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Munich - Earlier this week, Wheels24 published images of the new BMW 5 Series. The latest mid-size sedan from the premium German automaker will go head-to-head with the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, launched earlier in 2016.
Let's take a look at the new 5 Series model...
How is it different from the F10?
BMW has used more aluminium and high-strength steels to reduce the weight by up to 100kg from that of its predecessor. A new chassis has seen a lower centre of gravity, The drag coefficient of the new, 4.9m-long 5 is 0.22 which is best in class according to the automaker.
The automaker has squeezed in a myriad of assistance systems to make driving 'easier'. Expect standard features such as a stereo camera, which teams up with optional radar and ultrasound sensors to monitor the area around the car.
Features making their debut in new 5 includes Lane Change Assistant and Lane keeping assistant (with active side-collision protection), BMW says the latter systems keeps an eye on the lane markings and the area around the car. It actively helps the driver to avoid looming collisions by applying corrective steering inputs.
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.
The intelligent Auto Start Stop function now adjusts its responses to the route and traffic conditions and therefore offers even greater driving comfort.
Which models are coming to SA?
A new range of engines will power the new range: the BMW 530i and BMW 540i are the petrol derivatives. The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology imbues all the members of the family.
They include two diesel engines and two petrol variants will be available from launch with rear-wheel drive.
The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW 530i develops 185kW/350Nm. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.4litres/100km, emissions are down more than 11% on its predecessor’s figures. The 0- 100km/h sprint takes 6.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
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.
The 530i and 540i will be launched in February 2017.
On the diesel front, there's the 520d and 530d: the former uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and 140kW/400 Nm. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 4.1litres/100 km and 108 g/km with the manual gearbox specified or 4.0l/itres100 km and 107 g/km with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
The automatic version accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.Top speed is 237 km/h.
The 520d will also be part of the initial launch and we'll see it in February 2017.
More models
In March 2017, the 530d and a 530e iPerformance model will join the range.
The 530d, the only really powerful diesel in the range has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 195kW/620 Nm.
0–100 km/h is dispatched in 5.7 seconds, and top speed is governed to 250km/h.
BMW will also launch a plug-in hybrid model: 530e iPerformance. It combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine and eDrive electric drive to make 185kW/420Nm.
BMW says it has an electric driving range of 45km. Fuel consumption is a claimed 2.0 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 46g/km.
