BMW's 5 Series has been one of the company's most successful
and prestigious models since its introduction back in 1972.
For 2011 - which marks the start of the 6th generation 5 Series,
the car has been thoroughly redesigned from top to bottom, and
inside and out.
Designed by BMW's new design director, Adrian van Hooydonk,
the 2011 5 Series heralds a departure from the Chris Bangle
designed BMW models with their controversial 'flame surfacing'
styling.
Like most German manufacturers BMW generally likes their models
to evolve slowly with minor, almost unnoticeable improvements.
And even when an entirely new generation comes along, styled
by a new design boss eager to put his own stamp on the company,
the changes are subtle.
At the front the 2011 5 Series (F10) gets a new, more upright
grille and thinner, less curvaceous headlights inspired by the
shape of the new 7 Series. In profile the 2011 5 Series retains
similar conservative and sturdy proportions to the previous
generation. At the rear van Hooydonk has given the car a more
traditional feel which is less daring than its Bangle designed
predecessor.
From launch the 2011 BMW 5 Series is available with a range
of different engines. Although depending on location the number
of choices varies widely.
In the United States the 5 Series will be offered with a choice
of three gasoline engines. The 550i is powered by a 4.4-liter,
400-hp twin turbocharged V-8 engine. The 535i features a 300
horsepower, 3.0 litre inline-6 cylinder engine with both turbocharging
and BMW's VALVETRONIC throttle-less intake technology. A 528i
model will also be available.
In Europe buyers will get considerably more choice with no less
than seven petrol and diesel engines available.
The biggest seller in the UK is predicted to be the 520d. This
2.0 litre four cylinder diesel features the latest generation
common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable
turbine geometry which increases power and efficiency. Producing
184hp at 4,000rpm, the 520d accelerates from zero to 62mph in
8.1 seconds before going onto a top speed of 141mph (140 for
automatic transmission). Peak torque for this engine is 380Nm
from 1,900rpm.
Two straight-six turbocharged engines complete the diesel lineup;
the 530d and the 525d. Both powerplants feature 3.0 litre units
with an all aluminium crankcase. The 530d is available with
increased power and performance to record 245hp at 4,000rpm
and peak torque of 540Nm from as low as 1,750rpm. Regardless
of chosen transmission the BMW 530d is capable of accelerating
from zero to 62mph in just 6.3 seconds and attaining an electronically-limited
top speed of 155mph.
The 525d has a maximum power output of 204hp at 4,000rpm, and
450Nm of maximum torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. This allows
acceleration from zero to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds and on to
a top speed of 147mph.
Joining the diesel-powered cars from launch are three straight-six
petrol engines the 523i, 528i and the 535i. The 535i is the
first engine to combine a single turbocharged engine with High
Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC – BMW’s own system
that controls how much the engine's valves open for optimum
efficiency. These measures allow the engine to meet strict emissions
regulations whilst delivering optimum performance with a zero
to 62mph time of 6.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top
speed of 155mph.
The BMW 523i's engine delivers a maximum output of 204hp at
6,100 rpm and a peak torque of 270Nm from 1,500 all the way
through to 4,250 rpm. This translates into a zero to 62mph speed
of 7.9 seconds (8.2 seconds) with a top speed of 148mph (145mph).
The BMW 528i produces 258hp at 6,600rpm and 310Nm of torque
from 2,600-5,000rpm. This equates to a zero to 62mph time of
6.6 seconds (6.7 seconds) and an electronically-limited top
speed of 155mph.
Topping the range is the BMW 550i which is powered by an acclaimed
407hp 4.4 litre V8 engine. With its twin-turbocharger technology,
the 550i offers outstanding performance with a zero to 62mph
time of just 5.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed
of 155mph. Peak torque of 600Nm is available consistently between
1,750rpm and 4,500rpm.
Depending on engine choice, the 2011 5 Series is available with
either a 6 speed manual, or an 8 speed automatic transmission.
Similar and related vehicles:
2009 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
2009 BMW 750Li
2005 BMW 760Li
BMW M5
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