Executive Car - All New BMW 5 Series

27 July 2010

No stone has been left unturned to ensure that the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is as competitive as it can possibly be in every facet of the sales and ownership experience, from pricing and specification to running costs and residual values.
Sean Green, Sales Director for BMW UK, said:  "We believe the new BMW 5 Series offers customers more than the competition in every area of the purchasing and ownership experience.  We have specified and priced the car extremely competitively - it’s not our strategy to introduce low-spec introductory models in order to gain what looks initially like an advantageous price point position.
"Buyers are now more aware of the wholelife costs of vehicles, and it is this we have concentrated on.  Thanks to our excellent CO2 and fuel consumption performance, due to EfficientDynamics, the new BMW 5 Series offers lower fuel costs, VED and company car tax than most of the competition.
"We expect to sell around 12,000 BMW 5 Series Saloons in its first full year, and such is the strength of the proposition, we have some ambitious targets for conquest sales: we envisage approximately 35-40 per cent of customers coming from competitors."
Key historical data
Model 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 YTD
BMW 5 Series Saloon 14,227 14,199 16,015 16,201 13,967 10,158 2,833

Market data
The 5 Series is a key car for the business and private buyer alike but the predicted fleet:retail split is 70:30 in favour corporate.  Due to fuel prices and taxation policies in the UK, diesel ownership is popular in the UK and this is reflected in the split over engine choice.  The petrol:diesel share will be approximately 10:90 in the favour of the latter with the 520d expected to be the highest selling model accounting for approximately 60 per cent of the total volume.
Prices start from £28,045 OTR for the BMW 520d SE and all models come with a very high level of standard specification - among the most generous in the sector.  This includes Dakota leather upholstery, BMW Professional Radio, Bluetooth telephone preparation, Dynamic Stability Control+, Cruise Control, automatic air conditioning with two-zone control, front and rear Park Distance Control, 7-inch control display and iDrive and partial Black Panel technology.
Six-cylinder engine derivatives additionally gain USB audio interface and Ambient lighting, while the BMW 550i has the eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

M Sport
The popular M Sport derivative is now available to order on the 5 Series range. Prices start at £31,270 OTR for a BMW 520d M Sport Saloon rising to £53,615 OTR for a BMW 550i M Sport Saloon.

More car for the money
To illustrate just how competitive the new BMW 5 Series is in terms of pricing and specification compared to the outgoing model the table below illustrates both.  The figures are even more astonishing when you take into account that the new car comes with circa £2,600 (depending on model) of standard equipment that previously would have been on the options list.
BMW 5 Series Saloon (E60) Retail price  BMW 5 Series Saloon (New) Retail price Variance Approx content value
BMW 520d SE  £27,150 BMW 520d SE  £27,280 +£130 +£2,280
BMW 525d SE  £30,950 BMW 525d SE  £32,180 +£1,230 +£2,600
BMW 530d SE  £34,930 BMW 530d SE  £36,160 +£1,230 +£2,600
BMW 535d SE £39,470 BMW 535d SE £41,175 +£1,705 +£2,600
BMW 523i SE  £28,760 BMW 523i SE  £30,295 +£1,535 +£2,600
BMW 525i SE  £30,440 BMW 528i SE  £31,975 +£1,535 +£2,600
BMW 530i SE  £34,575 BMW 535i SE  £36,110 +£1,535 +£2,600
BMW 550i SE  £45,790 BMW 550i SE (auto only) £49,350 +£3,560* +£2,790
*New BMW 550i Saloon comes as standard with automatic transmission.

For example, Dakota leather is standard on the new BMW 5 Series when it was an option on some models in the outgoing range, but ensuring every model was highly specified means that the customer would reap the benefits at resale time.
Martin Ward, manufacturer relationship manager at industry analyst CAP Motor Research, explains:  "BMW has been wise to include leather trim and Bluetooth as standard on all new 5 Series.  The way the used market works is that values are calculated from the lowest price achieved, which means most people would have lost out in money terms if the standard model came with cloth trim, as that would set the base price for values.  With leather as standard, that base price will be higher.
"Once on the used market, all used buyers will come to recognise that all new BMW 5 Series will have the added luxury of leather seats, and this will no doubt add to its desirability, saleability and add value to the car."
The new BMW 5 Series is predicted to perform extremely strongly on the used market according to independent figures - far outperforming its competitors.  And thanks to its exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 levels, in-life ownership costs will be extremely competitive too.

