The 2017 BMW 5-Series is finally official after countless scoops and reports on the matter.
Perhaps the most unsurprising fact about BMW’s new executive sedan is the styling, with the company choosing the evolution path instead of trying to reinvent their image on this -very important for them- segment.
Despite the familiar looks, the seventh generation of the 5-Series comes with some serious firepower on the tech department; in fact this is the brand’s first model to come with several autonomous driving functions, including following the car in front with the hands off the wheel, staying within its lane at speeds up to 130mph (209km/h) and perform lane changes at speeds between 44mph (70km/h) and 112mph (180km/h) just with the use of the indicator.
Initially the engine range will include two petrol and two diesel units: a turbocharged four-cylinder 248hp 2.0-litre petrol for the 530i and a turbocharged 335hp 3.0-litre straight-six for the 540i. Diesel versions kick off with the 520d which is powered by a 187hp 2.0-litre unit, followed by the 530d which has a 261hp 3.0-litre inline-six unit. All engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and can be optionally offered with the brands xDrive AWD system.
BMW will also add the 550d xDrive model to sit on top of the diesel range next year, using a new, quad-turbo (!) 3.0-litre unit with 395hp and 560lb-ft of torque. The petrol range will be topped by the 550i xDrive, at least up until the new M5 arrives, powered by a 455hp twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 and allow for a 0-62mph in 4 seconds flat.
The plug-in hybrid 530e version combines a four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-litre with an electric motor for a total output of 249hp. Fuel economy is rated at just 2.0lt/100km combined (117mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 46g/km according to the EU test cycle.
The new platform means that the new 5-Series, codenamed G30, is now not only lighter by up to 100kg (220lbs) thanks to the extended use of aluminum, magnesium and titanium but also roomier as well, especially at the rear.