First-ever M5 Touring in the UK and Brake Energy Regeneration
on ‘standard’ models provide highlights of
mid-life revisions to all 5 Series Saloon and Touring
models BMW has announced details of the revised 5 Series
Saloon and Touring range, topped off by the new BMW M5
Touring. From its launch in 2003, the E60 5 Series delivered
year-on-year sales records and received numerous accolades.
The new 5 Series is set to build on that success with
more performance, efficiency, practicality and owner appeal.
Offering new engine technology to increase performance
yet improve economy by up to 25 per cent, and class-leading
comfort-focused equipment such as Lane Departure Warning
System, the new 5 Series is set to remain the benchmark
Executive car.
The
new BMW M5 Touring
Powered by the back-to-back International Engine of the
Year-winning engine driving through BMW’s unique
seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox, the new M5 Touring
offers up to 1,650 litres of boot space for owners needing
to move sizeable loads…… quickly.
Performance
With the previous M5 Touring (E34) only available in left-hand
drive, the arrival of the new M5 Touring marks the first
time the high-performance estate has been offered to British
customers. Powered by the same normally aspirated 5.0-litre
V-10 cylinder engine as its Saloon counterpart, the new
M5 Touring redlines at 8,250rpm. 507hp and 520Nm of torque
propel the car from zero to 62mph in 4.8 seconds (only
0.1 seconds slower than the Saloon). Without the 155mph
electronic limiter the new M5 Touring would be capable
of achieving 200mph while still transporting the largest
of loads.
This balance of ultimate practicality and performance
is summed up by Lee Connolly, BMW UK’s Product Manager
for the new M5 Touring: “The M5 Touring will be
the perfect car for delivering supercar owners’
luggage to their holiday homes in France or Spain. Usefully,
their luggage will arrive before they do!”
Transmission
These levels of performance are in part made possible
by the world’s first seven-speed Sequential Manual
Gearbox with Drivelogic in a production car. The gearbox
features eleven different change patterns to offer the
driver a personally-tuned driving experience - six settings
vary speed and response of gear change in a manual mode
and there are five automatic modes. A Launch Control function
delivers the fastest possible acceleration from standstill.
Traction
Like the Saloon, the new M5 Touring features a three-stage
DSC+ traction control system. The default mode offers
drivers high levels of performance and stability. M Dynamic
Mode allows an enthusiastic driver the ability to push
the M5 Touring to, and beyond, the absolute limits of
traction, permitting some sideslip and countersteering
before the system cuts in and is selected in the M Drive
Manager (see below). If the DSC button is pressed, DSC+
is completely disengaged.
BMW M’s variable M differential also offers the
highest levels of driving stability and traction, especially
when accelerating out of high-speed corners, with up to
100 per cent of drive being transferred to the rear wheel
with most traction. Finally, the Electronic Damper Control
(EDC) system offers three suspension settings to complement
the prevailing driving conditions.
M Drive Manager packages these programmable settings,
so that the touch of a single button sets the car up as
required. Like a boy visiting his favourite sweet shop,
the M5 driver can select his preferred settings for power,
gearbox, EDC and DSC modes, Head-up Display and the degree
of Active Seat bolster support, via the iDrive menu. One
touch of the M Drive button on the steering wheel then
selects the desired combination and instantly changes
the character of the car. One moment the M5 Touring is
a placid and practical family car, the next it’s
more akin to a track day special.
Exterior design
Visually, the new M5 Touring follows BMW M’s philosophy
of high performance shrouded in the body of a standard
car with discreet styling enhancements that highlight
the potential under the skin. The larger front air dam,
side sills, monikered side gills and a rear valance with
BMW M’s quad tailpipes protruding all hint at the
performance of the world’s most dynamic estate car.