Model Price
OTR Fuel cost over 60,000 miles CAP RV (three years / 60,000 miles)
BMW 520d SE auto £29,660 £5,224 £12,500 / 42 per cent
Audi A6 2.0TDI 170 SE Multitronic £29,605 £9,775 £9,775 / 33 per cent
Mercedes-Benz E220 CDi BlueEfficiency SE Tiptronic £30,130 £5,189 £11,850 / 40 per cent

Stephen Chater, Corporate Operations Manager at BMW UK, said:  "We have a close working relationship with our corporate customers and so can ensure that this vital business car is positioned exactly where customers want it.  That means getting the price, specification and wholelife cost proposition spot-on so that company car drivers and businesses have the strongest possible financial reasons for choosing the new BMW 5 Series, as well as the more emotive attractions of its agility, elegance, performance and high quality."
In the UK the BMW 5 Series Saloon will be offered with four optional equipment packages:
BMW Business Advanced Media and BMW Professional Multimedia packages include BMW Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive - Assist and Online and Voice control.  Dynamic package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Sport seats, Anthracite headlining, Sport leather steering wheel and High-gloss exterior trim.  The Visibility package includes Adaptive headlights, Xenon headlights, High-beam Assist and headlight wash.
All four packages represent a significant saving for the customer compared to buying the options individually. 

Drivetrain
Buyers of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon will be able to choose from a range of four diesel powerplants and four petrol engines.
Utilising a range of innovative technologies including single and dual turbocharging and High Precision Direct Injection, as well as award-winning EfficientDynamics innovations that enhance fuel economy and lower emissions, the engines in the new BMW 5 Series build on the company’s tradition of producing extremely powerful, frugal powerplants.
BMW 520d
The UK executive sector is dominated by diesel, often to minimise company car tax or the cost of fuel due to high mileages.  In the new BMW 5 Series, three new-generation diesels will initially be offered which set the benchmark for emissions in the sector, without any compromise in performance.
Low CO2 emissions are vital for many customers in the executive sector and the new BMW 520d delivers unrivalled emission levels of 129g/km (137g/km for automatic transmission-equipped cars) as well as combined fuel consumption of 57.6mpg (54.3mpg).  Setting new records for fuel economy and emissions, the four-cylinder 1,995cc BMW 520d achieves this through a combination of composite aluminium crankcase, the latest generation of common-rail direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.
To ensure an optimum flow of power at all speeds and under all loads, an electric adjuster sets the turbine blades in the turbocharger to the current load status of the engine in fractions of a second.  This works alongside a high pressure fuel injection system with extremely accurate magnetic valve injectors which deliver exactly the smallest amount of fuel required in any situation.
Such latest-generation technology not only delivers the optimum fuel/air mixture, but allows the engine to produce unusually high levels of power and torque when needed: 184hp at 4,000rpm, 380Nm from 1,900 to 2,750rpm.  This accelerates the new BMW 520d to 62mph in only 8.1 seconds and gives the car a top speed of 141mph (140mph).
To enhance the efficiency of the 520d’s drivetrain, manual versions come with an Auto Start-Stop function - a first for the sector - which cuts down the amount of time idling when stopped at road junctions or in traffic congestion.
 
