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The Complete Guide to the BMW International Bestseller – The BMW 5 Series

Sep 7, 2020

The BMW 5 Series is undoubtedly an over-achiever in the BMW Executive Sedan family. Its adaptive performance, classic designs, and driver-oriented amenities won numerous awards and love from drivers across the continents.

The BMW 5 Series – A Long-Standing Award Winner

The BMW 5 Series has become an international bestseller over the decades and was voted “Germany’s favorite car.”  With its winning BMW technologies and impressive designs, the 5 Series has established a solid reputation in its segment for being a successful executive sedan.

Since 1972, BMW 5 Series had become the iconic executive 4-door sedan in the BMW family. Its athletic look-and-feel evolved over six generations and turned into a “paragon of driving pleasure in its segment” as BMW defined it.

The Success of the BMW 5 Series

In the summer of 2013 came the 2014 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. To-date, the car’s elegance, luxury, and performance continue to gain fame and popularity as sales reached a record high.

There are over 6.6 million BMW 5 Series produced to-date. The last two generations of 5 Series exceeded 1.4 million units in sales each. The last generation of the 5 Series Sedan generated more than one million units in sales as of 2010. No other generation has surpassed these impressive sales records over such a short period.

In 2013, the release of the sixth generation 5 Series brought another victory to the BMW model family. For the third year in a role, the BMW 5 Series was crowned by reader survey generated from the German motoring magazine Auto, Motor, and Sport – “The Best Cars.”

All around the world the acclaimed 5 Series has snatched several awards, including “Car of the Year,” “Best Car,” “Premium Car of the Year,” “Family Car of the Year,” and “Executive Car of the Year” in various countries.

The Updated Seventh Generation of BMW 5 Series

The announcement of the 2016 5 Series model type represented the highlight of the seventh-generation model.

While preserving the classic BMW features such as the twin-kidney grille, distinctive lighting elements, and the aerodynamic essentials, the body of the BMW 5 Series received subtle modifications which further accentuated its sophisticated characteristics. Overall, sleek exterior trims, adaptive lighting with LED accents, as well as the widened wheel arches make a striking impression.

The BMW 5 Series Model Types

The BMW 5 Series symbolizes a very special segment of the executive mid-size sedan. The compelling aesthetics, the agile handling, and the precise performance are important factors that keep enthusiast engaged. Perhaps the perfect description of the 5 Series would be “just right.” The perfect amount of power meets the perfect amount of luxury and comfort is what the 5 Series is about.

Within the clan, the 528i, 535i, 535d, and 550i are the seventh generation 5 Series models. Intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive option can be specified for each model individually. ActiveHybrid 5 and 535i Gran Turismo are the new additions to the 5 Series class.

The Seventh Generation 5 Series Models

  • 528i SedanBMW 5 Series Model Types
  • 528i xDrive Sedan
  • 535i Sedan
  • 535i xDrive Sedan
  • 535i Gran Turismo
  • 535i xDrive Gran Turismo
  • 535d Sedan
  • 535d xDrive Sedan
  • 550i Sedan
  • 550i xDrive Sedan
  • 550i xDrive Gran Turismo
  • ActiveHybrid 5

 

The BMW 528i

The BMW 528i is one of the most popular models within the 5 Series. The car is equipped with a TwinPower Turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine rated at 240 HP with 260 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.4 seconds.

The BMW 535i

The BMW 535i is like the sportier version of the 528i but packs more punch within its 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. It possesses 300 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque and goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.

The BMW 535d

The BMW 535d is fueled by diesel. Like the 535i, the same Twin Turbocharged engine equips the vehicle. Its powerhouse is a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with 255 HP and a highly impressive 413 lb-ft of torque. The 0 to 60 mph dash clocks in around 5.8 seconds. Not too shabby.

The BMW 550i

The BMW 550i is the top-of-the-line 5 Series. The 4.4-liter roaring V8 comes with 445 HP and 480 lb-ft of torque. The car scores a remarkable 4.5 seconds in the 0 to 60 mph acceleration.

Main Updates to the Seventh Generation BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series Interior

Across the board, enhanced USB and Bluetooth technology with Mobile Office Features and remote trunk release are updated on every new 5 Series model.

The BMW 550i received more luxury standard equipment such as the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System and the complimentary one-year satellite radio subscription. The interior also received a revamp which replaced the default light-tan lining with the black colored instrument panel, door lining, and carpet.  Feeling of luxury is further accentuated with the new improvements.

The BMW 5 Series Performance

The BMW 5 Series chassis technology consists of a double-wishbone front axle, integral rear axle, and Servotronic variable power steering function. The special arrangement delivers exciting performance with the benefit of uninterrupted gear change.

The Driving Dynamics Control switch on the center console is standard on all 5 Series models. Integral Active Steering (a $1,750 Convenience Option) can be specified to boost stability and precision.

BMW EfficientDynamics suite improves the 5 Series’ energy efficiency. It includes the Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop functionality, and ECO PRO mode with coasting and ECO PRO Route function. Also, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo also comes with standard air suspension, which includes the automatic self-leveling rear suspension.

There is a character within every BMW model – a distinct persona that defines the car and influences the driver. Within the executive class, the BMW 5 Series has repeatedly been proven successful with all its past generations. Its overwhelming popularity comes as no surprise. You can count on this car to conquer long daily commutes with comfort and style.