New BMW 5 Series entry price to rise by $9000-plus

BMW Australia will launch its all new G30-generation 5 Series range locally in March (2017), with a four-model line-up that will kick off from $93,900 plus on-road costs.

That’s the price of entry for the 520d, the cheapest of the all-new, lighter and more fuel-efficient BMW 5 Series range.

Keen-eyed readers will note the new entry-level diesel is up in price by $9145. Indeed, for all but one model in the new 5 Series range the news is similar.

Not surprisingly, BMW Australia is playing up the added standard equipment across the line up, with claims of more than $15,000 worth of extra value in the base model and a $34,000 spec boost on the range-topping 540i variant.

Contrary to previous reports, the new 5 Series, while based on the 7 Series structure, does not feature carbon-fibre components in its chassis. Nonetheless, the new, rangier (its wheelbase grows 7mm to 2975), wider Five is claimed to offer spec-for-spec weight savings of around 100kg.

Better refinement and upgraded safety are also givens.

The new 5 Series sets an aerodynamic benchmark for BMW sedans with a drag coefficient of 0.22Cd. It is also the smartest 5 Series ever, boasting better autonomous functionality and a step-change in connectivity.

The new 5 Series also features the latest BMW Connected features, bringing full Microsoft Exchange compatibility and a iOs smartphone app that interfaces calendars, messaging, navigation and traffic with time to leave notifications to ensure you’ll never be late… BMW Australia will roll out this service to other compatible vehicles shortly.

“The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is a showcase of the latest automotive technologies,” said BMW Australia CEO Marc Werner.

“It incorporates advanced semi-autonomous capabilities, driving assistants and ground-breaking connectivity while remaining dynamic and engaging to drive,” he stated.

The autonomous functions deliver cruise control to 250km/h and steering support and lane control up to 210km/h. Other advances are crossroad, stop sign and wrong-way warnings and what BMW terms an ‘Evasion Aid’. In an emergency this system primes the car and assists the driver in a fast swerve and recover situation. The system is active up to 160km/h.

Remote control parking a la 7the  Series will also be offered as an option to the new 5 Series.

An active rear-wheel steering system will also be available here, but Australia misses out on the all-wheel drive system offered in overseas markets– at least until the bahnstorming M5 arrives late in 2017.

Kicking off with the 520d turbo-diesel, the new Aussie 5 Series line-up eschews the entry-level petrol model, at least for the time being.

The four-cylinder turbo-diesel has been the top-selling 5 Series Down Under, commanding up to 45 per cent of local sales in recent years.

Although that's likely to remain the case, BMW Australia is not ruling out re-introducing a 520i into the local offering but not before a 530e plug-in hybrid joins the range later in 2017. That plug-in hybrid is claimed to deliver an EV range of 50km, EV speeds of up to 140km/h and ECE Combined fuel consumption of 1.9L/100km.

From launch, however, the new range also includes a six-cylinder turbo-diesel 530d, and 530i and 540i four and six-cylinder turbo-petrol models.

The four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is essentially a carry-over, however, the six-cylinder turbo-diesel and all petrol engines are BMW's latest. Introduced into 2, 3 and 4 Series models over the last 18 months or so, the B48/B58 petrol powerplants offer more power and torque and improvements in combined-cycle fuel economy.

As noted above, added kit is a large part of the new 5 Series story. BMW Australia says the new entry-level 520d model arrives with around $15,500 worth of additional equipment. Compared to the F10 series 520d it replaces, the new car demands a price increase of $9155.

The 520d’s standard equipment highlights include LED headlights, 18-inch alloys, keyless access and start, Dakota leather upholstery, powered front seats and steering column, new larger full-colour head-up display, wireless phone charging, Professional sat-nav with voice and/or gesture control and DAB+ radio.

BMW’s Driving Assistant Plus which features Active Cruise with Stop & Go function, front Cross traffic warning, crossroads warning and Lane Keeping Assistant is also standard.

Auto parking with Active Park Distance Control front and rear and 360-degree and VR camera is also included. BMW Connected Drive with access to BMW Online, real-time traffic information, intelligent emergency call, concierge and phone app-based Remote Services are all part of the 5 Series’ standard kit.

Power and torque for the four-cylinder turbo-diesel are unchanged at 140kW and 400Nm.

Next up, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol 530i is priced at $108,900 -- $9765 more than the 528i it replaces. At 185kW, the uprated B48 four adds 5kW but torque is unchanged at 350Nm. Fuel economy has improved from 6.5L/100km to 5.8.

Standard equipment on the 530i includes all of the entry-level car’s goodies but adds M Sport and M Aerodynamics Packages along with M Sport brakes, 19-inch alloys, powered boot lid, adaptive dampers and high-spec Adaptive LED headlights (including BMW Selective Beam and High Beam Assist).

The infotainment features the same 10.25-inch high-resolution colour display with black-panel technology and audio is via a 16-speaker harman/kardon surround sound system.

Front sport seats are standard, as is a BMW Individual anthracite roof liner and M leather multi-function steering wheel.

At the top of the line-up, the turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol 540i is a substantial $19,285 more than the outgoing 535i.

The 540i arrives with a high level of standard equipment including BMW’s new Adaptive Drive with active anti-roll bars, 20-inch wheels, glass sunroof, premium paint, rear and rear-side sunblinds, Nappa upholstered Comfort seats (with memory function and ventilation for driver and front passenger).

