BMW 5 Series roll-out begins

BMW's new 'G30' generation of 5 Series will officially go on sale in Australia from March 18. The range launches here with four drivetrain variants: 520d, 530i, 530d and 540i, priced from $93,900 for the entry-level 520d, a four-cylinder diesel model.

Before long, the range will expand with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant, the 530e, around mid year. And BMW will finish 2017 by releasing the Touring wagon in two different drivetrain configurations during the fourth quarter.

There's no word yet on when the M5 will reach us, but 2018 is looking like the earliest opportunity, given the high-performance flagship won't go on sale in its homeland before May of this year.

Price rise reflects added equipment
As we've previously reported, the new 5 Series has risen markedly in price, but the importer claims that the larger G30 brings to the table improved value, in the form of weight-saving engineering measures, slippery aerodynamics, an all-new chassis, improved petrol engines, and sophisticated infotainment features.

Those extra infotainment items include a 10.25-inch touch screen, the latest iteration of iDrive ('iDrive 6') with five modes of operation, wireless Apple CarPlay, inductive smartphone recharging, a multi-function 12.3-inch instrument display, and a 70% larger head-up display featuring new colours. The new instruments offer high-resolution interactive graphics and different display modes.

In addition, the 5 Series regains speed limit recognition, after years of not offering the facility in Australia, due to past problems with the system failing to recognise local market signage. The system relies on forward-facing cameras to distinguish temporary signage (for school and construction zones), but otherwise flashes up the speed limit signs prompted by mapping data in the car's satellite navigation system.

It's one of several new driver-assist systems that have already been previewed locally. These include Driving Assistant Plus, Active Cruise control with Stop&Go function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with Active Side Collision Protection, Cross Traffic Warning, front and rear, Crossroads warning, Evasion Aid, Rear Collision Prevention and Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning.

These systems are "our next step in semi-autonomous driving", says Howard Lam, BMW's Product & Pricing Manager for 5, 6 & 7 Series. According to Lam, the systems are supported by six on-board cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

Remote control parking is optional as part of the innovations pack for $1600, including display key and gesture control.

Petrol four-cylinder to expand sales
Lam says that BMW expects the 530i will become the volume seller in the range with the release of the G30 generation in Australia.

"The volume seller here in that [F10] range is the 520d," he said. "With the G30 we look to swing that around, and make the 530i what we regard as our hero model – our volume seller in the range," he said.

"With the 530i, following from the success of the 330i and 430i, we've got a simple strategy: blend in performance, fuel efficiency and value for money to customers, to achieve that."

According to Lam, the majority of buyers for F10 have been male, aged between 40 and 70. Previous owners of the 5 Series are a loyal lot, it seems. Repeat business is about 46 per cent of 5 Series sales, versus 28 per cent for the broader BMW range.

The G30 value story
BMW Australia calculates that the breakdown for the 5 Series range, in terms of spec-adjusted pricing measured against its F10 predecessor works out to the distinct benefit of the buyer. The 520d is priced $9145 higher than F10, but the new price of $93,900 is offset by $15,400 of extra features, representing $6255 better nett value.

At $108,900, the 530i is $9745 higher in price, offset by $16,050 added kit for $6305 better value. It's a similar-but-different story with the diesel six-cylinder model, the 530d, which is actually priced $3755 lower than the F10 counterpart. From $119,900 with $16,050 more standard features, the 530d delivers $19,805 better value, BMW claims.

And topping the lot, the 540i costs $19,245 more at a price of $136,900, but with $34,300 extra gear for a nett gain of $15,055 value.

Weight reduction targets achieved
While connectivity, infotainment and driver-assist technology are high points in the evolution from F10 generation to G30, the latest 5 Series doesn't scrimp on core engineering qualities. Now 95kg lighter, the G30 boasts doors that weigh 6kg each, with magnesium in the instrument panel shaving another 2kg off the car's kerb mass, plus a boot lid that's 4kg lighter.

BMW designers have pared the car's coefficient of drag down to an E-Class-rivalling 0.24CD.

And the petrol engines in the 530i and 540i are revamped for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The claim being made for the turbocharged four-cylinder in the 530i is peak power raised 5kW (now 185kW) and fuel consumption reduced to 5.8L/100km – a 0.7L/100km improvement.

For the turbocharged six-cylinder 540i, peak power is up 25kW to 250kW and torque has also been adjusted upwards by 50Nm to 450Nm.

And BMW's cherry on top for 5 Series buyers is the BMW Service Inclusive package for $1640. Over a five year period or 80,000km distance the package covers all normal servicing. Lam describes it as "the no-brainer package".