Updated engines and new technologies remains to be the prime focus.
BMW has taken the wraps off the all-new, seventh-generation 5 Series luxury sedan. The new car will enter into production shortly in Germany, with the European and American sales to commence by early next year. The 2017 BMW 5 Series is expected to reach Indian shores by mid-2017.
You know, last couple of weeks in the media was flooded with spy shots and leaked images of the new 5 Series, which let to a greater appetite for a radical design and styling. But BMW has done design overhaul in a rather modest way. Significant changes up front includes the new signature headlamps with standard adaptive LEDs that now flow towards the kidney-shaped grille, which now boasts active slats that closes and opens on its own to improve aerodynamics! Over the sides, the omnipresent Hofmeister kink and elegant character lines are also there, along with the usual BMW traits.
Also Read: 2016 BMW 7-Series India Debut - Photos, Details
Also Read: 2016 BMW 7-Series India Debut - Photos, Details
But the prime talking point isn't just the design. Built on the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) rear-wheel drive platform of the 2016 BMW 7 Series, the new 5 sees extensive use of high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium to ward off some 62.14 kgs of weight. There are plenty of active aero bits like Air Curtains and Air Breathers to enhance drag-less air-flow through and around the sedan, part of the brand's 'Efficient Dynamics' initiative. All these must help to better the car's handling, along with the optional Adaptive Drive system and updated Damper Control. The Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering setup) is also standard in every all-wheel drive variants.
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| Efficient Dynamics: 2017 BMW 5 Series features active slat grille to improve aerodynamics |
On the semi-autonomous driving front, the 2017 BMW 5 Series features Radar cruise control, Parking Assist with 3D surround view, Active Lane Keeping Assistant and Traffic Jam Assist. While the new iDrive 6.0-inch infotainment system with heads-up display now supports gesture control and voice commands. The interiors are classy and well-equipped as usual. The new car is also longer by 30.5 mm, translating to an increased 1.2 inches of legroom for rear occupants.
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| 2017 BMW 5 Series is lot more elegant on sides, moving closer towards 7 Series in looks as well |
The Western-spec 5 Series will feature two new engine as well - a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo with 248 hp and 350 Nm, and a 3.0-litre inline-six turbo pumping out 335 hp and 450 Nm of max output. A standard 8-speed automatic gearbox with navigation-assisted shifting and an optional xDrive all-wheel drive system will be on place as well. We can't be sure what all engines and fancy techs will make it to the Indian-spec sedan, although the present line-up of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel, 3.0-litre diesel (M Sport), and 4.4-litre petrol (M5) is expected to continue.
Overall, the whole conception and package of the new 2017 BMW 5 Series brings it closer to its tech-savvy sibling - the 2016 BMW 7 Series. Once launched in India, the new 5 will compete against the likes of the latest 2017 Mercedes E-Class, 2016 Jaguar XF, and Audi A6.
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2017 BMW 5 Series - Image Gallery
