Bmwgives 5 Series a refresh
BMwhas refreshed its 5 series, bringing the design language closer to the new 3 Series and adding more mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
The overall 5 Series isn’t much different from the outgoing model, with the changes largely evolutionary.
There are sleeker LED headlights, a (slightly) enlarged kidney grille with longer and wider pieces and M-sport models get an edited front fascia.
Around back, the tail lights have new L-shaped inlays to match the headlights and slim black surrounding trim.
Inside is largely identical to before, save for the addition of idrive 7 and a standard 12.3-inch digital display with Apple Carplay/android Auto support.
New Zealand specifications aren’t confirmed just yet but overseas markets will get a new 48-volt mild hybrid system for the six-cylinder 540i, which should help make the car more efficient and responsive.
Power remains at 250kw but torque should be improved, thanks to those new electricals.
The 530e now offers 215kw/420nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged fourbanger. That’s 29kw more than before, all available for 10 seconds when the accelerator is buried through a feature called Xtraboost.
Meanwhile, the M550i xdrive retains its 390kw/723nm 4.4-litre biturbo V8.
The apex 5 Series remains the M5, the facelifted version of which will be revealed in the next couple of weeks. There’s no immediate word on whether the ‘‘standard’’ M5 will get a power bump but a CS version is planned which could feature an upgraded 4.4-litre V8.
Full local details should be released ahead of a Kiwi launch, scheduled for this October.