BMW South Africa have launched the latest BMW 5 Series on local shores. The new car marks the sixth-generation of the venerable sports sedan and, if our first impressions are anything to go by, looks set to continue, if not accelerate, the already substantial sales figure of over 5.6 million units sold since production of the first ’5′ began in 1972.

Developed under the codename ‘F10′, the BMW 5-Series softens the harder lines of the current E60 with more integral-looking headlights and a cleaner front-end design. New European pedestrian safety standards threaten to drastically alter the design of many European cars for the worse, but BMW has managed to maintain its classic twin-kidney grille design with the new 5-Series, while simultaneously reducing the length of the front overhang. From the rear, the new 5 Series looks sleek and sporting. The optional 19-inch wheels on our press car ended flush with the wheel arches and accentuated the car’s hindquarters. L-shaped rear light clusters incorporating LED lights are unique and unmistakably BMW.

As is typical of most recent BMW redesigns, this 5-Series adds some space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase by 88 mm and widening the track. The car’s overall length has grown by 40 mm, while its height is slightly reduced and its width increased by a fraction. Despite being slightly larger, the new 5 Series features a 55% stiffer chassis while at the same time managing a weight reduction of 50 kilograms over its E60 predecessor. These aspects of the latest 5 Series are made possible by the increased use of aluminium in the car’s construction, specifically the bonnet, front fenders and passenger doors.

With the advent of the latest ’5′, BMW have more clearly achieved their objective – with reference to the 5th generation E60 – of creating a mid-size sedan that successfully blends design, dynamics and comfort.

Design aside, two components play a pivotal role in the successful fulfillment of these desired traits. The first is that of the suspension components, which feature a new-to-5 Series, aluminium, double-wishbone front axle and multi-link rear axle – as found on the 7 Series and 5 Series GT models. The new front suspension layout helps the 5 Series attain admirable levels of agility and comfort.

The second element of the dynamics/comfort equation is the electronic wizardry that aids in controlling the steering and suspension behaviour. EPS, or Electric Power Steering, is a first for the 5 Series and its segment, and is combined with BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) as standard across the 5 Series range.

Where as conventional steering uses a hydraulic/mechanical setup to turn the front wheels, EPS relies on an electric motor to achieve the same results. We found the software controlling the steering does an excellent job of delivering steering accuracy at varying speeds. In addition, the lack of a physical connection to the front axle from the steering wheel means vibration is almost entirely eliminated.

With a physical steering connection now replaced in favour of an electronic one, its easy to assume dynamism to be lost. We were pleasantly surprised to find that this simply isn’t the case. In fact, the latest 5 Series feels every bit a BMW and perhaps more truer to the 5 Series ethos than before.

In addition to EPS, handling of the new car is further enhanced courtesy of Integral Active Steering. Previously available only on the 7 Series, when fitted with this option the 5 Series benefits from rear-wheel steering by up to 2.5 degrees. Up to speeds of 60 km/h the rear axle turns in the opposite direction to the front, thereby requiring less effort to turn and reducing the turning circle by 0.5 metres. Beyond 60 km/h the rear axle turns parallel with the front, again requiring less steering input and offering improved high-speed stability.

The DDC offers Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ suspension modes, which all offer different levels of damping and steering sensitivity, depending on driver preference for the speed and road conditions. As with the 5 Series GT we drove earlier this year, Normal and Sport modes proved adequate, while Comfort softened the car a bit too much for our liking.

Of course the new 5 Series is loaded with safety equipment. Suffice to say it has just about all you could think of and more – such as Dry Braking function that optimises brake performance in the wet, by imperceptibly applying the brakes at regular intervals, to keep the discs dry.

Buyers have the choice of covering the brake discs with the standard 17-inch wheels, or a set of either 18- or 19-inch alloys.

Initially the 5-Series will be available with the choice of either an 8-cylinder, or three 6-cylinder petrol engines. The range will be rounded off in August 2010 by the arrival of the 520d 4-cylinder turbodiesel model.

The top-of-the-range BMW 550i comes with a V8 boasting ‘TwinPower Turbo Technology’ for maximum output of 300 kW, 600 N.m of torque and average fuel consumption of 10.4 l/100km. The straight-six with TwinPower Turbo in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 225 kW, 400 N.m of torque and average consumption of 8.4 l/100km. The two straight-six power units in the 528i and 523i, deliver 190 kW and 150 kW respectively, while torque figures are 310 N.m for the 528i and 250 N.m for the 523i. A straight-six diesel gives the BMW 530d maximum output of 180 kW, 540 N.m of torque and an average fuel consumption of 6.1 l/100km.The entry level 4-cylinder diesel engine in the 520d offers 135 kW, 380 N.m of torque and average fuel economy of 5.2 l/100km.

All models are fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, which forms part of the BMW Efficient Dynamics package, also now standard on all 5 Series models. Highlights include Brake Energy Regeneration with recuperation display, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering (EPS) and tyres with reduced rolling resistance.

