Australia gets head start on all-new BMW 5 Series

Australian enthusiasts will be among the first in the world to see what is arguably the most important new car from BMW in the last decade, when the new-generation 5 Series makes its Australian public debut at the Caulfield Cup horse race in Melbourne this Saturday (October 15).

The all-new BMW 5 Series, which may not even be shown in Germany before it appears Down Under, will be the company's most intelligent computerised vehicle to date.

Headlined by what the Bavarian company claims are the world's most advanced automated driving aids, the new 5 Series is BMW's direct response to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the most automated car ever to appear from the world's oldest car-maker.

A pair of thoroughbred German saloons has been airfreighted into Melbourne, even before the car made its global debut online earlier today, giving Aussies a potential world-first look at the new high-tech cars ahead of their March 2017 showroom debut.

Expect to pay circa-$85,000 for an entry-level 5 Series, which will be capable of accelerating, steering and braking by itself at speeds of up to 210km/h. BMW reckons the new executive car delivers unprecedented levels of autonomy.

Constructed from magnesium, carbon-fibre, aluminium and high-tensile steel, the car's advanced frame helps it shed up 100kg over its predecessor, which should ensure that it goes, stops and turns more dynamically than ever before – perhaps even by itself.

BMW Australia is betting that interest will be sky-high for the new model and customers can check out the cars – a pair of 540i pre-production vehicles – at the Caulfield race course this weekend.

The 540i models are powered by updated inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol engines, and will deliver more power while using less fuel.

Before they make their Australian public debut, BMW will show the two pre-production vehicles to media at a press event at its Mulgrave HQ the previous night.