BMW 5 Series lands from $93,900

BMW’S venerable 5 Series luxury sedan will go on sale in seventh-generation guise in March next year priced from $93,900 before on-road costs for the base 520d, with the previous entry-level 520i absent from the local line-up.

The range will arrive with a choice of four initial variants including the 530i, 540i and 530d but will be joined by a plug-in hybrid version as well as the iconic M5 at a later date.

All four versions that touch down in March will arrive with a price premium over their outgoing equivalents, but BMW says each has additional equipment that more than offsets the increases on the showroom floor.

When it arrives, the new 5 Series will go head-to-head with arch rival Mercedes-Benz and its new E-Class which also had a price hike of up to $11,000, with the entry-level E200 kicking off from $89,900.

In the case of the BMW 520d, its price has risen by $9145 but its extra gear equates to $15,500 according to the car-maker and includes Luxury Line and Chrome Line styling packs, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and start and electric adjustable front seats and a steering wheel covered in leather.

Technology has been given a boost with BMW ConnectedDrive services and applications available through the 10.3-inch Touch Control screen, along with Professional navigation, wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker sound system.

Entry-level versions are not spared any safety gear with a head-up display, speed limiter, active cruise control that operates down to stop-start traffic, front and rear cross-traffic warning, 360-degree camera, lane keeping assistant, parking assistant with radar and full-length curtain airbags.

Power is courtesy of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel that produces 140kW and 400Nm coupled to a range-wide eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Zero to 100km/h takes 7.5 seconds and fuel consumption is rated at 4.3 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.

As GoAuto revealed in October, the mighty seventh-gen M5 will get all-wheel drive for the first time and even though some other global regions will be offered all-paw traction in lesser variants, Australia’s range will be rear-drive for now.

Stepping into the most affordable petrol of the new range, the 530i costs $108,900 and replaces the 528i with a $9745 premium but adds another $16,000 worth of extra kit.

Over the 520d, the four-cylinder turbo petrol gets an M Sport exterior pack with M Sport brakes, 19-inch M wheels, powered bootlid, Dynamic Damper Control for a choice of sportier ride or comfort depending on the driver preference, while the LED headlights get auto-dipping main beam and Selective Beam.

On the inside, a Harman/Kardon 16-speaker stereo, black roof liner, sports seats and M Sport leather steering wheel and a central screen that is upgraded to 12.3-inches are all standard fare and included in the price.

Its 2.0-litre engine produces 185kW and 350Nm which is enough to power the 530i to 100km/h from standstill in 6.2 seconds, while combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.8L/100km. Like all four 5 Series variants, torque is managed by an eight-speed auto.

Next up, the 530d gains an extra couple of cylinders compared with the 520d with a corresponding capacity increase to 3.0 litres. Power jumps to 195kW with 620Nm of torque on tap which deals with the 0-100km/h dash in 5.7s while returning a fuel economy figure of 4.7L/100km.

Pricing has increased by $3755 over the 535d which the 530d replaces but throws in the same $16,000 worth of goodies as the 530i petrol.

At the top of the pack – at least until the M5 arrives – the 540i supersedes the outgoing 535i but takes over with a similar layout of 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine that pumps out 250kW and 450Nm.

That is enough to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in a brisk 5.1 seconds, but with a less leaden foot the 540i can return fuel economy of 6.7L/100km.

Pricing is up a whopping $19,285 compared with the 535i but BMW says the 540i value equation has been enhanced to the tune of around $34,000.

In addition to the 530i, the new petrol flagship has been fitted out with Adaptive Drive which includes bodyroll-cancelling active anti-roll bars, the wheels are the biggest of the range measuring 20-inches, while metallic paint completes the exterior look.

Upholstery is upgraded to finest Nappa leather and Comfort seats that have ventilation in the front row, while a sunroof, rear window blinds and Ambient Air – a choice of fragrances for the air-conditioning – are all included as standard.

BMW Australia CEO Marc Werner said the new 5 Series was the latest evolution in the German car-makers emerging technological and driver-focused line-up.

“The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is a showcase of the latest automotive technologies,” he said. “It incorporates advanced semi-autonomous capabilities, driving assistants and ground-breaking connectivity while remaining dynamic and engaging to drive”.

2017 BMW 5 Series pricing*

520d (a)	$93,900
530i (a)	$108,900
530d (a)	$119,900
540i (a)	$136,900

*Excludes on-road costs