Interior
Internally the new M5 Touring features the same enhancements
as the ‘standard’ 5 Series (see below) as
well as offering the Active Seat bolsters from the M5
Saloon. In addition, the Touring variant comes with BMW’s
innovative iDrive control system with new short cuts -
eight freely programmable buttons for instant programme
selection. Finally, music aficionados can now specify
the BMW Individual High End Audio system that uses 16
loud speakers to generate an ear-ringing 825 watts.
The new BMW M5 Touring starts production in March 2007
and will be priced at £67,075 on the road.
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon and
Touring
A mid-life ‘refresh’ programme with new engines
and technologies
The new BMW 5 Series range features a host of innovative
technologies that make the world’s best Executive
car even better. Engine innovations such as High Precision
Direct Injection and twin-turbocharging improve performance
and economy alongside class-leading comfort technologies
such as Lane Departure Warning System and Head-up Display.
Starting production in March 2007, the new BMW 5 Series
range strives for the holy grail of more power, better
economy and lower emissions. Delivering power and torque
increases by up to 20hp and 20Nm as well as improvements
in fuel economy by up to 25 per cent, it appears to have
succeeded. All nine power units in the 5 Series Saloon
and Touring ranges are either entirely new to the car,
or have been significantly revised over the previous model.
The dramatic increases in performance and economy come
courtesy of a number of new technologies that combine
to provide significant and noticeable driver benefits.
High Precision Fuel Injection is offered for the first
time on all six-cylinder petrol-powered 5 Series models.
Piezo crystal injectors that deliver a precise amount
of fuel mixture, exactly when required, offer a significant
increase in performance and economy. This is complemented
by a BMW first – Brake Energy Regeneration.
Efficient Dynamics
Brake Energy Regeneration appears for the first time on
any BMW and forms a key component of BMW’s Efficient
Dynamics programme. Efficient Dynamics focuses on three
specific areas – weight, dynamics and consumption
– with the intent of developing more power from
less fuel in a lower-weight vehicle.
Brake Energy Regeneration takes advantage of energy currently
lost through the engine over-run during braking. It uses
Intelligent Alternator Control and a high-capacity Absorbent
Glass Mat battery. When engine over-run is recognised,
the Intelligent Alternator engages and powers up the battery
to 100 per cent with what would have been lost energy.
It also reduces drag on the engine by only engaging and
charging when required. Brake Energy Regeneration will
combine with other technologies and other products during
2007 to provide even greater efficiency benefits. In isolation,
it provides an average three per cent reduction in fuel
consumption and emissions.
Note: the entire range of 5 Series Saloon and Touring
models, with performance and economy data, can be found
at the end of the release.
Gearbox choices
All 5 Series Saloon and Touring models come as standard
with a six-speed manual gearbox (automatic standard on
535d variants). A high proportion of customers are expected
to specify BMW’s new six-speed automatic gearbox,
with its new, more ergonomic, gear selector. Using upgraded
hydraulics, an innovative torque converter and powerful
software, the new automatic ‘box responds to the
slightest movement of the throttle pedal with reaction
times increased by 40 per cent, and shift times halved.
Buyers of 550i, 540i, 530i, 535d and 530d models can opt
for BMW’s all-new Automatic Sports Transmission.
One press of the Sport button behind the gear lever allows
shifts to be made using steering wheel mounted paddles
to deliver even faster, more dynamic, changes.
Innovative equipment
Alongside pioneering options such as Head-up Display and
Night Vision, BMW 5 Series Saloon and Touring owners can
now specify BMW’s latest comfort innovation –
Lane Departure Warning System. A camera mounted next to
the interior mirror monitors the white lines on the road
ahead and, if the car crosses the line without obvious
intent or without the indicator being used, the driver
is notified by a vibration through the steering wheel
(standard on 550i and 535d models - £350 on other
models).
Customers can also now specify Active Cruise Control with
Stop and Go. Previously Active Cruise Control would maintain
a constant speed while monitoring the traffic ahead, and
reacted to a slowing vehicle in front by slowing the BMW.
