Executive-class upgrade
The BMW 5 Series is teched up and electrified
GLOBALLY, BMW’s second-bestselling sedan globally is the 5 Series. It is the German auto brand’s icon of executive performance, and second only in sales to the crowd-pleasing 3 Series.
The great news is that the allnew 5 Series is now available in the Philippine market, with an impressive price tag of P4.99 million. The current model is a giant step forward from its previousgen iteration, and now speaks the new form language of BMW.
But wait, there’s more. Alongside the new 5, BMW Philippines also unveiled its first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40 — the latest addition to its all-electric drives. This introduction is consistent with BMW Philippines’ commitment to advance the electrification of vehicles in the country. Acquiring this luxury EV will cost a persuasive P5.79 million.
“My confidence in the success of the 5 Series goes beyond the dragons!” exclaimed a very enthusiastic Spencer Yu, right after a traditional Chinese Dragon Dance was impressively executed as part of the launch program last week, honoring the beginning of the Year of the Dragon.
SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. is the official importer and distributor of all BMW vehicles in the country.
The all-new 520i is the eighthgeneration rendition of the classic, mid-size, executive luxury sedan. It promises a sportier yet more energy-efficient drive, alongside more refined interior detailing and a suite of new-age innovations in driver assistance features. Of course, both the 520i and all-new i5 eDrive40 embody BMW’s most modern interpretation of its trademark twin headlights and now-larger kidney grille. The 520i is equipped with silver 19-inch Triplex-spoke 933 light-alloy wheels, while the i5 eDrive40 carries bi-color gray 19inch aerodynamic rollers.
The all-new 5 Series in both its internal combustion and allelectric versions have taken the future-forward path so, unsurprisingly, both are the German brand’s first-ever vehicles to feature a fully-vegan interior. This motif is dubbed Veganza, and among the surfaces that carry it are the car’s newly designed sports seats, dashboard, door panels, and even the steering wheel.
Inside the 5 is a 12.3-inch information display screen and a 14.9inch control display. It also carries a distinct BMW interaction bar that effectively extends across the entire width of the instrument panel. A Harman Kardon HiFi 12-piece loudspeaker system brings the sound experience to a heightened level. The BMW Live Cockpit Plus now uses Operating System 8.5 and, of course, it is equipped as standard with BMW’s ConnectedDrive, which allows users to remotely control vehicle functions and also enables them to do remote software upgrades, so you no longer need to bring the car to the casa for such things. Owners can download digital services directly into
the car and also navigate through cloud-based systems — say, for example, to make route calculations that are more accurate. And you buy this with the car, so there is no subscription fee.
The 520i uses a 2.0L in-line four-cylinder engine which links up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. It also carries a 48V starter-generator to integrate mild hybrid technology into the system, enabling the vehicle to go from zero to 100kph in 7.5 seconds. Its top speed is set at 230kph.
Meanwhile, the i5 eDrive40 generates an impressive 340hp and 430Nm of torque, with a maximum range of 582km. It can reach 100kph from a standstill in only six seconds, and can reach a top speed of 193kph.
And, of course, one of BMW Philippines’ highlights is a fiveyear comprehensive BMW Warranty. Though as an extra treat, the i5 eDrive40 comes with a delightful six-year BMW Service Inclusive package and an eight-year high-voltage battery warranty. For charging purposes, a BMW Wallbox charger will be installed in the customer’s home by a BMW i-partner, upon purchase of the vehicle.
So whether you’d rather stick with internal combustion or if electric technology is your new way to go — BMW Philippines has got you covered for future-friendly, executive luxury mobility.