2011 BMW 5-Series

The world debut of the new BMW 5-Series Sedan marks the epitome of modern design and driving pleasure in the world of premium midsize sedans. Through its athletic and executive looks, driving dynamics typical of BMW, and innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation of BMW's executive express accurately reflects the standards upheld by the world's most successful manufacturer of premium cars.

The BMW 5-Series offers high-performance driving capabilities in a sedan that can carry five adults in comfort and luxury. The latest 5-Series will offer one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder gas engine options. Two diesel six-cylinder models will also be available in certain Europe, with the most fuel efficient version being the 47 mpg (U.S.) 520d. original article  read full article

BMW 5-Series (2011)

BMW 5-Series (2011)

The 258 horsepower 528i will be the entry-level model in the U.S. The range-topping 550i model comes packing a 407 hp version of BMW's turbocharged V8. As expected, BMW's 306 hp turbocharged inline-six will be available in the 535i model. A 530d model is also available -- featuring a 245 hp diesel engine. Fuel economy figures vary greatly to match the level of horsepower for each distinct trim level, but numbers begin at 28 mpg highway on the 528i, and drop to 22 mpg highway for the 400 hp 550i model. The next-generation 5-Series features an eight-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel drive optional -- denoted by an "x" followed the numeric model name. The new 5 will also have Park Distance Control and an around view monitor system, similar to Infiniti's Around View Monitor. As is typical of most recent BMW redesigns, this 5-Series adds some space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase nearly 10 centimeters and widening the track. The car's overall length has grown by less than 2 centimeters, while its height is slightly reduced and its width increased by a fraction. A set of 17-inch wheels are the smallest available with 18 and 19-inch wheels optional. All 5-series sedans feature Active Roll Stabilization, which replaces anti-sway bars with electronically controlled pumps to maintain a level ride under nearly all conditions. To complement the Active Roll Stabilization system comes Active Steering, which uses electronic steering to supplement the stability controls acting on the wheel brakes and power. Across this whole range, the sedan body is the same. With a length of just over 192 inches, the car is long enough to provide luxury-level seating and legroom in the rear and a reasonable amount of luggage space, but is short enough to be easy to drive and park. On the interior, trim is a tasteful combination of wood and leather (optional on the 528i and 528 xi), with a variety of choices available. The dash is elegant, with few buttons, but dominated by a center screen that monitors all functions and provides vision for the optional navigation and new night vision systems. All of this is controlled with BMW's iDrive, which offers a one-knob interface that is loved by computer jocks and hated by many other reviewers. Other optional technical gadgets include Lane Departure Warning, Heads-up display Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go-which does exactly what it says, managing the car's speed in stop-and-go traffic-and Sirius satellite radio, HD radio and an iPod connection. Of course, the 5-Series offers a full range of passive safety features, including extended crumple zones, six air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction and dynamic stability control, BMW Assist with collision notification, and optional rear passenger airbags.

Some plus points of the monster

Charismatic front, elegant side, muscular rear.

The expressive front end of the new BMW 5-Series Sedan presents the sporting character of the car. The upright BMW kidney grille - even appearing from some angles to lean forward - symbolizes the forward-pushing motion of the sedan and, together with the powerfully flared wheel arches, gives the front end of the car strong charismatic presence.

In conjunction with the BMW Adaptive Xenon headlights (optional on 528i), the daytime running lights incorporate quite unmistakable LED corona rings, while the direction indicators moved far to the outside are made up of ten LED units each. As a final highlight, an LED focus light marks the upper edge of each headlight unit.

Above the striking contour line running along the car at the height of the door openers, a slightly flared shoulder surface, together with the coupe-like roofline and the stretched window surface, gives the glazed section of the passenger cell a light and stretched look despite its size. Further down the body, concave modeled surfaces create lively light and shade effects emphasizing the sporting character of the sedan. Greater curvature around the rear wheel arches, finally, bears clear testimony to rear-wheel drive typical of a BMW of this kind.
The dynamic lines of the car are further enhanced by the strikingly compact counter-swing at the bottom of the C-pillar. Featuring the smallest radius at this point ever to be seen on a BMW sedan, this re-interpretation of the typical Hofmeister kick underlines the stretched silhouette of the car and gives the passenger cell a light and low appearance.