BMW has revealed the seventh-generation of the 5 Series sedan. Billed as the G30 5 Series, the new model replaces the current F10 version, and features a new lightweight chassis, advanced technologies and a whole new range of powertrains including a plug-in hybrid for the first time.
On the outside, the 2017 5 Series sports an evolutionary design since the overall profile looks unmistakably the same as of the outgoing car. However, BMW claims that every line and component on the outside has been reinterpreted in the new model. At the front, it gets sleeker 7 Series-inspired LED headlamps which merge neatly to the brand’s signature kidney grille. Around the side, the 5 Series now features taut and prominent lines while the front overhang has now been shortened. Wheel sizes ranging between 17-inch and 20-inch are available. The rear-end gets new LED tail-lamps while the exhaust tail-pipes are now arranged symmetrically – depending on the engine, it will be circular, trapezoidal or rectangular.
Coupled to the lightweight chassis will be a new range of more powerful and efficient engines. The petrol version will have two options – 530i and 540i. The former features a 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo direct injection engine developing 248bhp and 350Nm of torque. It will do 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. The more powerful 540i will come fitted with a bigger 3.0-litre straight six engine producing 335bhp/450Nm. 0-100km/h will be done within 5.1 seconds. But, if you fancy going faster still, you can opt for the 540i with xDrive (all-wheel drive) that will cut the 0-100km/h time to 4.8 seconds. Top speed will be electronically limited to 250km/h in both the models. In addition to the above two, there will be a 530e plug-in version that will come with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Combined power output will stand at 249bhp and 420Nm.
All the engines come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard while a six-speed manual is also offered with the 520d. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system will be offered on all the engine options as optional. BMW has also revealed that it will be launching a flagship M550i xDrive flagship with a 455bhp 4.4-litre V8 petrol next year. As per the company, the M550i will propel from a naught to 100km/h in just 4.0 seconds – three-tenths faster than the current M5!
Shortly after its global launch in 2017, the BMW 5 Series will arrive to the Indian shores.
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