Ken Gratton•29 Oct 2013
NEWS
BMW plays value card with 5 Series
Revised pricing and more kit across the range is topped off by more power in the 550iBMW has juggled the numbers for its mildly updated 5 Series range to deliver more value for buyers in the hotly contested luxury sedan market.
Launched in 2010, the F10 generation of 5 Series is selling well in the segment, BMW claims, but the refreshed model will keep interest alive as the current model reaches the half-way point in its model life cycle.
There have been a few price changes, although most variants stay the course. The big news is a 30kW boost for the 550i, the introduction of Luxury and Modern trim lines and adaptive LED headlights with 'Anti-glare' High Beam Assist.
Revised models can be identified – if you look very closely – by the subtly restyled front apron (with standard LED fog lights), a crease in the rear bumper with redesigned tail lights. Integrated indicators in the side mirrors are now carried across the range.
No-charge options, the Luxury and Modern trim lines introduced originally in the F30 3 Series provide a point of distinction for those who prefer a bit more flash (the Luxury models feature more chrome around the front fog lights and woodgrain veneers inside) or a contemporary look much as the 'Modern' name suggests – with satin-finish brightwork inside and out.
BMW claims a 10 per cent hike in power from the 550i's 'TwinPower' 4.4-litre turbo V8 – now 330kW between 5500rpm and 6000rpm. Torque is increased too, now 650Nm between 2000 and 4500rpm. The performance gain has reduced the 0-100km/h time by half a second, BMW says – now 4.6 seconds. Fuel consumption is now 8.8L/100km, which represents a 17 per cent improvement, according to the manufacturer.
The anti-glare High Beam Assist is contingent on the new LED headlights for all but the low-grade 520i and 520d models. It's a feature available as a $3500 option for the entry-level models. Each light cluster creates a moving 'blind spot' for on-coming traffic. The inboard adaptive lights can independently shift that blind spot through a range of three degrees inwards and 12 degrees outward from the point where an on-coming vehicle is within 1000 metres of the BMW. At a point beyond the ability of the system's range of movement, high beam is disabled progressively – one side first. High Beam Assist also reduces glare for drivers in front – ranging up to 400 metres distance from the BMW.
An enhanced equipment list for the 5 Series combines with repositioned pricing (in the case of the 550i especially) to offer better value than before. The 520i and 520d variants gain 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, plus extended dual-zone climate control, an extra 12V power socket, ambient lighting, bi-xenon headlights, electric seat adjustment, HiFi audio system, Internet connectivity, audio streaming via Bluetooth, Navigation Professional satnav system, a reversing camera and a sports leather steering wheel.
The 528i moves up to a 19-inch alloy wheel and the adaptive LED headlights. In addition, and as standard, it gains electrochromatic side mirrors, Comfort Access, Digital (DAB+) radio, Driving Assistant, transmission shift paddles, Harman/Kardon audio, High Beam Assist, multifunction instrument display, sports automatic transmission and Surround View. The head-up display was one feature already fitted as standard to the 528i but not the 520i and 520d.
535i and 535d variants gain Parking Assistant along with other new features already mentioned for the lower-grade variants. Likewise, the 550i gains many of the same features not previously offered as standard, but adds BMW Individual instrumentation and roller sunblinds for the rear and sides. Other features already standard in the 550i but additional to the specification of the 535i and 535d comprise four-zone climate control, front Comfort seats with lumbar support, an electric glass sunroof and front seat heating.
According to BMW, the value of the new 520i has jumped by $12,800, despite no change to its price. The 520d raises that to $13,100. Big movers are 528i ($22,200), 535i ($18,600), 535d ($19,400) and 550i ($25,800). In the case of the 550i, much of that added value figure is the result of a price reduction worth nearly $20,000.
Prices for revised 5 Series
520i sedan - $79,900 (no change)
520d sedan - $82,400 (no change)
528i sedan - $97,400 (no change)
535i sedan - $116,900 (previously $115,345)
ActiveHybrid 5 - $119,900 (reduced from $122,900 in July)
535d sedan - $121,900 (previously $121,500)
550i sedan - $159,900 (reduced from $179,645 in July)
520d Touring - $90,900 (no change)
535i Touring - $122,900 (no change)
520d Gran Turismo - $93,900 (no change)
530d Gran Turismo - $108,900 (raised from $104,100 in July)
535i Gran Turismo - $117,900 (previously $109,645)
550i shown.
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Written byKen Gratton
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