Cape Town - BMW's first launch of 2017 is an important car for the automaker: the all-new 5-Series. Now in its seventh-generation, the G30 model arrives in South Africa in four derivatives.
*Look out for Wheels24 editor Sergio Davids' driving impression of the new 5 later this week.
The range includes two diesel engines (520d and 530d) and two petrol variants (530i and 540i).
The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW 530i develops 185kW/350Nm. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.4litres/100km. The 0- 100km/h sprint takes 6.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
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The flagship engine at launch will be 540i, it uses a 3.0-litre straight-six making 250kW/450Nm. BMW says it will use 6.5 litres/100 km and go from rest to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
On the diesel front, there are two models: 520d and 530d. The former uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and 140kW/400Nm. The more powerful 530d quotes power figures of 195kW/620Nm and the claimed 0-100km/h time is 5.7 seconds.
Driver aids galore
The new 5 is really pushing the goal posts of automated driving with extended functions for the optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) system and Steering and Lane keeping assistant.
BMW says ACC includes the adoption of speed restrictions, which the optional Intelligent Speed Assist communicates to the cruise control system which can be adjusted by 15km/h.
From rest to 210km/h, the car can relieve the driver of acceleration, braking and steering duties, as desired.
Pricing
520d Steptronic - R770 500
530i Steptronic - R838 700
530d Steptronic - R952 500
540i Steptronic - R995 300