By Moses Akaigwe 08072100049
When the seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan hits the Nigerian market much later in the year, it will not have a difficult time hitting the top of its segment. This is because apart from the advantage of following the trail of success already blazed by its predecessors, the luxury car will have its sporty, elegant and stylish figure counting as a unique selling point.
Moreover, further enhanced dynamics, an unbeatable line-up of assistance systems, an unmatched degree of connectivity, as well as a new and innovative operating system are other important new features.
“The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series points the way into the future, as we have defined it with our Number One > Next strategy. We see technological leadership, emotionally rich products and digitalisation as essential factors in achieving success. With the expansion of our model portfolio in the large-vehicle classes, we are satisfying the wishes of many customers. I’m in no doubt that the new BMW 5 Series will set new benchmarks technologically, but also have huge emotional appeal. It remains the epitome of the business sedan,” says Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG.
The all-new BMW 5 Series was unveiled to the motoring press in South Africa early this month by BMW South Africa.
At the event, it was revealed that rigorous application of the BMW EfficientLightweight design concept, with increased use of aluminium and high-strength steels, achieved weight reduction in the new car by up to 100 kilogrammes from that of its predecessor. The newly designed chassis, a low centre of gravity, BMW’s hallmark even weight distribution and the lightweight body, help to achieve a wonderfully dynamic driving experience.
A wealth of assistance systems are on hand in the new BMW 5 Series to offer the driver unbeatable support – not only at critical moments, but also in less demanding situations at the wheel, such as traffic jams, slow-moving traffic and monotonous stretches of highways. To this end, it is fitted as standard with a stereo camera, which teams up with optional radar and ultrasound sensors to monitor the area around the car.
Also salient are the Lane Keep Assist with active side collision protection. The latter keeps an eye on the lane markings and the area around the car, and actively helps the driver to avoid looming collisions by applying corrective steering inputs.
The BMW 5 Series also takes another step towards automated driving with extended functions for the optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) system and Steering and lane control assist. These include adoption of speed restrictions, which drivers can select as part of the Speed Limit Assist option. Drivers can confirm adoption of a speed restriction and make an adjustment of +/– 15 km/h in the system settings. From rest to 210 km/h the car assists the driver with distance-keeping, accelerating, braking and lane control.
With even greater user-friendliness as its goal, the new BMW 5 Series is equipped with the latest-generation iDrive system. In top specification, it displays navigation, telephone and entertainment features, plus vehicle functions, on a high-resolution 10.25-inch screen.
The new 5 Series also offers a compelling proposition in terms of connectivity. Extensive BMW ConnectedDrive features are joined by new services which lavish business travellers with extra comfort and save them time. These include the optional Park Assist, which parks the vehicle automatically. The optional Remote Parking system allows the BMW 5 Series Sedan to be manoeuvred into even the tightest parking spaces remotely using the car key.
All the engines in the 5 Series Sedan line-up – three petrol and two diesel – belong to the newly developed, modular BMW EfficientDynamics family of power units, featuring the. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology which imbues them with outstanding performance combined with exceptional efficiency.
The new 2.0 litre, four-cylinder in-line engine under the bonnet of the BMW 530i has improved fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions of 126 g/km – down more than 11 per cent on its predecessor’s figures. It accelerates from 0 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h.
It is very likely that when new 5 Series arrives Nigeria (probably towards the end of the second quarter), courtesy of the BMW representative in the country, Coscharis Motors, customers will have to make a choice between the 2.0 litre engine or the flagship 3.0 litre (straight six-cylinder)variant powering the new BMW 540i – or both engines. Despite the latter’s extra output and sharper dynamic edge, average fuel consumption stands at only 6.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are kept to just 149 g/km.