Fact sheet for the petrolheads
As soon as the driver moves the gearshift lever to neutral and takes his foot off the clutch pedal, the engine switches off automatically.  Then, once the driver is able to go on, all he has to do is press the clutch to start the engine.
Model Power
Hp Torque
Nm Zero - 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VED band CO2
g/km BIK
%
BMW 520d Saloon 184 380 8.1 141 57.6 E 129 18
Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI Saloon 170 400 8.7 143 53.3 E 139 19
Audi A6 2.0 TDI Saloon 170 350 8.9 140 49.6 F 149 21

BMW 525d
The new BMW 525d offers an equally impressive combination of performance and parsimony.  Powered by a 2,993cc all-aluminium engine and injectors operating at up to 1,600 bar, it develops maximum output of 204hp at 4,000rpm with peak torque of 450Nm from 1,750rpm to 2,500rpm.  This helps it achieve a zero to 62mph time of 7.2 seconds before going on to a 147mph top speed.
Its 45.6mpg (46.3mpg) combined fuel efficiency figure and 162g/km (160g/km) CO2 emissions rating has set a new benchmark as the most efficient six-cylinder diesel model on the market.  Fundamentally the BMW 525d quipped with an automatic transmission achieves the crucial 160g/km threshold to attain taxation benefits.
Model Power
Hp Torque
Nm Zero - 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VED band CO2
g/km BIK
%
BMW 525d Saloon 204 450 7.2 147 45.6 G 162 20
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI Saloon 204 500 7.7 149 53.3 E 139 15
Audi A6 2.7 TDI Saloon 190 400 7.9 144 45.6 G 164 20

BMW 530d
The straight-six 3.0-litre all-aluminium powerplant in the BMW 530d now delivers even more torque and power, as well as being smoother and more efficient.  With peak power of 245hp at 4,000rpm, and peak torque of 540Nm from 1,750rpm to 3,000 rpm, the BMW 530d benefits from a lightweight all-aluminium crankcase, an enhanced turbocharger system with variable turbine geometry, and the latest generation of common-rail fuel injection through upgraded piezo injectors.
Operating at a maximum pressure of 1,800 bar and so reducing emissions through a smoother and more consistent combustion process than ever before, the BMW 530d returns an impressive 44.8mpg (45.6mpg) on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of only 166g/km (160g/km).  Like the 525d before it, the 530d also qualifies for inclusion in the 160g/km taxation club when equipped with an automatic transmission.
Model Power
Hp Torque
Nm Zero - 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VED band CO2
g/km BIK
%
BMW 530d Saloon 245 540 6.3 155* 44.8 G 160 24
Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI Saloon 231 540 6.8 155* 40.9 J 181 28
Audi A6 3.0 TDI Saloon 240 500 6.8 155* 39.8 I 189 29
*Electronically-limited.

BMW 535d
With its twin turbochargers and third generation common-rail diesel technology, the 3.0-litre engine that propels the BMW 535d is the most powerful six-cylinder production diesel engine in the world.  Weighing just 210kgs, this high-performance diesel weighs some 50kgs less than a comparable eight-cylinder engine with a similar output.  This weight and power advantage serves to maximise the dynamic driving qualities of the 535d, which accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.
Model Power
Hp Torque
Nm Zero - 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VED band CO2
g/km BIK
%
BMW 535d Saloon 299 600 5.7 155 46.3 G 162 24
Jaguar XF 3.0DS Saloon 275 599 6.4 155 42.0 I 179 27
All cars are equipped with automatic transmission. *Electronically-limited.

BMW 550i
Sitting at the top of the range is the new BMW 550i, which features a twin-turbocharged engine with High Precision Direct Injection alongside a 4.4-litre V8 delivering a peak of 407hp between 5,500rpm and 6,400 rpm.
The most efficient engine of its kind, its turbochargers and catalytic converters are uniquely and conveniently housed in the vee between the two rows of cylinders, meaning that the particularly short distances between ancillaries and cylinders produce an especially direct response.
The all-aluminium unit gives the 550i the ability to accelerate in an astonishingly smooth and refined manner from standstill to 62mph in just 5.0 seconds.  Top speed is limited to 155mph, while the 550i achieves 27.2 mpg on the official combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 243g/km.

Model Power
Hp Torque
Nm Zero - 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VED band CO2
g/km BIK
%
BMW 550i Saloon 407 600 5.0 155* 27.2 L 243 35
Mercedes-Benz E500 Saloon 382 530 5.2 155* 26.2 L 253 35
Audi S6 Quattro Saloon 435 540 5.2 155* 22.4 M 299 35
All cars are equipped with automatic transmission. *Electronically-limited.