A multitude of gadgets are available to keep occupants entertained, comfortable and safe. These include ‘Parking Assistant’, ‘Surround View’ and collision warning with application of the brakes in conjunction with ‘Active Cruise Control’ plus ‘Stop & Go’. Further features also available are ‘Lane Change Warning’, ‘Lane Departure Warning’, a Head-Up Display, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, and a back-up camera.

Price includes a 5 Year/100 000 km Motorplan, non-contributing service and maintenance contract.

Ten years ago BMW created a new class of vehicle they chose to call the ‘Sport Activity Vehicle’. The BMW X5 was an attempt, and a very successful one at that, to create a road-biased SUV, with the luxury and handling capabilities of a sedan. Then, two years ago, the X6 was introduced. Heralded by BMW as a combination of SUV (high ground clearance, all wheel drive and all-weather ability, large wheels and tyres) with the stance of a coupé (bold styling, dramatic sloping roof), the company created another new niche for themselves and called it a Sports Activity Coupé (SAC). It seems the alchemy at Munich has continued and the latest result is the new 5 Series Gran Turismo, or 5 Series GT, which BMW have christened a Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS).

If you’re confused about who this high-riding 5 Series with an X6 roofline is aimed at, you’re not alone, because it hasn’t been clearly defined. What BMW have said though, is that the new 5 Series GT is an exercise in innovation and breaking the mold, thus it will appeal to those wishing to do the same. But regardless of where the new car fits into the BMW model line-up, or the passenger vehicle market for that matter, what is crystal clear is that BMW have created another great motorcar.

Although falling under the 5 Series banner, the new GT is built on the 7 Series platform and in fact shares many of the 7′s technology too. Perhaps it’s this 7 Series pedigree coupled with the higher ride that gives the new 5 GT an air of aristocracy over that of the new 5 Series. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo’s sleek exterior profile is a product of the 3 070 mm wheelbase, coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows. The front of the car is characterised by BMW’s new face, first seen on the new 7 Series, that being a short overhang, upright kidney grille and large air intakes. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by LED illuminated corona rings within the headlights. LED technology features prominently in the rear tail lights too, which wrap around the tailgate and add proportion to a tall rear end.

It is the tailgate and adjustable rear seats, that to large extent, make the new 5 Series Gran Turismo what it is. Capable of opening in two stages for either quick access, or for maximum convenience when transporting larger items, it is electronically operated and is the gateway to a well thought out cargo area. With the rear seats in their standard postion luggage capacity is a useful 440 litres. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100 mm, with legroom still remaining equivalent to the BMW 5 Series Saloon, which increases luggage capacity to 590 litres. Once the rear seats are folded down, together with the partition behind them that offers an acoustic barrier, luggage space increases to its maximum capacity of 1 700 litres.

The 5 Series GT is available with two rear seat configurations. Standard on all new GT models is a 60/40 split configuration, which allows the rear seats to be adjusted individually, fore-and-aft, as well as the backrest angle. As an option, two individual comfort seats may also be specified for the rear, these boast multi-way electronic adjustment for superior comfort. Rear legroom is generous and on par with that of the 7 Series, but as comfortable as the rear seats are, we would have liked more lateral support. Up front, the seats are supremely comfortable, as is the driving position which, being slightly raised, offers a good view of the road. Only the rearview is limited by the tapered rear window, but the 5 Series GT is fitted with front and rear park distance control, including a camera, so parking is made easy. Also standard across the model range is a panoramic sunroof that extends from above the front passengers to those in the rear.

Of course, the quality of interior craftsmanship is of a very high standard, with many design elements and functions being carried over from the 7 Series. Standard equipment includes the latest version of BMW’s iDrive paired with a 10.2-inch LCD display; satellite navigation; bluetooth connectivity; Aux-In and USB ports for portable media players; an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and the user’s private music collection; climate control; and Integrated Owner’s Manual for quick reference. Some of the optional features include four-zone automatic air conditioning (standard in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, front mounted side cameras, as well as an electrically swiveling towbar.

Three models of the new 5 Series GT are available in South Africa, namely the 530d GT, 535i GT and 550i GT. We drove the 530d and 550i models on the launch and were impressed by the performance of both engines. The diesel produces 180 kW and 540 N.m of torque from 1 750 rpm, enough to launch the near 2 tonne car to 100 km/h from rest in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 240 km/h. Driven carefully, BMW claim a fuel consumption figure of just 6.5 l/100km and a CO2 rating of 173 g/km.

The similarly capable, petrol powered, 535i, uses BMW’s 225 kW, 400 N.m twinturbo 3,0-litre straight six to achieve an identical sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h of 6.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, while consumption is said to be 8.9 l/100km with CO2 emissions of 209g/km.

The powerhouse in the range is the 550i GT, which has a 300 kW, 4,4-litre, TwinPower Turbo V8, producing 600 N.m of torque from 1 750 rpm. Burying the accelerator pedal will see the 550i GT rocket from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. BMW claim the V8 requires just 11.2 l/100km of premium octane and emits 263g/km of CO2. All GT models are fitted with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission as standard and in case you were wondering, BMW say there are no plans for an M GT model.

