MUNICH: BMW has revealed its latest 5 Series executive ride with new styling cues and added features.
The line-up of "das neu 5er" with the internal code G30 includes a sedan and touring (wagon) body styles with either a plug-in hybrid, petrol or diesel powertrain that sends power to a rear or xDrive all-wheel-drive system via a standard eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
With the exception of the 530e and M550i, all other petrol variants are fitted with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid technology that's touted to have a faster-responding starter-generator and greater efficiency while providing 11hp of electric motor "boost" for the engine.
The four and inline six-cylinder petrol engines have been further optimised to help them meet the Euro 6d emissions standard.
All that's needed now is to figure out what sort of power is deemed favourable, which ultimately decides the displacement and number of cylinders, with choices starting with the 520i that's powered by a 2.0-litre (1,998cc) turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine.
Here, power has been rated at 184hp from 5,000 to 6,500rpm and 290Nm of torque from 1,350 to 4,250rpm for the rear wheels which allow the entry-level G30 to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 7.9 (Touring - 8.3) seconds before reaching a top speed of 235kph (Touring - 225kph).
Moving up to the 530i (rear or xDrive for Sedan and Touring) also means climbing the performance ladder with the same engine in the 520i - only now it pumps out 252hp from 5,200 to 6,500rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,450 to 4,800rpm.
This allows the 530i to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.4 seconds (xDrive - 6.3) while the Touring does it in 6.7 (xDrive - 6.6) seconds before being electronically limited to a top speed of 250kph - a standard practice by the Munich-based carmaker for all its models.
As for the 540i - also available as a Sedan (Rear or xDrive) or Touring (xDrive only), it uses a higher displacing 3.0-litre (2,998cc) inline six-cylinder engine instead that punches out 333hp from 5,500 to 6,250rpm and 450Nm of torque for a 0 to 100kh sprint time of 5.2 (xDrive - 4.9) seconds.
For those who desire greater potency, there's also the M550i xDrive Sedan that's powered by a 4.4-litre (4,395cc) V8 producing a whopping 530hp from 5,500rpm to 6,000rpm and 750Nm of torque from 1,800 to 4,600rpm which allows it to rocket from 0 to 100kph in 3.8 seconds.
But, for those who are more eco-conscious, there's the plug-in hybrid 530e Sedan (available from November onwards) and Touring body styles with the options of having it in rear or xDrive configurations.
Power comes from a 1,998cc turbocharged engine that puts out 184hp from 5,000 to 6,000rpm and 300Nm of torque from 4,000rpm while being supplemented by a 109hp / 265Nm electric motor that can run solo or add to the engine's output - bringing the combined system output to 292hp and 420Nm.
Regardless of whether it sends power to the rear wheels or xDrive system, it sprints from 0 to 100kph in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 225kph (140kph - electric) and has an all-electric range of 58 to 62km.
If that isn't enough, then perhaps the 545e Sedan (also available from November onwards) might be more enticing with a larger displacing 3.0-litre (2,998cc) inline-six mated to a synchronous electric motor that sends power to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The engine is capable of delivering 286hp from 5,000 to 6,000rpm while maximum torque of 450Nm is achieved from 1,500 to 3,500rpm.
The electric motor is able to output 109hp and 265Nm for a maximum combined system output of 394hp along with 600Nm of torque - giving it the ability to catapult from 0 to 100kph in 4.7 seconds while having 54 to 57km of pure electric range and an electric top speed of up to 140kph.
In terms of new external goodies for the G30, the M Sport package is now seen fitted as standard along with an enlarged kidney grille, redesigned LED headlights, newly-designed rear bumper and light clusters as well as trapezoidal exhaust tips.
Furthermore, the updated G30 now boasts of newly added colours to be coated with along with additional BMW Individual paint finishes, M Sport package with new and muscular design features and model-specific accents for the flagship BMW M550i xDrive Sedan.
Even newly designed wheels have been added that range from 18 to 20-inches along with a lightweight and more aerodynamic 20-inch option.
Inside, the cabin's standard features now include a 10.25-inch free-standing display (or optional 12.3-inch) Control Display, new interior trim strips, automatic climate controls with extended features and a sports leather steering wheel with newly arranged multifunction buttons.
Also, the controls on the centre console are now in High-gloss Black and the seats now make use of Sensatec perforated synthetic leather while having been further optimised for comfort even if the new M multifunction seats have been opted for.
For added convenience and sophistication, the BMW Operating System 7 has been fitted and plays host to new applications and connectivity along with added personalisation features while sporting a newly optimised user interface with new graphics in the control-display.
Furthermore, the G30 can be fitted with the optional Parking Assistant with additional reversing assistant function as well as a new BMW Drive Recorder that's part of the optional Parking Assistant Plus which can record up to 40 seconds of video footage from points around the vehicle
To get around, the G30 can now rely on a cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system that offers a more precise route calculation and estimated times of arrival. as well as provide real-time traffic data updates at short intervals and allows the driver to enter any word when selecting a destination.
Standard smartphone integration now also features Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay and also includes WiFi connectivity with information appearing in the Control Display, instrument cluster and optional Head-Up Display.
For updates to the system, the G30 now features Remote Software Upgrade where vehicle-specific content and updates such as function extensions for driver assistance systems can be integrated into the car over the air as well as vehicle software and digital services.
As for safety, the G30 has been equipped with new driver assistance systems along with extended functions such as Lane Departure Warning that's part of the optional Driving Assistant – now also with lane return function.
The new optional Driving Assistant Professional now includes Active Navigation with the help of the Lane Change Assistant together with the automatic formation of emergency-lane and junction warning (now with city braking) functions.
3D visualisation of the surrounding area shows traffic situations and possible interventions by the driver assistance systems in the instrument cluster.