BMW 523i, 528i and 535i
Core to the petrol range are three straight-six petrol engines - BMW 535i, BMW 528i and the BMW 523i - that offer a balance of performance and fuel economy unparalleled in this class.
The 3.0-litre engine in the BMW 535i is the first to combine BMW single turbocharger technology, High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC, the variable valve management system, in the same package.
Used for the first time in the six-cylinder engine, the result of the combined systems is the ability to infinitely adjust valve stroke and valve timing on the intake side, reducing throttle losses in the charge cycle to a minimum and making particularly efficient use of the energy in the fuel.  A further advantage is the response of the engine being optimised to an even higher standard. Indeed, the engine develops exceptional maximum torque of 400Nm from 1,200 to 5,000rpm, allowing for effortless acceleration at a wide range of speeds.
The new BMW 535i accelerates from standstill to 62mph in just 6.0 seconds, with a top speed limited electronically to 155mph.  On the official combined fuel consumption cycle, the BMW 535i achieves 33.2mpg (33.6mpg), while the CO2 rating is 199g/km (195g/km).
Model Power
Hp Torque
Nm Zero - 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VED band CO2
g/km BIK
%
BMW 535i Saloon 306 400 6.0 155* 33.2 J 199 28
Mercedes-Benz E350 CGI Saloon 292 365 6.8 155* 32.8 K 205 29
Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro Saloon 290 420 5.9 155* 30.1 K 219 32
*Electronically-limited.

The six-cylinder power units in the 528i and the 523i have a version of High Precision Direct Injection with a greater focus on efficiency.  This uses direct injection in a lean-burn mode, maintaining a highly efficient injection process with a reduced amount of fuel in the fuel/air mixture, while also being able to respond instantaneously to demands for more performance.
Referred to as stratified charging, this process forms various interacting layers of different fuel/air mixtures within the combustion chamber, the share of petrol in the mixture decreasing continuously with increasing distance from the spark plug.  A particularly rich and ignitable fuel/air mixture is available in the direct vicinity of the spark plug, while the leaner layers at a greater distance from the plug will burn in a clean and consistent manner.
In the new BMW 528i a maximum output is available of 258hp at 6,600rpm and peak torque of 310Nm of torque from 2,600 - 5,000rpm, allowing a zero to 62mph time of only 6.6 seconds, 36.2mpg (37.2mpg) on the combined cycle a CO2 emissions of 182g/km (178g/km).
Model Power
Hp Torque
Nm Zero - 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VEDband CO2
g/km BIK
%
BMW 528i Saloon 258 310 6.6 155* 36.2 I 182 24
Mercedes-Benz E250 CGI Saloon 204 310 7.8 148 37.2 I 179 23
Audi A6 2.0 TFSI Saloon 220 280 7.3 149 33.6 J 196 27
*Electronically-limited.
Even more efficient, and using the same technology, is the six-cylinder 523i, which offers 37.2mpg on the combined cycle, CO2 emissions of 177g/km (178g/km) and a zero to 62mph time of 7.9seconds.
Model Power
Hp Torque
Nm Zero - 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VED band CO2
g/km BIK
%
BMW 523i Saloon 204 270 7.9 148 37.2 I 177 23
Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI Saloon 184 270 8.5 144 38.7 H 169 21
Audi A6 2.0 TFSI Saloon 170 280 8.2 142 37.7 H 174 22

New eight-speed automatic transmission
All BMW 5 Series can be fitted with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, including the BMW 520d, making that model the first car in the world to combine a four-cylinder power unit with such a gearbox.  This new transmission comes as standard on the BMW 550i.
The advantage of eight gears is a shorter reaction time, smoother changes and the ability to match the perfect gear for any driving situation: whether trying to maximise performance or efficiency.
A further option is the new Sport Automatic derivative of the eight-speed transmission variant which allows manual selection of gears by means of shift paddles on the steering wheel.  In true Formula One style the driver is able to shift gears by selecting the right paddle to change up and the left one to change down.
In the search for even greater efficiencies, the six-speed manual gearbox on the BMW 535i, BMW 525d and BMW 520d comes with innovative dry sump lubrication, which offers significantly lower drag losses and avoids oil splash losses completely.
To ensure sportier, more connected feel from gearshifts, the lever has been re-designed on all models and the shift bars upgraded to allow a smooth gearshift with precision and steadier than ever shift forces.

