The new BMW 5 Series Sedan and Gran Turismo now available in South Africa

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan and Gran Turismo now available in South Africa

Dynamic ability, comfort, efficiency, aesthetic allure and a profusion of innovations designed to enhance driving pleasure – the BMW 5 Series contains all the signature ingredients of a best-selling model at the premium end of the executive segment. Indeed, consistently rising sales figures have sealed its position as the global leader in its class. Over one million units of the BMW 5 Series Sedan, BMW 5 Series Touring and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo – whose luxurious character has earned it a unique status in the segment – have been sold worldwide since the launch of the current generation. In South Africa, more than 7 000 units of the BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo have been sold. And now another new chapter in this impressive success story is poised to begin. Precise modifications to the cars’ design, new engine variants and innovative additions to the range of available equipment as well as BMW ConnectedDrive technology all raise the appeal of the BMW 5 Series model family a notch higher still.

Design: precise modifications bring out its sporting character

Additional contour lines for the surround of the BMW kidney grille and newly structured lower air intakes reinforce the sporting appearance of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. The accentuated width of the rear end is underlined by an extra crease in the apron, as well as slim, sharply contoured and therefore even more striking rear lights.

The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo boasts a modified front apron exuding presence and solidity. Its redesigned rear end creates a longer and lower-to-the-ground impression. A three-dimensional surface design for the area around the licence plate holder and a chrome strip in the rear apron add further depth to its dynamic character.

Xenon headlights are fitted as standard on all models, while Adaptive LED Headlights take their place on the options list for the first time alongside LED fog lamps. Elsewhere, the side indicator lights are integrated into the exterior mirrors. Also new in the BMW 5 Series are the BMW Luxury Line and BMW Modern Line packages containing exclusive design and equipment features. And an M Sport package tailored to each model variant can also be specified.

Functionality and premium allure taken to a new level

New details lend further refinement to the premium impression of the new BMW 5 Series’ interior as well as another layer to its functionality. The Control Display of the standard-fitted iDrive operating system is now bordered in the Sedan by chrome trim. Added to which, the storage compartments and cup holders in the centre console of these models have increased in capacity.

A revised rear section increases the boot capacity of the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo by 60 litres to 500 litres. New exterior paint colours, light-alloy wheels, upholstery colours and interior trim elements for all the BMW 5 Series models enhance their appeal and increase the scope for individualisation.

Engines: setting the benchmark for driving pleasure, introducing fresh new routes to efficiency

Faster, more economical, cleaner: all the variants of the BMW 5 Series come with a raft of optimised details. The result is reduced fuel consumption (in some cases significantly), yet with no drop-off in sporting ability. Indeed, some models actually offer improved performance. Plus, all the engine variants already meet the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust gas standard not due to come into force until September 2014.

In addition to Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start-Stop function (also fitted in conjunction with the eight-speed automatic gearbox), Optimum Shift Indicator and ECO PRO mode, the suite of standard-fitted BMW EfficientDynamics technology now also includes a coasting mode (which disengages the powertrain), Proactive Driving Assistant to adjust the car’s speed ahead of a change in speed limit, and the ECO PRO Route function, which can be selected via the optional Navigation system Professional. Meanwhile, extensive optimisation of the cars’ aerodynamics – the drag coefficient (Cd factor) of the BMW 520d Sedan, for example, has been reduced to 0.25 – is one of the key factors in the latest advances made by the engineers in the area of efficiency.

The top-of-the-line engine available for all members of the new BMW 5 Series model family is a new V8 unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology developing 330 kW. The range of power plants available for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan now comprises four petrol and three diesel units. Customers opting for the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo can choose from two petrol power plants and two diesels.

Further improvements have also been made to the intelligent energy management of the BMW ActiveHybrid 5. The full-hybrid Sedan now comes with a specially tweaked version of the Proactive Driving Assistant, whose talents include adapting the interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor to the route ahead.

The cars’ chassis technology – which includes a double-wishbone front axle, integral rear axle and Electric Power Steering with standard Servotronic function – has been further honed to deliver an unrivalled balance between sporting performance and ride comfort. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo come as standard with air suspension, including automatic self-levelling at the rear axle. The Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console is standard on all models. Dynamic Damper Control, M Sport suspension and the Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering systems unmatched by any rivals can be specified as options.