With Stop and Go, the new system keeps the car a fixed
distance ahead, even in slow moving stop and go traffic
situations, bringing the car to a complete stop. If the
period of standstill is less than three seconds, the car
will resume its programmed speed (Active Cruise Control
with Stop and Go costs £1,050).
Design and styling
With the car still winning accolades and new customers
alike, the designers have simply evolved the details of
the car’s design. At the front, the headlamps and
indicator units use clear glass technology while the kidney
grille now sits flush with the bumper. The air duct in
the front valance has also been redesigned, while at the
side the sill has an additional contour line. At the rear,
the indicators, running and brake lights now use horizontal
LED light bars to emphasise the width of the rear.
Inside, the changes refine ergonomic details. The door
panels have been redesigned, with the window switches
now integrated into the horizontal armrests. In common
with other recently launched BMWs, drivers now have the
benefit of eight freely programmable ‘favourite’
buttons on the dashboard enabling them to more easily
access their most frequently used features such as one-touch
navigation destination input, or telephone calls.
The new BMW 5 Series range starts production in March
2007, with prices ranging from £26,980 OTR (520d
SE Saloon) to £49,805 OTR (550i M Sport Touring).
Engine changes and statistics
in detail
The engine and performance statistics for the 5 Series
Saloon range, with comparisons to the outgoing car are
as follows:
BMW 550i: Eight-cylinder
petrol engine with VALVETRONIC and Bi-VANOS, 4,799cc,
max output 367hp, max torque 490Nm, acceleration 0-62mph
5.2secs (-0.3secs), top speed 155mph (limited electronically),
average fuel consumption 25.9mpg (-2 per cent) (automatic
transmission 27.4mpg (-4.5 per cent)).
BMW 540i: Eight-cylinder petrol engine
with VALVETRONIC and Bi-VANOS, 4,000cc, max output 306hp,
max torque 390Nm, acceleration 0-62mph 6.1 secs (-0.1
secs), top speed 155mph (limited electronically), average
fuel consumption 26.9mpg (-4.7 per cent) (automatic transmission
29.1mpg (-7 per cent)).
BMW 530i: Straight-six petrol engine
with second-generation High Precision Direct Injection,
2,996cc, max output 272hp (+14hp), max torque 320Nm (+20Nm),
acceleration 0–62mph 6.3 secs (-0.2 secs), top speed
155mph (limited electronically), average fuel consumption
36.7mpg (-14.3 per cent) (automatic transmission 37.7mpg
(-24 per cent)).
BMW 525i: Straight-six petrol engine
with second-generation High Precision Direct Injection,
2,996cc, max output 218hp, max torque 270Nm (+20Nm), acceleration
0–62mph 7.1 secs (-0.4 secs), top speed 154mph (+2mph),
average fuel consumption 38.2mpg
(-17.5 per cent) ) (automatic transmission 37.7mpg (-25.3
per cent)).
BMW 523i: Straight-six petrol engine
with second-generation High Precision Direct Injection,
2,497cc, max output 190hp (+13hp), max torque 235Nm (+5Nm),
acceleration
0–62mph 8.2 secs (-0.3 secs), top speed 147mph,
average fuel consumption 38.7mpg (-16.6 per cent) ) (automatic
transmission 37.7mpg (-24 per cent)).
BMW 535d: Straight-six diesel with common-rail
fuel injection and Variable Twin Turbo, 2,993cc, max output
286hp (+14hp), max torque 580Nm (+20Nm), acceleration
0–62mph 6.4 secs (-0.1 secs), top speed 155mph (electronically
limited), average fuel consumption 41.5mpg (-17.5 per
cent).
BMW 530d: Straight-six diesel with common-rail
fuel injection and variable vane turbocharger, 2,993cc,
max output 235hp (+4hp), max torque 500Nm, acceleration
0–62mph 6.8 seconds, top speed 155mph, average fuel
consumption 44.1mpg
(-4.5 per cent) (automatic transmission 42.8mpg (-13.5
per cent)).
