Self-driving features come in new 5 Series
Revised BMW sedan also available with a multitude of engine options
To keep up with German rival Mercedes, BMW has just revealed the very high-tech seventh generation of its 5 Series.
For the first time, the 5 will offer a semi-autonomous driving mode, combining the active cruise control and steering and lane-keeping assistant to drive the car on its own up to 210 km/h. It also features the latest iDrive infotainment system with gesture control, currently found only on the 7 Series.
The ConnectedDrive feature will even allow drivers to search for and reserve parking spots, pay for parking, email, and other things you shouldn’t do while driving.
And, of course, you can park it while being outside the car, using just the key fob. Of course.
The new 5 Series is up to 100 kilograms lighter than the last version, thanks to the extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel in the chassis.
BMW will initially offer the 530i and 530i xDrive with a twin-turbo 2.0-litre, four-cylinder with 252 horsepower, the 540i and 540i xDrive with a twin-turbo 3.0-L V-6 rated at 340 h.p., and the 520d and 520d xDrive with a twin-turbo 2.0-L four-cylinder diesel engine with 190 h.p. when the new 5 Series debuts in February.
Later next year will come the 530d (V-6 diesel at 265 h.p., also available with xDrive), 530e iPerformance, a plug-in hybrid with a four-cylinder diesel and the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition (which BMW says has the lowest CO2 emissions in its class).
At the top of the food chain — for the time being — will be the M550i xDrive, with a twin-turbo V-8 producing 462 hp.
Expect the announcement of a high-horsepower M5 at some point in the near future.