Chassis and Safety
Ever since the first generation was launched in 1972, the BMW 5 Series Saloon has set the benchmark for a superior driving experience in the executive sector: both in the way it handles and rides.
This has been achieved through the utmost dedication to creating innovative, finely engineered chassis and suspension components that work in perfect harmony.  It’s a mindset that prevails today with the sixth generation, which sets new standards in an executive saloon.
And while the BMW 5 Series’ sporting qualities are an essential component of its success, so is its inherent safety. In the new model, a raft of innovative new systems and measures have been introduced that allow the driver to be fully aware of his surroundings, and more able to control what is happening around him.

Intelligent lightweight construction
Intelligent lightweight construction and a finely balanced chassis are the essential elements of the BMW 5 Series Saloon, combining to offer high levels of passive safety, dynamic sporting agility and optimised weight to reduce fuel consumptions and emissions.
For example, aluminium is used extensively in the new saloon’s bodyshell including the engine lid, the front side panels and the front spring supports on the body and for the first time, in the doors, which alone reduce the weight of the car by 23kg.

The wheelbase of the new BMW 5 Series is now the longest in class, at 2,968mm, allowing for both a high standard of occupant safety and interior space, as well as adding to the classic BMW 5 Series proportions of long, elegant body with short overhangs.  Indeed the extra wheelbase allows for even more perfect 50:50 weight distribution as the engine is located further behind the front axle than on the previous model.  As a result of the longer wheelbase, front and rear interior space has been further increased, with knee room on the rear seats up by 13mm.

Suspension
Among its many qualities, it is imperative that a BMW 5 Series must drive exquisitely: providing a compliant ride and yet offering dynamic characteristics.  To achieve this, BMW engineers have developed a technically sophisticated suspension that combines very sporting driving qualities with an even higher level of motoring comfort.
 

The new aluminium double track control arm on the front axle allows clear separation of wheel guidance and damping - essential in creating a pure driving experience.  While the dampers are able to respond particularly sensitively to bumps or rough areas of road, the configuration of the front axle, with the precisely matched wheel camber, keeps the tyres consistently on the road for optimum grip and a smooth ride.  This means that high lateral forces can be absorbed without a particularly firm set-up, which can be potentially detrimental to motoring comfort, as well as minimising unnecessary forces on the steering.
The newly developed Integral-V rear axle is also made of lightweight but strong aluminium.  Via the wheel supports, the rear axle subframe, the swinging arm and three track arms, the rear axle takes up drive and dynamic forces acting on the suspension with maximum efficiency.
The innovative design of the swinging arms serves to set off longitudinal forces by direct, straight spring action to the rear.  Forces acting in radial and axial direction on the swinging arm rubber mounts are clearly separated from one another.  The rear axle ensures first-class acoustic and vibration comfort by effectively separating the suspension from the road and the drivetrain.

Bespoke chassis configurator

Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) is the overarching system that can tailor various dynamic systems within the BMW 5 Series to a driver’s tastes. DDC oversees - variously depending on which systems are fitted - throttle response, engine response, gear change characteristics, the level of steering assistance, Dynamic Stability Control thresholds, gearshift characteristics and damper settings.
Overall settings can be altered by a switch that toggles between pre-configured NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes.  In conjunction with Variable Damper Control (only available on 523i, 528i, 520d and 525d) and, respectively, Adaptive Drive (only available on 535i, 550i 530d and 535d), there is also the COMFORT mode for a particularly smooth style of motoring.  But through iDrive the driver can also adjust many of the systems independently to create a bespoke set-up.
Adaptive Drive is a system that allows the driver to choose the set-up of their own car, comprising Variable Damper Control and Dynamic Drive active anti-roll stability management.  It allows the car to uniquely offer a firm suspension set-up for sporty driving while softening bumps in way a car with much more comfort-orientated setting should the driver feel so inclined.  Controlled electronically, the unique and innovative new damper system, in which the inbound and rebound strokes are independent of each other, adjust both to the road surface and the driver’s style of motoring.
 