BMW 525d: Straight-six diesel with common-rail
fuel injection and variable vane turbocharger, 2,993cc,
max output 197hp (+20hp), max torque 400Nm, acceleration
0–62mph 7.6 secs (-0.5 secs), top speed 147mph (+4mph),
average fuel consumption 45.6mpg (-11.5 per cent) (automatic
transmission 43.5mpg (-21.5 per cent)).
BMW 520d: Four-cylinder diesel with common-rail
fuel injection and variable vane turbocharger, 1,995cc,
max output 163hp, max torque 340Nm, acceleration 0–62mph
8.6 seconds, top speed 139mph, average fuel consum¬ption
47.9mpg (automatic transmission 40.9mpg).
Engine details of the new 5 Series Touring range, with
comparisons to the outgoing car are as follows:
BMW 550i: Eight-cylinder
petrol engine with VALVETRONIC and Bi-VANOS, 4,799cc,
max output 367hp, max torque 490Nm, acceleration 0–62mph
5.6 secs, top speed 155mph (limited electronically), average
fuel consumption 25.2mpg (-2.4 per cent) (automatic transmission
26.4mpg (-5.6 per cent)).
BMW 530i: Straight-six petrol engine with second-generation
High Precision Direct Injection, 2,996cc, max output 272hp
(+14hp), max torque 320Nm (+20Nm), acceleration 0–62mph
6.5 secs (-0.2 secs), top speed 155mph (limited electronically),
average fuel consumption 35.8mpg (-16.6 per cent) (automatic
transmission 36.7mpg (-23.5 per cent)).
BMW 525i: Straight-six
petrol engine with second-generation High Precision Direct
Injection, 2,996cc, max output 218 hp, max torque 270Nm
(+20Nm), acceleration
0–62mph 7.4 secs (-0.4 secs), top speed 151mph (+2mph),
average fuel consumption
36.7mpg (-15.8 per cent) ) (automatic transmission 36.7mpg
(-23.6 per cent)).
BMW 523i: Straight-six petrol engine
with second-generation High Precision Direct Injection,
2,497cc, max output 190hp (+13hp), max torque 235Nm (+5Nm),
acceleration
0–62mph 8.5 secs (-0.3 secs), top speed 143mph (+2mph),
average fuel consumption
36.7mpg (-13 per cent) (automatic transmission 36.7mpg
(-23.6 per cent)).
BMW 535d: Straight-six diesel with common-rail
fuel injection and Variable Twin Turbo, 2,993cc, max output
286hp (+14hp), max torque 580Nm (+20Nm), acceleration
0–62mph 6.5 secs (0.1 secs), top speed 155mph (electronically
limited), average fuel consumption 40.4mpg (-17.4 per
cent).
BMW 530d: Straight-six diesel with common-rail
fuel injection and variable vane turbocharger, 2,993cc,
max output 235hp (+4hp), max torque 500Nm, acceleration
0–62mph 6.9 secs, top speed 152mph, average fuel
consum¬ption 42.8mpg (-6 per cent) (automatic transmission
41.5mpg (-13 per cent)).
BMW 525d: Straight-six diesel with common-rail
fuel injection and variable vane turbocharger, 2,993cc,
max output 197hp (+20hp), max torque 400Nm, acceleration
0–62mph 7.8 secs (-0.5 secs), top speed 144mph (+4mph),
average fuel consumption 44.1mpg (-12.5 per cent) (automatic
transmission 42.8mpg (-22.6 per cent)).
BMW 520d: Four-cylinder diesel with common-rail
fuel injection and variable vane turbocharger, 1,995cc,
max output 163hp, max torque 340Nm, acceleration 0–62mph
8.9 secs, top speed 135mph, average fuel consumption 46.3mpg
(automatic transmission 39.8mpg).
