New 5-Series is here!

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Pete Gibson

01st December 2009

It's official – the all-new 5-Series has landed! Auto Express was granted an exclusive studio audience with the new ‘5’ to gather all the details that matter and snap the exclusive pictures you see here.

One glance and it’s clear that BMW’s Chris Bangle days are behind it. The controversial ex-chief designer brought styling that polarised opinion on the last 5-Series, but things are more conventional this time around.

Gone is the awkward bootlip, replaced instead by cleaner lines and tidier proportions. In the flesh, the low bonnet and shark-like nose give it a sportier and more elegant look than its predecessor. Inside, the car’s trademark angled centre console puts the focus firmly on the driver, while an optional glass sunroof floods the cabin with light. The major design cues are lifted from the 5-Series GT, but while it focuses on light and space, the 5-Series goes for a cosier cockpit-style interior.

The engine line-up includes four petrol and three diesel units. Stop-start is included as standard on the 520d, predicted to be the biggest seller in the UK, while a new eight-speed auto transmission with wheel-mounted paddles can be ordered as an option over the six-speed manual.

With CO2 emissions of 132g/km and 56.5mpg, the four-cylinder 520d is the most frugal 5-Series ever, and it’s joined in the diesel line-up by two six-cylinder units – the 525d and 530d. Three straight-six petrol engines are offered – the 523i, 528i and 535i –all with direct fuel injection. The turbocharged 535i delivers 302bhp and a 0-60mph sprint in only six seconds, while the range-topping 550i features a 401bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.

New double-wishbone suspension at the front is said to strike the best balance yet between handling and comfort, while the Drive Dynamic Control system lets drivers modulate throttle, steering and gearbox settings via four modes – Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+. The chassis is 50 per cent stiffer than the old model, for an overall weight penalty of only 15kg.

Standard equipment will be more generous than ever, and all models now come with leather, automatic air-con and Bluetooth connection. But despite the additional kit, the 520d’s price has only risen by £735 over the model it replaces. Further up the diesel range, the 525d and 530d start from £32,380 and £36,300. The petrol line-up begins at £30,560 for the 523i, climbing to £36,290 and £49,440 for the 535i and 550i.

The newcomer arrives on 10 March, minus the 520d, which follows in June.