F10 5 Series Officially Revealed (US Version)

Today BMW introduced the next installment of the 5 Series sedan. The 5 Series line originated the term “luxury sports sedan”, this future offering is no different. It will combine safety, technology, dynamics and efficiency in a balanced and muscular package.

Adapting much of the technology and engineering prowess gained in the development of the much-acclaimed 7 series, the 5 improves upon it thanks to even further advances in technology and powertrains. For instance the 5 Series will be the first BMW to offer a Parking Assist option to aid in parallel parking situations. From Black Panel LCDs, cameras and Driving Dynamics Control the new 5 Series introduces the mid-sized sedan to technology for a variety of purposes.

The 5 will be offered with 3 choices of engines in the US market. The 550i will feature the famed reverse flow 4.4l twin turbo V8 (400hp/450 lbs-ft), the new inline-six 3.0l dual scroll turbo with Valvetronic will find its home in the 535i (300hp/ 300 lbs-ft) and sometime after release the 528i will debut featuring an updated version of the smooth revving natural aspirated in-line six found in the US Spec 328i (240hp). With the 535i and 550i there will be a choice of a manual 6-speed, an 8-speed automatic or an 8-speed Sport-automatic transmission. The 528i will be automatic only (likely due to the US specific nature of it’s drivetrain). All models will be given optional xDrive treatment next fall, marking the first time a V8 5 Series will be offered with all-wheel drive.

Like it’s stepbrother, the 5 GT, the 5 series will feature the latest in Efficient Dynamics technologies as well as LED angel eyes. The 5 series is the first car of its size to utilize Electric Power Steering, a technology said to improve efficiency and precision. Brake energy regeneration utilizing a high efficiency glass mat battery, active aerodynamics, the use of aluminum in body panels and suspension parts are just a few of the many additional features BMW has equipped this model with to squeeze out as much performance and efficiency as possible.

On the inside drivers will appreciate that the center console is asymmetrical and driver focused with a 7-degree angle towards the driver (more reminiscent to the E39). BMW has even designed separate center consoles for the manual and automatic transmissions. While this car is driver focused, luxury and technology are not forgotten with a multitude of premium finishes, optional safety and convenience items. Like the generation before, this 5 Series comes standard with iDrive. This latest incarnation of the interface is vastly superior and extremely intuitive as well as responsive compared to the outgoing system, though navigation will remain an option. (Making navigation optional on such a vehicle is a bit questionable considering much lesser vehicles are coming with it standard – but that’s a topic for a later date or the BimmerCast.)

With the myriad of options for performance such as the sports package with Driving Dynamics Control, Active Roll Stabilization, and Electronic Damping Control this car should drive as good as it looks on paper. What is left to be seen is how this new electronic power steering conveys the road, we bet the BMW engineers made sure the road did not disappear in a bed of marshmallows but we shall see when we drive this newest itineration of the “Ultimate Driving Machine”

Press Releases

Read the full BMWNA Press Release for further details.

+ BMWNA Press Release