More innovative than ever: optional equipment and BMW ConnectedDrive

The host of innovations included on the options list and in the range of BMW ConnectedDrive technology allow the new BMW 5 Series model family to underline its standout position in the areas of connectivity, infotainment, convenience and safety. For example, the function of the optional Comfort Access system, which allows the tailgate to be opened hands-free, has been extended to include a closing mechanism, which means that a movement of the foot under the rear apron can now be used to prompt the tailgate to close as well as open. In addition, the new BMW 5 Series offers customers a new rear-seat entertainment system with tablet-style displays, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system and a new version of the ambient light option with a facility which allows the interior lighting to be alternated in tone between orange and white.

The range of BMW ConnectedDrive business solutions and driver assistance systems is more advanced and richer in variety than ever. The BMW 5 Series enables a scope of intelligent connectivity unique in the marketplace, allowing it to set the benchmark for in-car use of office applications.

Alongside the globally unrivalled Concierge Service (to be offered in South Africa in 2014) for hotel reservations and a selection of other services, BMW ConnectedDrive also offers an unusually extensive suite of office functions, including internet-based services. The dictation function, for example, provides a convenient way of entering text for SMS messages and emails during a journey. The array of search, travel, office and social media services can be accessed via the car’s integrated SIM card or the customer’s smartphone. And Online Entertainment sees BMW bringing internet-based flat rate music services directly into the car.

The optional Navigation system Professional makes use of an optimised menu display and allows access to Real Time Traffic Information (also to be offered in South Africa only in 2014). A new controller with a touch-sensitive surface now allows the use of characters to program in a destination or access other functions of the iDrive operating system. BMW offers Intelligent Emergency Call as standard in a large number of markets. This option is expected to also be offered in South Africa in 2014.

The BMW 5 Series builds on its leading position in the field of driver assistance systems with the introduction of the glare-free High Beam Assistant and the BMW Night Vision system, which includes human and animal detection and the Dynamic Light Spot function. From November 2013, the optional Traffic Jam Assistant will also be on hand to make life easier for the driver, significantly increasing the scope for relaxation in monotonous motorway tailbacks. This system automatically keeps the car in the same lane, even when the road bends around a corner. It is part of the Driving Assistant Plus option, which also includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Collision Warning with braking function. The cruise control function, underpinned by radar sensors and a camera, reacts with even greater precision to the driving situation at hand and also to stationary objects. Another feature available for the Sedan from November 2013 is the fully automatic Parking Assistant.

The BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo: A global success story

•     The BMW 5 Series: global market leader in the segment with constantly rising sales figures
•     Outstanding reputation thanks to award-winning design, exceptional efficiency and unique innovations
•     Most successful model generation since the introduction of the BMW 5 Series in 1972

Global bestseller, winner of a string of comparison tests and “Germany’s favourite car” – the BMW 5 Series represents a quite unique success story. Its sales figures, the verdicts of experts and the response of the public make a compelling narrative. And now the BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo are preparing to build on their standout presence in the world’s car markets with the help of cutting-edge technological innovations and sensitively modified design features. The introduction of the new BMW 5 Series provides the latest highlight in the development of the company’s longest-serving model family; the BMW 5 Series has been a fixture in the BMW portfolio since 1972 – longer than any other current model. It didn’t take the 5 Series long to establish itself as a paragon of driving pleasure and aesthetic appeal in its segment. And today it can add efficiency and innovation to the list of disciplines in which it leads the way in the executive car market.

The BMW 5 Series Sedan currently rolling off the assembly line is the sixth-generation model. An impressively harmonious balance between sporting flair and elegance has been a defining feature of the four-door variant since it first made the leap from the drawing board to the road and went on to become the most popular executive car in one market after the next. And the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, unveiled in 2009, has seen BMW introduce drivers to an all-new type of car. Its extravagant design represents the expression of sports performance, luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility.

Global market leader: BMW 5 Series defends its leading position in the world’s car markets.

To date, over 6.6 million BMW 5 Series cars have left the factory. And the current BMW 5 Series is in excellent shape to surpass the record set by the highly successful last two generations, each of which sold in excess of 1.4 million units. A total of more than one million units of the current BMW 5 Series Sedan have been delivered to customers since the sales launch of the 5 Series in March 2010. No other generation has bettered these sales figures over such a short period of time.

The BMW 5 Series defended its leading position as the best-selling car in its class in supreme style once again last year, further extending its upward curve of constantly rising sales figures since its market launch.

Soaking up acclaim around the world: BMW 5 Series earns top ratings, wins design awards, heads readers’ surveys

The quality and popularity of the BMW 5 Series are reflected in the host of prizes and distinctions awarded to the members of the model family around the world. In early 2013 the BMW 5 Series secured class victory – for the third year in succession – in the readers’ survey “The Best Cars” conducted by the German motoring magazine “auto, motor und sport”. This success came not long after the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition with BMW BluePerformance technology had been voted “Car of the Future” and awarded the ADAC automobile association’s “Yellow Angel”. The BMW 5 Series as a whole had been named “Germany’s favourite car” in the same competition in 2011.

