Seventh-generation BMW 5 Series is all set to hit the roads in 2017.
BMW has revealed the seventh-generation of the 5 Series sedan. Billed as the G30 5 Series, the new model replaces the current F10 version, and features a new lightweight chassis, advanced technologies and a whole new range of powertrains including a plug-in hybrid for the first time.
On the outside, the 2017 5 Series sports an evolutionary design since the overall profile looks unmistakably the same as of the outgoing car. However, BMW claims that every line and component on the outside has been reinterpreted in the new model. At the front, it gets sleeker 7 Series-inspired LED headlamps which merge neatly to the brand’s signature kidney grille. Around the side, the 5 Series now features taut and prominent lines while the front overhang has now been shortened. Wheel sizes ranging between 17-inch and 20-inch are available. The rear-end gets new LED tail-lamps while the exhaust tail-pipes are now arranged symmetrically – depending on the engine, it will be circular, trapezoidal or rectangular.
Underneath that refined bodywork is an all-new chassis. The new 5 Series is based around the same architecture as the new 7 Series, albeit it does without carbon fibre materials in its construction. On the whole it’s close to 100 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. And thanks to the new chassis, BMW engineers have been able to stretch the dimensions of the 5 Series to make it roomier than before. The new model is 36mm longer, 6mm wider and 2mm taller than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has also increased by 7mm.
Coupled to the lightweight chassis will be a new range of more powerful and efficient engines. The petrol version will have two options – 530i and 540i. The former features a 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo direct injection engine developing 248bhp and 350Nm of torque. It will do 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. The more powerful 540i will come fitted with a bigger 3.0-litre straight six engine producing 335bhp/450Nm. 0-100km/h will be done within 5.1 seconds. But, if you fancy going faster still, you can opt for the 540i with xDrive (all-wheel drive) that will cut the 0-100km/h time to 4.8 seconds. Top speed will be electronically limited to 250km/h in both the models. In addition to the above two, there will be a 530e plug-in version that will come with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Combined power output will stand at 249bhp and 420Nm.
The diesel variants will be offered in two variants. At the lower end will be the 520d that will feature a 2.0-litre diesel engine rated at 187bhp and 400Nm. It will do 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 237km/h. For more performance, diesel buyers can opt for the 530d. This one comes powered by a 261bhp/620Nm producing 3.0-litre straight-six and does 0-100km/h in 5.7 second.
All the engines come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard while a six-speed manual is also offered with the 520d. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system will be offered on all the engine options as optional. BMW has also revealed that it will be launching a flagship M550i xDrive flagship with a 455bhp 4.4-litre V8 petrol next year. As per the company, the M550i will propel from a naught to 100km/h in just 4.0 seconds – three-tenths faster than the current M5!
Among other highlights, the new 5 Series gets latest autonomous systems like active cruise control, active steering and lane-keeping assistance systems. Inside, the dashboard design is inspired by the new 7 Series and gets a new 10.25-inch touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay connectivity. Additionally, it gets WiFi hotspot and wireless charging. Like the 7 Series, it also gets gesture control and remote control parking system.
Shortly after its global launch in 2017, the BMW 5 Series will arrive to the Indian shores.
Also read: BMW Motorrad’s futuristic Vision Next 100 concept unveiled
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