Dynamic Drive automatically reduces side roll of the car in bends and in sudden changes of direction, with sensors determining by how much motors in the front and rear anti-roll bars should build up counteracting forces to keep the car level. 
Precise steering
Conventional mechanical/hydraulic power steering systems consume energy all the time, resulting in lower efficiency.  The new BMW 5 Series Saloon is the first car in its segment to feature Electric Power Steering (EPS) that uses no energy when the wheel is in the straight ahead position.
An electric motor is activated only when needed to provide assistance, and can be tailored so that the degree of steering force is slightly increased in accordance with the style of driving.  Another advantage of the EPS system is that it eliminates bumps and vibrations very effectively.
EPS comes as standard with Servotronic steering assistance, which works relative to the speed of the car.  For example, when parking and steering at low speeds, assistance is enhanced so the driver hardly has to make any effort, while at higher speeds power assistance is intentionally reduced for optimum contact to the road.

Safety
The passenger cell of the new BMW 5 Series is extremely stiff. Intelligent use of high-strength multi-phase steel and hot-moulded ultra-high-strength steel give the body structure increased rigidity of approximately 55 per cent.  This rigidity keeps occupants safer in a collision and gives the dynamic elements of the suspension and chassis the perfect base on which to operate.
The latest generation of BMW ConnectedDrive in the new BMW 5 Series Saloon includes an array of industry-leading intelligent safety and driver assistance systems including traffic information, emergency call functions, online information, a telephone enquiry services, on-board camera and sensor information, comfort and infotainment.
BMW Assist, part of BMW ConnectedDrive, ensures that drivers of the new BMW 5 Series are constantly in contact with the outside world, making them feel safe and able to call on help for all manner of events.
Drivers can access news and information via the internet and SMS, have 24-7 call centre help and are able to receive locations and notes sent to the car.  This is all at the time safe in the knowledge that should they be involved in an incident, emergency services can be notified or 999 operators patched straight through to the cabin courtesy of the SOS emergency call function.

The SOS emergency function remains active whether the subscription for other services is continued or not.  The subscription is complimentary for the first three years of ownership, and £120 annually thereafter.
It works when sensors in the BMW Assist system recognise an accident has occurred.  A call is instantly and automatically put through to the emergency services, and exact co-ordinates of the car sent through too.  The 999 call centre will also know if the call was triggered manually by pushing the SOS button located in the car, or automatically through sensors.  The system also allows the operator to speak to occupants.
Among many useful features, the driver can be put in contact with BMW’s Customer Service centre, which can help with finding destinations such as hotels or restaurants.  Also RSS feeds from websites can be sent to the car, there is the ability to plan routes and send messages, and even technology where a BMW Customer Service operative can unlock the car remotely.
For further details go to www.bmwconnecteddrive.co.uk

Park Assist
Thanks to the use of EPS Steering, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is the only car in its class available with automatic parking as an option.
Park Assist uses ultrasound sensors integrated in the side indicator surrounds to measure the length and width of possible parking spaces next to the road at a speed of up to 22mph.  By simply pressing the controller when in Park Assist mode, all the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals and oversee the actual driving manoeuvre, while the Park Assist moves the steering wheel in order to back into the parking space.  Even when the system is deactivated it still searches for spaces, and can advise the driver when the car is put into reverse whether the space is adequate.

