BMW's new 5-Series

It’s official, the all-new 5-Series is here! A consistent class-leader since it was introduced back in 1972, the sixth-generation of the ‘5’ promises to be every bit as revolutionary as its forbearers. Auto Express was at an exclusive unveiling of the car in Munich to bring you these first official images and all the details that matter.

With this car it’s clear that BMW has put the Chris Bangle days behind it. The controversial ex chief designer brought his unique brand of love it or loathe it styling to the last 5-Series, but BMW has kept things more conventional this time around. Gone is the awkward boot lip, replaced instead by cleaner lines and tidy proportions, with only two main creases running along the side of the car.

In the flesh the low bonnet and shark-like nose give it a sportier and more elegant look than the formal styling of the outgoing model. In fact it appears more like a bigger brother for the 3-series than a down-sized version of the 7-Series we all expected. Something which Adrian van Hooydonk , design chief for the BMW Group claims is a coincidence: “It looks closer to the 3-Series because we’ve taken a sportier direction with the design. In turn, the design for the new 3-Series will have to be even sportier,” he revealed.

A wheelbase of 2,968 millimetres, the longest in its class, translates to an additional 13 millimetres of leg room in the rear – just one highlight in a much improved cabin. The trademark angled centre console – puts the focus firmly on the driver, while an optional glass sunroof floods the cabin with light. The major design cues, such as the widescreen display and black-panel technology, which appears to be a piece of interior trim when the air-con is not in use and lights up magically when you turn it on, are lifted from the 5-Series GT. But whereas the GT focuses on light and space, the 5-Series is a cosier cockpit-style affair, hinting at its dynamic capabilities.

>>WATCH OFFICIAL FOOTAGE OF THE ALL-NEW 5-SERIES HERE

The engine line up includes four petrol and three diesels. Stop-start is included as standard on the 520d, predicted to be the biggest seller in the UK, while a new eight-speed auto transmission with wheel-mounted paddles can be ordered as an option over the six-speed manual, or comes as standard on the range-topping 550i.

With CO2 emissions of 132g/km and 56.5mpg the four-cylinder 520d is the most frugal 5-Series ever. It’s joined in the diesel line up by two six-cylinder units – the 525d and 530d. Both 3.0-litre single turbo engines, they produce 201bhp and 242bhp respectively with the more powerful of the two still returning a creditable 44.8mpg.

Three straight-six petrol engines are offered – the 523i, 528i and 535i, all of which feature direct fuel injection. The two former are naturally aspirated, while the 535i is turbocharged resulting in 302bhp and a 0-60mph sprint in just 6.0 seconds. But if even more power is a priority, the range-topping 550i, featuring the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the 7-Series, offers just that. Despite packing 401bhp and peak torque figure of 600Nm, the 550i is capable of 27.2mpg.

While the styling might have been toned down, BMW hasn’t dulled its focus on the 5-Series being a car for keen drivers. New double-wishbone suspension at the front is said to strike the best balance yet between handling and comfort, while the Drive Dynamic Control system allows drivers to modulate throttle, steering and gearbox setting via four modes – Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+. The chassis is 50 per cent stiffer than the old model as well, for an overall weight penalty of only 15 kg.

For the UK market, standard equipment will be more generous than ever. All models now come with leather upholstery, automatic air conditioning and Bluetooth connection as standard. Among the myriad options, customers can specify a park assist system, collision warning with auto brake and 360 degree surround cameras which give a bird’s eye view of the car on your display, for negotiating especially tight gaps and spaces.

Despite the additional standard kit, the 520d’s price tag has only risen by £735 over the model it replaces. Further up the diesel range the 525d and 530d start from £32,380 and £36,300 respectively. The petrol line up begins at £30,560 for the 523i, climbing to £36,290 and £49,440 for the 535i and 550i respectively. The newcomer hits showrooms on March 10 minus the 520d, which follows in June.