Mike Sinclair•16 Jul 2013
NEWS
BMW freshens 5 Series
New decor and more equipment for the 5 Series...BMW has refreshed its 5 Series range, including sedan, touring and Gran Turismo ‘hatch’ variants. But while some models have dropped almost $20,000 in the changeover, others are up -- over $8000 in one case.
Although motoring.com.au has already driven the vehicles in Europe, the updated local specification and pricing has only just been announced Down Under.
BMW has reduced the price of four variants -- including the range-topping 550i which drops $19,745, and ActiveHybrid5, the 5 Series’ first hybrid -- but all Gran Turismo hatch variants are up, as are the entry-level 520i and 520d.
In the face of a spectrum of price increases and decreases, BMW sources maintain the updated range now presents “a better value equation”.
BMW Australia has dubbed the makeover a “significant mid-lifecycle update”. It says it is “determined to surprise and delight prestige vehicle customers and expand the appeal of the [5 Series] segment.”
In part justifying price increases of between $3400 and $8255, the 5 Series Gran Turismo gets the most changes, as detailed in our launch drive (see above link). Other variants are tweaked but not significantly altered in appearance. BMW fans and car-spotters will need to look for the mirror-mounted indicator repeaters as the key distinguishing feature of the new 5 Series range.
Perhaps of more interest to buyers is the fact BMW Australia has used the update to offer BMW Luxury Line and Modern Line spec packages locally for the first time.
Available across the 5 Series line-up, the packages feature key design elements in a range of finishes. Modern line uses high-gloss black and matte chrome elements, while the Luxury version features more traditional high-gloss chrome finishes. Each line also offers specific alloy wheel designs that, depending on the model, range in size from 18, 19, or in the case of the Gran Turismo, up to 20-inch.
BMW also states: “The range of interior and upholstery trim colours on offer for each ‘line’ package differs, and this further enhances the opportunity to individualise each vehicle’s character.”
Other key changes to the updated 5 range include the availability of Adaptive LED headlights in a 5 for the first time and powertrain performance and efficiency upgrades for the range-topping 550i variant.
“With every model in the new BMW 5 Series range available with extended standard specifications, BMW has created a whole new value proposition for the prestige vehicle segment,” said Phil Horton, BMW Group Australia boss.
At the entry-level, the four-cylinder turbocharged 520i petrol and 520d diesel both increase in price -- $1400 and $1100 respectively. Standard equipment includes Bi-Xenon headlights, LED fog lights and features such as cruise control with braking function, front and rear park distance control and reversing camera. Other appointments are Dakota leather electric front seats, two-zone climate control and 60:40 split-fold rear seat backrest. BMW’s Professional satnav is standard.
In the 520d turbo-diesel Touring (wagon) variant BMW adds a powered tailgate, sunblinds for the rear side windows and BMW’s parking assistant feature.
The higher-output turbo-petrol four-cylinder 528i BMW has dropped in price marginally. It has added Adaptive LED headlights with anti-glare high beam assist and variable light distribution; comfort access system plus BMW’s Driving Assistant package. This dynamic safety system includes lane departure, forward collision and pedestrian warning systems with “light city braking function” and head-up display.
The 528i also gets BMW’s auto boot function which allows you to open the boot with a wave of your foot under the rear of the car. Other new inclusions are multifunctional instrument cluster, harman/kardon surround sound system with DAB+ digital radio, surround view monitor and 19-inch alloys.
The 535i (petrol) sedan and wagon and 535d (turbo-diesel) sedan’s spec sheets essentially mirror the 528i, save for the six-cylinder engines and upgraded powertrains.
BMW’s first 5 Series hybrid ActiveHybrid5 incorporates most of the same standard features as the 535i, but adds a four-zone automatic climate control system, an instrument cluster with extended [hybrid-related] functionality, but rolls on smaller 18-inch alloys. It is now $3000 cheaper.
Stepping up to 550i twin-turbo petrol V8, BMW has added equipment and boosted performance. Maximum power is up 10 per cent to 330kW and torque has increased 50Nm to 650. BMW claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds --nearly half a second faster than the previous model.
The V8 also presents the largest price change in the line-up – a drop of $19,745.
The 5 Series’ ugly duckling Gran Turismo hasn’t quite transformed to a swan in this update, but things are on the improve... So too, equipment levels, though all three GT variants are up in price.
The 520d Gran Turismo shares a similar level of specification to the entry level sedan and touring models and also gets BMW’s Driving Assistant package. Head-up display, multi-functional instruments and 19-inch alloys are also standard.
The 530d Gran Turismo adds 20-inch alloys, four-zone aircon and Adaptive LED headlights. The 535i Gran Turismo further boasts equipment.
The first updated Aussie market 5 Series models are rolling down BMW’s production lines this month. First updated models will hit local dealer showrooms in September, BMW Australia says.
BMW 5 Series Range Pricing:
| Sedan | ||
| BMW 520i | $79,900 | +$1400 (was $78,500) |
| BMW 520d | $82,400 | +$1100 (was $81,300) |
| BMW 528i | $97,400 | -$1400 (was $98,800) |
| BMW 535i | $116,900 | +$1555 (was $115,345) |
| BMW ActiveHybrid 5 | $119,900 | -$3000 (was $122,900) |
| BMW 535d | $121,900 | +$400 (was $121,500) |
| BMW 550i | $159,900 | -$19,745 (was $179,645) |
| Touring (wagon) | ||
| BMW 520d | $90,900 | +$400 (was $90,500) |
| BMW 535i | $122,900 | -$3045 (was $125,945) |
| Gran Turismo (hatch) | ||
| BMW 520d GT | $93,900 | +$3400 (was $90,500) |
| BMW 530d GT | $108,900 | +$4800 (was $104,100) |
| BMW 535i GT | $117,900 | +$8255 (was $109,645) |
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Written byMike Sinclair
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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