BMW 525i / 545i

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• We drive the new BMW 5 Series

Author: Wilmer Muller

Last year BMW introduced the 5 Series in South Africa - the first two models which went on sale was the 530i and the 530d, which is also a finalist in the Car of the Year.

Now the muscular V8 545i and the straight-six 525i are also available. The 525i will be the South African entry-level model because BMW SA have no plans to introduce the 520i derivative locally.

Like the 530d and 530i the two new models have superb handling no matter the driving condition. The cars' overall ride is comfortable but sporty - even in 525i guise.

As expected the 545i is brutal in its performance and its dynamics. This car has amazing pulling power and is extremely athletic.

For the time being it will be the cherry on top for the 5 Series range until the M5 arrives sometime next year.

The 525i surprises with its lively performance and is rather nippy. Acceleration is also not too bad and the car never seems to struggle when power is needed.

BMW 545i

Under the new range-topper's bonnet lures a 4.4-litre V8 aluminium unit with VALVETRONIC. It has a power output of 245kW, which is 35kW more than the previous 540i model.

Maximum torque is 450Nm and BMW says more than 80% of maximum toque, which is being reached at 3 600 r/min, is available between 1 500 r/min and 6 400 r/min.

Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a six-speed auto box with adaptive control and Steptronic. BMW's SMG gearbox, with sequential gearshift is optional.

In auto guise the 545i sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds reaching a limited top speed of 250km.h.

The suspension has been adapted to cope with substantially increased driving dynamics.

Hence the BMW 545i is equipped with 8 J x 17 alloys and 245/45 tyres as standard (larger 18-inch wheels are optional. It has a 17-inch high-performance braking system with aluminium floating callipers and internally-ventilated lightweight brake discs.

This range-topper also comes standard with BMW's Active Front Steering and Adaptive Lights.

It has a host of standard luxury features like leather trim, automatic climate control, a multi-function steering wheel to ensure a comfortable drive.

Like the 530i and 530d it has BMW's Run-Flat tyres.

An extensive list of options like Dynamic Drive and Head-up Display is also available.

BMW 525i

The 525i has a straight-six engine with BI-VANOS. Its power output is 141 kW and it reaches its maximum torque of 245 Nm at 3 500 r/min.

This entry-level 5 Series Beemer is also available with a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic automatic. Top speed is 235km/h and it will go from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

According to BMW standard equipment of the 525i is almost on a par with the 530i and 530d both inside and outside, the two exceptions being the omission of the 6-disc CD shuttle (the front-loading single CD player remains standard) and Servotronic (variable steering assistance depending on speed).

But both these features are available as options. It also comes with a range of comfort and optional features.

This model is also the only one in the range without Run-Flat tyres, but is available as an extra ad-on.

Pricing

525i SMG: R388 000

CLICK HERE to read our original launch report on the new BMW 5 Series. It has all the info on BMW's gizmos like Active Steering and Dynamic Drive.