Other technological highlights
As well as the usual Reverse Assist camera, Surround View uses two cameras in the side mirrors to give a bird’s eye view of the car to aid slow speed manoeuvring.  The system works in conjunction with Park Distance Control to provide a true 360 degree peace of mind when parking in tight spots.  Also, Side View uses two cameras integrated in the front wings of the cars to serve as a monitor of traffic moving crosswise to the vehicle.  The feature sees two TV screen images projected on the iDrive screen so the driver can, for example, safely pull out of junctions where the view is obstructed.
In combination with Active Cruise Control, the new BMW 5 Series is available for the first time with a collision warning system incorporating a brake activation function. 

Collision warning triggers a red car symbol in the instrument cluster and, when fitted, also in the Head-Up Display.  As an impact becomes more likely an alarm sounds.  As soon as the initial symbol appears, the brakes are pre-loaded, the release thresholds on the Adaptive Brake Assistant are lowered, and the Brake Standby function on DSC Dynamic Stability Control is activated.
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon also comes with a number of driver assistance systems, including Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info and a Speed Limit Device, the latest generation of Adaptive Headlights including Cornering Lights for variable light distribution and adaptive headlight range control, Night Vision and Head-Up Display.
While the new BMW 5 Series conforms to or exceeds all global standards for occupant safety, engineers have also worked hard to make the car perform well in the event of a pedestrian collision.
To optimise the high standard of passive pedestrian safety, an active engine compartment lid with pyrotechnic release mechanism automatically moves up in a collision with a pedestrian.  Activated at speeds between 12 - 34mph by sensors, the engine lid is lifted by 30mm at the front and 50mm at the rear to reduce the risk of injury through impact with the engine.

Design
Balance is everything with the BMW 5 Series.  This is reflected in the proportions of the new model, with its distinctive long wheelbase and short overhangs, long bonnet, sharp, dynamic lines, muscular body and the coupé-like, sleek and flowing roofline.
The slight wedge shape of the body accentuates the sporting character of the new Saloon, while the new, particularly concise interpretation of the Hofmeister kink at the bottom of the C-pillar, again emphasises the dynamic looks of the car from the side. Although the metalwork and details are new, to a driver that understands the essential character of a BMW 5 Series there will be a resonance.
With nearly 40 years of BMW 5 Series, it is a design language legacy that Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design, and his team were keenly aware of.
"The new BMW 5 Series is a car for people that know a lot about BMW, love BMW and they know as much as we do about the essence of BMW.  In that sense the new 5 Series has to be a 100 per cent, true BMW."
New for September, 2010 is the introduction of the popular M Sport derivative for the 5 Series. Globally BMW UK is the market that orders the greatest number of such packages. On four-cylinder cars it accounts for 55 per cent of sales, while models with six or more cylinders are 85 per cent M Sport variants.

M Sport specification launched
For a premium of £3,225 (£2,750 on a 550i) customers gain an advanced level of standard specification that improves both the aesthetics and the dynamic capabilities of their chosen 5 Series. M Sport specification includes 18-inch light alloy wheels, M Aerodynamic bodystyling, dark chrome exhaust tailpipes, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, M Sport suspension, Sport seats, Anthracite headlining and Aluminium Hexagon interior trim.
The wheelbase of the new BMW 5 Series is longest in the segment, at 2,968mm while it is 58mm longer than its predecessor at 4,899mm, 14mm wider at 1,860 yet 4mm lower at 1,464mm.  This equates to a car whose proportions serve to emphasise the low, sleek nature of a sports salon from BMW, yet one that is roomier than the model it replaces.
The seating position has been improved compared to the former model both front and rear, with knee room on the rear seats of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon up by 13mm.
van Hooydonk said: "We worked very hard to create a shape that to us was the perfect combination of sportiness and elegance, or, as we sometimes also refer to it, as the perfect business suit.  A BMW 5 Series has to look dynamic and lean and, yes it should be muscular, but in a well-trained athletic kind of way - not like a bodybuilder.  I think this design does all that."
The new model is a more subtle evocation of the BMW design language, with light and shadow effects, and changing perspectives becoming more recognisable the closer you are, revealing the three-dimensional character of the convex and concave chiselled body panels.
Four contour lines sweeping down into the kidney grille split up the engine compartment lid into individual sections.  The two middle lines come together above the kidney grille, which has been redesigned for this model to be more dynamic.
van Hooydonk said: "The kidney-shaped grille on the new BMW 5 Series is now lower and wider than on many other BMWs, and that together with the sharp lines and proportions exudes a sportiness, as well as enhancing the elegance of the car."
As is now an integral BMW statement, the new model comes with daytime driving lights incorporating unmistakable LED light rings.  Along the side, and to reflect van Hooydonk’s view that the car should look as if it has been athletically well-trained, the famous Hofmeister kink has been honed too.  It swings strikingly back in the tightest radius ever seen on any BMW saloon, helping to stretch the silhouette of the car and give the passenger cabin a light and low appearance.
Precision is an integral element of the BMW 5 Series, in both the way it drives and the way it looks.  Sophisticated details such as design elements in chrome colour with integrated side direction indicators and the door openers embedded in the side contour line reflect that.
At the rear, the L-shaped rear light clusters again reflect the typical design of a BMW and provide that unmistakable night-time look.  Three rows of LED lights form the impression of homogeneously glowing bars, while the direction indicators and brake lights also come in LED technology.

