BMW kills off 550i flagship

BMW has quietly put down its flagship in the 5 Series range, the V8-powered 550i.

The move away from the large-displacement engine is in keeping with an increasingly common trend in the industry, exemplified by the decision of Mercedes-Benz Australia to drop the V8 E 500 from its range with the introduction of the facelifted W212 series.

According to BMW Australia Product Communications Manager Simon Chiarelli, the end of the 550i is an Australian-market initiative. The model continues on sale in other markets.

BMW is, however, introducing a range of new option packs for the 5 Series, to soften the blow of losing the 550i.

"Over its history, the 5 Series has marked the intersection where BMW luxury, driving dynamics, and technological advances meet. This is reinforced with the development of our Professional and Exclusive options packages," said Shawn Ticehurst, BMW Australia's Head of Product and Market Planning, as quoted in a press release issued by the prestige importer.

"A culture of innovation lies at the core of our brand's DNA, highlighted by initiatives such as BMW iDrive, ConnectedDrive and our award-winning driving assistance systems.

"The new Professional and Exclusive options packages will enable the BMW 5 Series to showcase these technologies, while remaining an icon of premium motoring."

Ranging in price from $900 to $3800, the new Professional and Exclusive packs for the 5 Series offer added driver assistance features in the case of the former, and comfort and convenience features in the case of the latter. The Professional pack is available to buyers of the 520i, 520d (sedan, GT and Touring), and the 528i. Customers can order the 535i (sedan, GT and Touring), 535d sedan, 530d GT and ActiveHybrid 5 with the Exclusive package.

BMW claims the Professional pack is valued at $12,700, but priced at $3400 for the BMW 520i, 520d Sedan and Touring. Features included at this level comprise head-up display, Comfort Access System, automatic dipping interior and door mirrors, Lane Change Warning System, ConnectedDrive Freedom, Driving Assistant, Surround View, Digital Radio and Multifunctional instrument display.

The same pack in the 520d GT is priced at $2400 and BMW claim it's worth $7900 retail. For that sum the pack includes all the features listed as above for the 520i and 520d, except Driving Assistant.

Worth $5900, according to BMW, but costing just $900, the Professional Package for the 528i features Lane Change Warning System, ConnectedDrive Freedom, Driving Assistant Plus, Multifunctional instrument display and seat heating.

The Exclusive Package costs the same ($3800) irrespective of the vehicle. For the 535i, 535d Sedan and ActiveHybrid 5, BMW values this pack at $16,300. Features included are Automatic tailgate operation, BMW Individual instrument panel in leather, exclusive 'Nappa' leather upholstery, soft-close function for doors, sunblinds for rear and rear side windows,
Comfort seats incl. active headrests and electrical adjustment, Driving Assistant Plus, seat heating, Lane Change Warning System and ConnectedDrive Freedom.

For the 530d GT (valued at $15,900), the Exclusive pack is as listed above, but without automatic tailgate operation and sunblinds for rear and rear side windows.

The 535i Touring ordered with the Exclusive pack represents $13,500 extra value, and is fitted with the same additional items listed above, excluding only the automatic tailgate operation and sunblinds for rear and rear side windows. At $12,200 worth of extra value, the 535i GT with the Exclusive pack also does without the automatic tailgate operation and sunblinds for rear and rear side windows.

All items deleted from the packs in higher-specification vehicles are already fitted as standard in those respective models.

The new packages are available to order from March 2015 production.