MUNICH, Germany ― Wait no more: BMW this week held its global launch of the much anticipated new BMW 5 Series at its Munich headquarters.

The latest Sedan, Touring and Gran Turismo models are expected to once again tug at the heartstrings ― and purse strings ― of faithful BMW fans, especially since the cars have become newer and more efficient while still staying true to the classic BMW style.

As the carmaker’s best-selling line, the 5 Series is one of BMW’s most critical segments. The current sixth-generation models sold nearly 338,000 units globally last year to record 9 percent growth from the previous 2011. In Korea that year, more than 12,000 5 Series cars were sold. 

“Precise modifications to the cars’ design, new engine variants and innovative additions to the range of available equipment as well as BMW ConnectedDrive technology all raise the appeal of the BMW 5 Series model family a notch higher still,” BMW said.

Competition for the new 5 Series will no doubt be stiff, coming from the new E-Class from Mercedes-Benz that revealed a drastically altered look earlier this week, but BMW has many reasons to be confident.

Performance and engines

Four gasoline and six diesel engines will become available for the Sedan and Touring of the new 5 Series.

An intriguing addition was that of the new 518d, which joined the 5 Series as a new entry-level diesel variant. This vehicle boasts a four-cylinder diesel engine with maximum 143 horsepower, which can be ordered for all new Sedans and Tourings. The 518d touts a fuel economy of 22.2 kilometers per liter, while CO2 emission is low at 119 grams per kilometer.

The new 520d xDrive was also included to offer up to to 450 horsepower for the new 5 Series Sedans and Tourings. The Gran Turismo, meanwhile, comes in two gasoline and three diesel variants.

Notably, all engines satisfy by the EU6 emission standards, thanks to BMW’s emission-reducing BluePerformance technology in the diesel lineup.

BMW’s EfficientDynamics, a default technology offered in all BMW vehicles, will be applied to offer brake energy regeneration, auto start-stop, optimum shift indicators and the Eco Pro functions.

Coasting and driving assistance will also be available in the new 5 Series to help raise fuel economy and make for a more intelligent general driving experience, the company said at the launching event.

The 520d, a bestseller in Korea, went through further innovations in aerodynamic efficiency to cut the drag coefficient to 0.25.

New design factors

In terms of design, BMW’s trademark kidney grille was tweaked for the saloons and the Touring to appear smaller and more chic, while new lines were added all over the body for a sportier look, accentuated by lower air intakes.

All the tailgates were redesigned for a sharper and curvier appearance, especially for the new Gran Turismo, which became even more elongated and was given a lower-to-the-ground impression. In the process, boot space ― an important factor for Korean consumers, as many are keen on securing enough space for golf bags ― was pumped up from 440 liters to 500.

Xenon headlights are available as the standard in all lineups, while adaptive LED headlights and fog lamps are optional.

In the cabin, the control displays of both the Sedan and the Touring were given a solid chrome trim, while the storage compartments were upgraded to offer more space.

By Kim Ji-hyun, Korea Herald correspondent
(jemmie@heraldcorp.com)