2010 BMW 5 Series
BMW has unleashed one of the most anticipated new cars this year, the all-new 5 Series (F10)The wraps have finally come off the new 2010 BMW 5 Series, which sports a conservative exterior style, a raft of new engines and restyled interiors.
BMW's new 5 Series is scheduled to go on sale in Europe after the 2010 Geneva motor in mid-March and is expected to arrive in Australian dealerships by mid 2010.
Larger than its predecessor, featuring electric power steering with Servotronic assistance for the first time and a brake energy regeneration system on all models, the new F10 BMW 5 Series' major talking point is undoubtedly the new design.
Based on a similar platform as the new 7 Series and 5 Series GT, the new model shows off a more conservative design than its predecessor, and one that is closer in style to the rest of the BMW range.
With a strong resemblance to the range-topping BMW 7 Series limousine, the new 5 Series is a less radical design than its forebear. Design director Adrian van Hooydonk has toned down the eye-catching styling cues, such as the headlights and front end design, but the vehicle's short overhangs and kidney grille have been retained.
BMW claims the new 5 Series sedan has the longest wheelbase in the segment, measuring 2968mm (up 80mm on its predecessor), and with a 58mm increase in overall length from 4841 to 4899mm. This increases rear seat passenger knee room while the boot space is 520 litres.
One of the most important new car launches of the year, the new BMW 5 Series also benefits from a range of new turbocharged engines, including four- and six-cylinder turbodiesels and six- and eight-cylinder turbo petrol engines.
All models are rear-wheel drive and one of the most efficient models is the new 520d, powered by a four-cylinder turbodiesel that generates 135 kilowatts of power. The 520d is also the first 5 Series to be fitted with auto start-stop, which helps the vehicle achieve a "new efficiency benchmark in its segment" by consuming 5.0 litres/100 kilometres and emitting 132 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
At the other end of the spectrum is the range topping BMW 550i, which features twin turbo petrol V8 engine developing 300kW. The entire 5 Series range meet the EU5 emission standard.
Eight-speed automatic transmissions will be available on some models and will be standard on the 550i, while six-speed manual gearboxes will be standard on other models. BMW will also offer a Sport Automatic option with the eight-cog auto gearbox, which adds steering wheel paddle shifters to the equation.
Another model new to the 5 Series range is the 535i, powered by a twin turbocharged straight-six petrol engine that generates 225kW. There are also two other six-cylinder petrol engines in the BMW 528i and 523i, which output 190kW and 150kW respectively.
Straight-six diesels haven't been forgotten either, with the range-topping oiler being the BMW 530d, delivering 180kW and can be optioned with BluePerforance technology to reach the EU6 emission standard (which doesn't come into effect until 2014). There is also the BMW 525d model powered by a 150kW six-cylinder turbodiesel unit.
BMW's EfficientDynamics system has been incorporated across the range to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, including the aforementioned brake energy regeneration system, a gearshift point indicator, active air flap control and on-demand operation of ancillary units such as a detachable a/c compressor.
The new BMW 5 Series features extensive use of aluminium to reduce weight, with the bonnet, front quarter panels, the doors and even suspension components made of aluminium.
BMW has spent a lot of time crafting the cabin of the new 5 Series and has fitted various ConnectedDrive systems such as Surround View, collision warning which can apply the brakes automatically (in conjunction with Active Cruise Control), park assist, lane change warning and lane departure warning, speed limit info, plus a head-up display, BMW Night Vision and a back-up camera.
The all-new 5 Series will share components with the 7 Series, and both models are jointly built at BMW's Dingolfing Plant in Germany.
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