic driving experience with Written by Geoff Maxted www.drivewrite.co.uk Expert Motoring Lawyers in Bath HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY? THE LEGAL EXPERTS IN BATH 30 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2016 The most popular engine is likely to be the 190hp 2.0L diesel (BIK 33%), offered in the 520d. This model returns 68.8mpg and emits just 108g/km of CO², yet can accelerate to 100km per hour in just 7.5 seconds. More power comes from the 3.0L 265hp straight-six in the 530d. Petrolpowered options include the 2.0L 530i with 252hp and the 3.0L straight-six 540i with a robust 340hp. On first inspection, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon has all the tools needed to continue the remarkable success recorded by its predecessors. Now, the seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series points the way into the future. 01225 485700 [email protected]