Locally, the BMW 5 Series Sedan (530d) was named the joint winner of the 2011 Wesbank and South African Guild of Motoring Journalists Car of The Year Competition.South Africa’s leading multi-media automotive consumer brand, CAR magazine, has also awarded the BMW 5 Series a number of times as the Best Luxury Saloon in their annual Top 12 Best Buys Awards.

In addition to the red dot award, iF Product Design Award and Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany, the BMW 5 Series has also picked up a notable collection of international distinctions in recognition of its successful exterior design. Beyond these, the BMW 5 Series has been voted “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.

This broad spread of qualities has been recognised with a swathe of impressive ratings elsewhere as well. German car journal “Auto Bild” crowned the BMW 525d Touring “Value Champion 2012” on account of its high value retention in the used car market. The title had been awarded to the BMW 520d Sedan the previous year. And the BMW 5 Series emerged from both the Euro NCAP and the US NCAP crash tests with the highest rating of five stars. It was also the first vehicle to achieve a 100 per cent score in the Safety Assist category of the Euro NCAP crash tests.

Design and body: Timeless elegance, cutting-edge functionality and made-to-measure luxury

•     Precise modifications emphasise the sporting allure of the Sedan and Touring
•     New rear-end treatment for the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo: more elegance, more dynamism, more storage capacity
•     The personal touch: BMW Luxury Line and BMW Modern Line

Instantly captivating and enduringly compelling, the aesthetic qualities of the BMW 5 Series models have secured sales success around the globe and a wealth of awards and distinctions. “We haven’t completely redesigned the BMW 5 Series, we’ve just given its character a slightly sharper sporting edge,” says exterior designer Won Kyu Kang, describing the modifications made to the BMW 5 Series Sedan.

The BMW 5 Series Sedan: sporting contours for the front end, xenon headlights as standard

Sporting elegance is the standout characteristic of the BMW 5 Series Sedan. The design is defined by the hallmark BMW proportions created by a long bonnet, long wheelbase, short overhangs and set-back passenger compartment. At the front end, additional contour lines for the BMW kidney grille surround and the restructured lower air intake accentuate the car’s sporting appearance. All the variants of the new BMW 5 Series model family are fitted with xenon headlights as standard.

Joining the LED fog lamps on the options list are Adaptive LED Headlights. Here, both the dipped and main beams are generated by LED units positioned on horizontal ribs in the centre of the two light rings, which are levelled off at the bottom. Sweeping chrome inserts with engraved BMW lettering add the finishing touches to the distinctive and extremely high-class appearance of the Adaptive LED Headlights. The side indicators are now integrated into the exterior mirrors on all new BMW 5 Series models. And the Sedan has newly structured rear lights with particularly thin and strikingly contoured LED light strips. These lights and an additional crease in the rear apron emphasise the wide track of both models.

New BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo: powerful presence at the front, dynamic elegance at the rear

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines signature BMW proportions with an innovative body concept. The elegantly stretched coupé roofline, four doors with frameless windows and a high-opening tailgate exude sporting intent, luxurious long-distance comfort and extensive variability. Carefully targeted modifications to the car’s design shine an even brighter spotlight on its unmistakable character, which meets the highest standards across an extremely wide spectrum.

A new air intake highlights the powerful presence of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo’s front end. The tailgate, meanwhile, has been extended rearwards and gives the roofline’s transition into the rear an even more harmonious appearance. All of which allows the car as a whole to cut a lower-slung and dynamically stretched figure. These sharpened contours have also had a positive effect on the boot capacity of the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, which has been increased by 60 litres to 500 litres.

Horizontally structured and three-dimensional surfaces play a defining role in the new look of the rear end. Vibrant light and shade effects around the licence plate mount, a dynamically sweeping crease extending into the flanks and a chrome trim strip in the rear apron give the tail end a lighter and sportier feel. This impression is reinforced by the new outline of the two-section rear lights. Their horizontal layout is accentuated internally by a light design distilled into two LED light strips.

Interior: each model variant offers its own take on long-distance comfort, variability and a luxurious ambience

New details inside all the cars in the new BMW 5 Series provide a refined premium impression and increased functionality. In all models the Control Display of the standard iDrive operating system is now bordered on both sides by high-quality chrome trim strips. And the storage compartments and cup holders in the centre console of the Sedan now have increased capacity.

Generous levels of space, exquisite materials and high-quality workmanship all contribute to the premium ambience characteristic of the BMW 5 Series model family, as do exclusive interior design details like the standard iDrive and the black-panel technology of the instrument cluster and automatic climate control system’s display.