A design informed by fuel saving.
Striking looks are not the only intention with the rear.  A vital area for aerodynamics, the designers were as keenly aware of the need for every element of the car to contribute to fuel saving and BMW’s EfficientDynamics strategy.
van Hooydonk said: "A small thing not immediately apparent to the eye, but that we have worked on very hard in the design phase was the detail that helps aerodynamic performance and reduce fuel consumption, such as the spoiler lip and trailing edges on the rear lamps."
Both features affect the way vortices scroll off the car thus minimizing the effects of drag and improving performance.
A new BMW 5 Series Touring has just been announced too and will go on sale in September.  That model will feature a similar engine line-up and standard specification as the BMW 5 Series Saloon.

Interior.
High tech features, luxurious quality, comfort and sporting elegance are the characteristics of the BMW 5 Series.  This combination of sporting ability and luxurious comfort had to be reflected in the cabin.
Oliver Heilmer, interior designer of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon, said:  "For me, the interior of the BMW 5 Series has to be a contrast between a business saloon, which is calm and quiet, and a sporty car.  The top line of the dashboard describes the sporty character, with much more tension and life."
The interior had to display the same combination of elegance and dynamism as the exterior, a challenge that led Heilmer in search of a cabin that flowed around it occupants, but retained a sporty appeal.
"I didn’t want to have a line or piece of the interior that just sticks into another surface.  They have to always flow into each other and around the cabin - for that reason door handles lean forward in the drivers direction, for example.  Each interior you design has a corner which is really challenging - and for this one the surface between the instrument cluster and monitor, as it drops and then climbs again.  I think it took about one month to get this element just right.
"The horizontal breakdown of the instrument panel underlines the generous feeling of space and continues through the door linings all the way to the rear, enabling the passengers to enjoy the motoring experience in a harmoniously balanced setting."
The interior trim on the instrument panel and the door linings available in various colours and materials borders at the bottom on a highlight bar in Pearl Gloss Chrome adding a particular touch of style and elegance.  At the transition point from the instrument panel to the door lining further highlight bars merging up in a sweeping line add an exciting eye-catching element.
From the driving position of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon, it is clear the driver is in control: the cockpit is inclined towards the driver at an angle of seven degrees and the asymmetrically designed centre console emphasises this clear concentration of functions towards the driver.
The multi-function buttons on the newly developed steering wheels now also operate cruise control.  All control units and switches as well as the displays in the instrument cluster are finished in stylish partial Black Panel technology for clear and optimum readability.
Information relevant to the driver as well as the control instruments are arranged on the side of the cockpit facing the driver, while the displays, control units and buttons that control comfort functions are positioned more towards the middle.
The new BMW 5 Series comes with the latest generation of BMW iDrive.  Both the standard and optional audio, navigation and communication functions are operated via the Controller on the centre console and the optional 10.2- or standard, 7-inch Control Display can be used for a multitude of functions, including leafing though the car’s handbook.