A comprehensive package of improvements and additions to BMW’s class-leading 5 Series range headlines a wide-ranging programme of product enhancements.

There is a new engine at the top of the 5 Series portfolio, further advances to BMW technology with enhanced ConnectedDrive functionality and subtle revisions to the styling and suspension tuning. All versions of the 5 Series are more fuel-efficient building on EU6 emissions capability that is standard far ahead of the legislative requirement of September 2014. The BMW 5 Series is not the only model to change. There are also upgrades to the BMW 1 Series and 3 Series ranges, including an additional xDrive all-wheel-drive model and Launch Control fitted to those cars with the eight-speed sports automatic transmission. A greater number of models now comply with the EU6 regulations.  Both ranges also see extensions to ConnectedDrive options and functionality.

The current, sixth-generation BMW 5 Series is the most successful in the model’s 41-year history, with more than one million versions of the Saloon alone sold in just over three years. To maintain the model’s market dominance, all models – Saloon, Touring and Gran Turismo – benefit from a package of technological innovations and sensitive modifications. The 181bhp version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine in the 5 Series Saloon now has CO2 emissions of 119g/km for both manual and automatic transmissions, matching the figures of the former EfficienctDynamics model, which is discontinued as a result. The 520d has aerodynamic additions to the wheel arches, under-body panelling and front apron which lowers its drag co-efficient (Cd) to 0.25 to enhance fuel efficiency. All 5 Series diesel models now benefit from either a NOx Storage Catalyst or an SCR catalytic converter with urea injection, which allows them to meet EU6 emissions targets more than a year ahead of the scheduled introduction.  The BMW 520d SE Saloon costs £31,530 while the BMW 520d SE Touring costs £33,855. Both models are on sale now.

The network of intelligent ConnectedDrive technologies has been expanded in the new 5 Series range to advance the safety, connectivity and convenience of both drivers and passengers. The BMW Business Navigation system becomes standard on all new 5 Series Saloon and Touring models. The 5 Series Gran Turismo family maintains Business Navigation on all four-cylinder variants with the upgraded Professional Navigation system available as standard on all six-cylinder models. As a result, every 5 Series customer will now benefit from the valuable BMW Emergency Call. This feature uses the built-in BMW SIM card to establish contact with the Emergency Services in the event of an accident. Drivers can manually trigger an ‘eCall’ to request assistance, but also have the reassurance that their BMW will automatically activate a call should any of the crash sensors be deployed. A genuine enhancement to vehicle safety, this service is active for the lifetime of the vehicle at no additional cost. The optional Professional Media Package –has been enhanced to include the latest generation Professional Navigation system complemented by the full range of ConnectedDrive Services including Real Time Traffic Information and BMW Apps. This system includes the new iDrive Touch controller, allowing written entry of addresses and telephone numbers and an intelligent Route-ahead Assistant, which anticipates the forthcoming road conditions and provides advice to the driver on how to maximise an efficient driving style based on braking and acceleration points.

Advances are also seen in optional safety systems. The new Driving Assistant delivers a tailored combination of camera-based driver assistance systems that significantly reduce the risk of potential collisions at both high and low speeds. The system’s attributes include a Lane Departure Warning, Front-end Collision warning and pedestrian recognition with pro-active, autonomous braking to radically improve reaction times in all manner of driving conditions. The 5 Series family will inherit the industry leading BMW full colour Head-up Display, which now displays telephone contacts and entertainment details, such as track listings, conveniently projected directly into the driver’s field of vision. The optional BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition also evolves to include the industry leading Dynamic Light Spot. This advanced system uses a thermal imaging camera to detect heat emitting objects and, in addition to acoustically alerting the driver of potential hazards, the fog light beam is directed to clearly illuminate the object ahead to maximise the reaction speeds of the driver.

The 5 Series Saloon and Touring have been subtly modified to give their sporting characters a sharper edge. There are additional contour lines around the BMW kidney grille and a re-structured lower air intake. All variants of the 5 Series have Xenon headlights as standard and Adaptive LED lights are now optional. The door mirrors of all 5 Series models now incorporate indicator repeaters with the Saloon and Touring having new-style tail lights with slender, elegant LED light strips. Along with an additional crease in the rear apron, they emphasise the car’s width and sporting stance. The Gran Turismo has a new front air intake and an extended tailgate which ensures the roof blends more harmoniously into the rear end. An additional benefit is that it increases boot capacity by 60 litres to 500 litres. Light and shade effects around the number plate mounting, a sweepng crease extending into the flanks and a chrome strip in the rear apron give the rear of the Gran Tursmo a sportier look, accentuated by new horizontal lights with LED strips. All models now have chrome strips bordering the central Control Display in the cabin, and the Saloon and Touring have larger storage areas and cup holders. The Comfort Access system can now close as well as open the boot or tailgate by a movement of the driver’s foot beneath the rear apron. There are new paint and alloy wheel options, and new Luxury and Modern models to increase the range of personalisation possibilities.