The iDrive Controller can be ordered as an option with a touch-sensitive surface allowing character recognition. For example, a destination can be programmed into the navigation system by spelling out the desired address using finger movements on the Controller’s surface. The existing “Speller” in the Control Display can also be used to this end, and the driver can alternate freely between the two operating methods while entering a command.

Another option unique in this segment is the multifunction instrument display designed to enhance driving pleasure. This 10.25-inch TFT cockpit screen takes its cues from the Driving Experience Control mode selected. Varying graphics and colour schemes ensure clear differentiation. In COMFORT mode the instrument display depicts a classical combination of four circular instruments. A magnifying glass function highlights the car’s current speed and revs. In ECO PRO mode the rev counter morphs into an EfficientDynamics display, which indicates how efficiently you are driving. In SPORT mode the speedometer shows the car’s speed digitally in the form of a large central figure, while the gear currently engaged is displayed in the centre of the rev counter.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan underlines its qualities as a mile-devouring car for business use or trips away with its high level of long-distance comfort for all passengers. What’s more, its boot can hold 520 litres of cargo.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo: the perfect combination of luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo offers an unmatched blend of luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility, fusing the imposing elegance of a Sedan with the variable-usage interior of a Touring model and the versatility of a Sports Activity Vehicle. Its seating position – slightly raised to a height somewhere between that offered by a sedan and an SAV – allows particularly comfortable entry and exit. Rear passengers can enjoy legroom and headroom normally the preserve of luxury cars. The rear seats slide forward by 73 millimetres and the angle of their backrests can be adjusted through 33 degrees. When released from its locked position, the partition behind the rear seats follows the longitudinal movements of the seats, allowing boot capacity to grow from 500 to 650 litres. The partition and rear seat backrests can be split 40 : 20 : 40. Folding down all the elements and moving the rear seats all the way forward allows the Gran Turismo to reveal its maximum 1 750 litres of load capacity. To load items into the boot, one can either open the full, high-opening tailgate or a separate boot lid below the rear window. Similarly to a sedan, this smaller opening allows access to the load area without disturbing rear seat passengers.

Automatic tailgate operation comes as standard on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and is also available as an option for the BMW 5 Series Sedan. The function of the optional Comfort Access system that allows the tailgate to be opened hands-free has been extended – for all members of the new BMW 5 Series model family – to include a closing mechanism, which means that a movement of the foot under the rear apron can now be used to prompt the tailgate to close as well as open. After unloading items from the boot, customers can therefore also close the tailgate without having to put down the items they’re holding.

New to the BMW 5 Series: BMW Lines offer detailed personalisation

BMW 5 Series customers can choose from a wide selection of exterior paint colours. New additions to the range – and available for all models – are Calisto Grey metallic, Jatoba metallic, Mineral White metallic and Glacier Silver metallic. New variants have also been added to the line-up of optional light-alloy wheels.

Exclusively composed BMW Lines are now available for the first time to all members of the new BMW 5 Series model family as an alternative to standard specification. Customers can choose between the BMW Luxury Line and BMW Modern Line design packages, which shine the spotlight on selected facets of the car’s character to great effect. Both Lines include LED fog lamps, 18-inch (BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo: 19-inch) light-alloy wheels, B-pillar trim and exterior mirror bases in high-gloss black, illuminated door pulls with chrome trim and likewise illuminated door sill strips with aluminium inserts bearing BMW lettering. Luxury / Modern badges can be found on the front side panels.

The BMW Luxury Line exudes a high level of elegance and exclusiveness thanks to a carefully assembled selection of further particularly high-class features for the exterior and interior. The chrome finish of the trim bars in the outer sections of the lower air intake, the fronts of the black kidney grille slats, the window recess finishers, the trim strip in the rear apron and the exhaust tailpipe embellishers all add gleaming touches. Leather upholstery with exclusive stitching, a black sports leather steering wheel and interior trim strips in exquisite Fineline anthracite wood create a particularly refined interior ambience.

The BMW Modern Line package displays a strikingly contemporary and dynamic edge. The air intake bars, kidney grille slats, rear trim strip and tailpipe embellishers come in matt chrome, and the instrument panel and sports leather steering wheel can be specified as an option in the light colour shade Oyster. Interior trim strips in dark Pearl and exclusive stitching for the optional leather upholstery ensure the interior creates an eye-catching impression.

All variants of the new BMW 5 Series can also be ordered with a model-specific M Sport package, further increasing the scope for individualisation.

[ source : BMW SA ]

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