BMW claims the added equipment boasted by the new 540i represents an increase in value of $34,000 when compared to the outgoing 535i

The 540i’s turbo six has been boosted by 25kW and 50Nm compared to the car it replaces taking the totals to 250kW and 450Nm.

Its 0-100km/h time has been trimmed from 5.7sec to just 5.1. At the same time fuel economy has improved from 7.9L/100km to 6.7.

The only 5 Series model to have a price reduction in the new line-up is the 530d, which replaces the previous generation’s 535d. Although the price has dropped (from $123,655 to $119,900), so too has power and torque. The new B57 turbo-diesel six has been trimmed from 230kW to 195 and from 630Nm to a nonetheless still muscular 620.

BMW Australia claims equipment has been boosted to the tune of $16,000 on the top turbo-diesel. Standard equipment aligns with the 530i.

All 5 Series models feature eight-speed automatic transmissions, new double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear axle. Apple CarPlay is standard.

There will of course be a comprehensive choice of options and extra equipment on most models. Twenty different wheel options from 17- to 20-inch are on the books and M Performance options are also on the way to bridge the gap between the standard 5s and the upcoming M5.

Luxury line and M Sport packages will be available across the line-up. The latter is standard on all models except the entry-level 520d.

Practicality is aided by the option of a 40:20:40 split-fold rear seat and boot volume is up to 530 litres.

The new BMW 5 Series will be covered by BMW’s Condition Based Servicing (CBS) system. The systems monitor the car’s ‘vitals’ and calculate maintenance requirements to determine when vehicle inspections or oil services are due.

The latest generation of the 5 Series’ arch-rival, Mercedes-Benz's E-Class range, arrived Down Under in mid-2016. That too introduced a circa-$10K price increase on the back of added equipment and autonomous functionality.

By way of comparison, the E-Class range kicks off with turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel four-cylinder models. The petrol E 200 is priced from $89,900 and the 520d’s three-pointed star equivalent, the E 220d, is $1000 less than the Beemer at $92,900.

The E 350d V6 diesel is priced from $134,900, while the powered-up 2.0-litre E 300 and all-wheel drive twin-turbo V6 E 400 4MATIC are priced at $107,900 and $139,900 respectively.

Any similarity between Benz and BMW performance, pricing and equipment is entirely intentional – there’s indeed a battle royale brewing…

Now read our first drive of the new 5 Series from the international launch.

2017 BMW 5 Series pricing (plus ORCs):
520d — $93,900
530i — $108,900
530d — $119,900
540i — $136,900

BMW 520d
MRLP $93,900
MRLP increase vs. F10 520d + $9,145
Additions
+   Comfort Access $2,400
+   Driving Assistant Plus $3,600
+   Exterior mirrors, anti-dazzle with folding $700
+   Head-Up Display $2,800
+   Illuminated door sills $200
+   Instrument panel finished in Sensatec $1,000
+   Lane Change Warning $1,400
+   Parking Assistant Plus $1,200
+   Speed Limit Info $400
+   Surround View $1,300
+   Wireless Charging $400
Approximate retail value of additional features over 520d F10  =  $15,400

BMW 530i
MRLP $108,900
MRLP increase vs. F10 528i + $9,745
Additions
+   Automatic tailgate operation $1,300
+   BMW Individual Ext. Line Aluminium satinated $0
+   Driving Assistant Plus $2,400
+   Dynamic Damper Control $1,750
+   Illuminated door sills $200
+   Instrument panel finished in Sensatec $1,000
+   Lumbar support for front seats $800
+   M Sport Package (inc. 19” alloy) $4,700
+   M Sport Brakes $1,000
+   Parking Assistant Plus $1,200
+   Seat heating, front $900
+   Speed Limit Info $400
+   Wireless Charging $400
Approximate retail value of additional features over 528i F10  =  $16,050

BMW 530d
MRLP $119,900
MRLP increase vs. F10 535d - $3,755
Additions
+   Automatic tailgate operation $1,300
+   BMW Individual Ext. Line Aluminium satinated $0
+   Driving Assistant Plus $2,400
+   Dynamic Damper Control $1,750
+   Illuminated door sills $200
+   Instrument panel finished in Sensatec $1,000
+   Lumbar support for front seats $800
+   M Sport Package (inc. 19” alloy) $4,700
+   M Sport Brakes $1,000
+   Parking Assistant Plus $1,200
+   Seat heating, front $900
+   Speed Limit Info $400
+   Wireless Charging $400
Approximate retail value of additional features over 535d F10 =  $16,050

BMW 540i
MRLP $136,900
MRLP increase vs. F10 535i + $19,245
Additions
+   20” BMW Individual alloy wheel $2,000
+   Adaptive Drive $6,100
+   Ambient Air $800
+   Automatic tailgate operation $1,300
+   BMW Individual Ext. Line Aluminium satinated $0
+   Comfort seats, front $1,600
+   Driving Assistant Plus $2,400
+   Illuminated door sills $200
+   Instrument panel finished in Sensatec $1,000
+   Lumbar support for front seats  $800
+   M Sport Package $4,700
+   M Sport Brakes $1,000
+   Metallic paint $2,000
+   Nappa leather upholstery $1,300
+   Parking Assistant Plus $1,200
+   Seat ventilation, front $1,500
+   Seat heating, front $900
+   Speed Limit Info $400
+   Sunblinds for rear and side windows $1,500
+   Sunroof, glass electric $3,200
+   Wireless Charging $400
Approximate retail value of additional features over 535i F10  =  $34,300