With plenty of torque both the 530d and 550i GT’s we drove, hauled the 2 tonne car along with alacrity. Excellent sound insulation adds to the 5 Series GT’s luxurious nature and, using BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control, the suspension settings and ride quality can be adjusted between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ modes, depending on the road conditions or your cruising pace. We found the Normal and Sport modes to be all that was required, as the Comfort setting was too ‘wallowy’ and the Sport+ setting seemed a bit too firm over the bumps.

The new 5 Series Gran Turismo is certainly worthy of the GT badge and its implied abilities. It has a well balanced chassis that rides and handles beautifully, especially considering the overall dimensions (4 998 mm long, 2 132mm wide) and weight of the car, plus it has all the luggage capacity and comfort one would expect. But it is lacking something and to help explain we need to call upon one of BMW’s previous catch phrases “Sheer Driving Pleasure”. Yes, the 5 Series GT is undoubtedly a pleasure to drive, BMW now call this ‘Joy’, but it seems there is less of the ‘Driving’ element present in the new car. While the 5 GT handles and drives competently, there is not much BMW character imbued through the steering wheel. Somehow it’s been lost in translation between the 7 Series platform and front suspension, the X3 like ride height and the rear air suspension from the next generation of 5-series Touring. It’s an aspect of the driving experience that may concern BMW diehards, but won’t affect the majority of first time buyers that BMW are hoping to attract with the 5 Series GT.

So, whether dreaming up new classes of vehicles will prove successful remains to be seen. BMW South Africa say they expect to sell around 50 GT’s this year and have already received orders prior to this week’s local launch. One thing’s for sure though, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is an accomplished car.

Price includes a 5 Year/100 000 km Motorplan, non-contributing service and maintenance contract.

Following an earlier image leak, BMW has officially taken the wraps off the all-new 5-Series Sedan. The latest model marks the sixth-generation of the venerable sports sedan. The new  BMW 5-Series Sedan will make its public debut at next month’s LA Show.

Developed under the codename ‘F10′, the BMW 5-Series softens the harder lines of the current E60 with more conventional-looking headlights and a cleaner front-end design. New European pedestrian safety standards threaten to drastically alter the design of many European cars for the worse, but BMW has managed to maintain its classic twin-kidney grille design with the new 5-Series while simultaneously reducing the length of the front overhang.

As is typical of most recent BMW redesigns, this 5-Series adds some space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase nearly 100 mm and widening the track. The car’s overall length has grown by less than 20 mm, while its height is slightly reduced and its width increased by a fraction. A set of 17-inch wheels are the smallest available with 18- and 19-inch wheels optional.

From launch the 5-Series will offer one 8-cylinder and three 6-cylinder petrol engine options. Two diesel 6-cylinder models will also be available.

The range-topping 550i model comes packing a 300 kW version of BMW’s turbocharged V8. As expected, BMW’s 225 kW turbocharged inline-6 will be available in the 535i model. A 530d model will also be available, featuring a 180 kW diesel engine, as well as an entry level 4-cylinder 520d with a 135 kW diesel engine and economy of 5.0 L/100km.

The next-generation 5-Series features an eight-speed automatic transmission with optional all-wheel drive.

The new 5 also offers a multitude of gadgets to keep occupants entertained, comfortable and safe, which includes a Parking Assistant, a collision warning and brake initiation function in conjunction with Active Cruise Control and Stop & Go, Surround View and Speed Limit Device. Further options are Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, a High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision able to detect even individual persons, Park Distance Control and a reverse-view camera.

The new BMW 5-Series will arrive in South Africa in May 2010.

Erectile Dysfunction

With the 2009 Audi A6 facelift and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class already in showrooms, attention now turns to the next-generation BMW 5-Series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series Sedan and Touring wagon remain crucial vehicles in BMW’s lineup and with the next-gen versions now just months away from launch, speculation about their final design has been heating up.

Well the speculation can now end – at least partially – because several shots of the 2011 BMW 5-Series Sedan have turned up online, one day ahead of its official reveal.

The new 5-Series Sedan is expected to arrive early next year as a 2011 model, making its world debut at March’s 2010 Geneva Motor Show, but we can already gather a number of details from disguised prototypes seen testing around the streets of Munich. Most of the planned changes for the 2011 BMW 5-Series, however, are skin-deep.

Under the new sheet metal, BMW will continue with its new found love of turbocharging. The 4,4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the X6 and new 5-Series GT is expected to appear in a range topping model, while more turbodiesel variants are expected to join the lineup as well. BMW is also expected to launch two hybrid versions: a ‘mild’ hybrid petrol-electric version similar to the recently revealed ActiveHybrid 7 as well as a diesel-electric version.

The transmission systems will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox, however a new eight-speed unit from ZF is also expected to be available. New EfficientDynamics technologies will also be available, such as specially designed aerodynamic wheels and brake-energy regeneration systems.

Performance will also be improved thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fibre and aluminum. The car’s construction will be a mix of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. This will ensure a favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. High-performance models, such as the next M5, will possibly include carbon-fibre body panels to shed even more weight.

Adapted from MotorAuthority