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5 Series Sedan - e60 (2004 - ...) |
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Page 1 of 4 The fifth incarnation of the BMW 5 Series
The introduction of a new BMW model is always an event - an event eagerly awaited
by the motoring media, by the BMW dealer and most of all by potential customers.
In the case of the BMW 5 Series it represents the very heart of the BMW marque
and the new model is set to replace what has become, since 1996, the benchmark
executive model.
Expectations are high and this fifth all-new 5 Series since 1972 does not fail
to deliver.
Like the outgoing model it aims to raise the bar a few notches higher: a bar
that is already at world record level.
How can it do this? Well the 5 Series:
° is more spacious and comfortable inside,
° is even safer than before,
° is equipped to a higher standard specification,
° brings 'world first' technology to the executive car market,
° is lighter than its predecessor despite being slightly larger,
° accelerates faster, consumes less fuel and offers reduced CO2 emissions,
and,
° is even more fun to drive.
The power of six in 5:
If just one thing defines the essence of a BMW it is the six-cylinder in-line
engine.
So for drivers who demand the heady mix of power, response and economy - the
three launch engines will be very reassuring.
With BMW's highly praised bi-VANOS technology, both six-cylinder petrol engines
deliver impressive power and refinement.
The 2171 cc 520i SE, boasts a maximum power output of 170 bhp at 6,100 rpm and
210 Nm (155 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm.
The 3.0-litre petrol launch variant offers 231 bhp at 5,900 rpm and 300 Nm (221
lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm.
Acceleration is swift with 0-62 mph figures of 9.0 and 6.9 seconds respectively.
The second-generation 3.0-litre diesel powering the 530d SE delivers a massive
500 Nm (369 lb-ft) torque at 2,000 rpm - the same as the outgoing M5.
With advanced common rail injection, maximum power output is boosted to 218
bhp at 4,000 rpm with a 0-62 mph sprint of 7.1 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than
its predecessor.
However fuel consumption remains a frugal 40.9 mpg.
The most revealing on-road performance figure is 50-75 mph acceleration - a
typical motorway experience.
The 530d SE achieves this in 6.7 seconds in fifth gear and only 5.4 seconds
in fourth.
Such flexibility is a real world measure.
Six for five:
All three models deliver power (to their rear wheels, of course) via a six speed
manual, or, as an option, a six speed automatic gearbox (of the type pioneered
on the BMW 7 Series).
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BMW contract hire
