BMW 5 Series First Drive

From our first drive the early indication is that the 5 Series may well have set a new benchmark in the class. It is as comfortable as you'd expect from a luxury model, yet boasts great dynamic capability.

The sixth generation BMW 5 Series boasts new (more efficient) engines, new technology and a fresh new look. The line-up has been re-jigged with four models available - the 520d, 528i, 535i and 550i. The 528i, 535i and 550i go on sale on June 3, the 520d will be in showrooms from September.
The new models come with heaps of technological systems that allow the driver to control nearly every aspect of the car - from suspension and steering settings to the amount of input from the stability control system. The new 5 Series even gives the driver a bird's eye view from above, and around, the car using the surround view camera system.

The new 5 Series is available with a parking assistant that enables the car to park itself. All the driver does is control the accelerator and brake, that car does the rest. It even finds its own spot. 

Standard equipment

Dynamic driving control Metallic paint, 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tyres, Dakota leather, eight-speed sports automatic transmission with gearshift paddles on steering wheel, brake energy regeneration, cruise control with braking function, head-up display, high-beam assist, rear camera, ambient light, power (heated) exterior mirrors, fog lights, headlight washing system, anti-dazzle interior mirror, rain sensing wipers, Xenon headlights (high and low beam), power driver and front passenger seats with memory function for driver's seat, power steering column, automatic air conditioning, start/stop button, control display, HiFi loudspeaker system with auxiliary connection, USB and Bluetooth.

Standard safety equipment

Driver and front passenger front and side airbags, front and rear (curtain) airbags, active front headrests, dynamic brake lights with flashing function, stability control, ABS with brake assist and a run-flat tyre indicator.

Options

Adaptive drive (dynamic damper control and dynamic drive), integral active steering, M sport suspension, active cruise control, night vision with pedestrian recognition, lane change warning system, lane departure warning system, parking assistant (available in conjunction with PDC front and rear), heated steering wheel, automatic boot operation, soft close doors, rear seat entertainment system, TV, voice control, Nappa leather and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Drive impression

The 535i was the only model out of the 5 Series range that was available at launch to drive.

Under the bonnet is a turbo-charged six-cylinder engine which is mated to an eight-speed automatic. Yep, eight speed! While that is something to boast about it is not a world first - Lexus took that claim back in 2008 when it launched the all-new LS460.

The 3.0-litre turbo six cylinder gives you the grunt you'd expect from a V8. The eight-speed auto is silky smooth but with so many gears it is not surprising that it changes up and down quite a lot. You can change it manually though using the gear-shift paddles on the steering wheel.

It is, however, the dynamic prowess of the 5 Series that impresses the most. When it comes to dynamics, BMW is often considered the benchmark in most classes, and the 5 Series does not disappoint. Yet, it also boasts good ride quality - two things that don't necessarily go hand-in-hand, especially from BMW.

The suspension is surprisingly compliant for a car that boasts such good dynamics, and body control, and is comfortable over all but the largest irregularities. This was a pleasant surprise as the only 5 Series that rode well in the previous generation was the 520d as it was not shod with run-flat tyres.

We had the opportunity to test the car's dynamic capability on a 350-km drive program that saw us wind our way around the mountains of Victoria. The yellow warning sign of 25km winding roads bought a smile, not a grimace, to most motoring scribes' faces despite the wet, slippery and icy conditions.

Chassis control is excellent. This is, after all, a big car, yet it felt agile and composed through every corner. There was loads of grip from the 18-inch wheels and the stability control was not overly enthusiastic.

The 535i had dynamic driving control which allows the driver to adjust steering, throttle, transmission and stability control to suit your preferences, and the road ahead. Steering response is great, and the system is well-weighted.

The 535i we drove also had the optional blind spot warning, lane departure warning and active cruise control systems.

The cabin is quiet but tyre noise was a little intrusive on some of the coarse-chip bitumen roads.

The new 5 Series is larger than the outgoing model so this means there is a bit more room inside. There is plenty of head, and leg, room in the front and back pews and the boot is huge.

Summary

From our first drive the early indication is that the 5 Series may well have set a new benchmark in the class. It is as comfortable as you'd expect from a luxury model, yet boasts great dynamic capability. And, with its new look, more frugal engines and technological highlights, it will make a very strong case to be at the top of the shopping list.