All UK models will be equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission (the standard version with steering wheel-mounted paddles for the 520d, the Sport version for all other models) so for the first time in the UK the 5 Series will no longer be available with a manual ‘box. Given the auto with paddleshift on a F10 520d was a £1685 option this goes some way towards explaining the price difference between the new and old models.
SE-spec highlights include: 17-inch V-spoke style 618 wheels (520d/520d xDrive only) and 18-inch multi-spoke style 619 wheels for all other models, a 20GB hard disc drive (HDD) memory, air conditioning, automatic with two-zone control, Bluetooth Hands-free facility with USB audio interface and Voice Control and BMW ConnectedDrive Services. Leather upholstery is standard along with heated front seats, there’s Cruise control with braking function and the navigation system is the full Professional version, even on the base model. Front and rear lights both feature LED technology while front and rear PDC will be a standard fitment, too.
M Sport models feature the expected upgrades such as 18-inch M double-spoke style 662 M wheels (520d/520d xDrive only) or 19-inch M light alloy M double-spoke style 664 M wheels (530i, 530d and 540i) along with the M aero styling package and high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim.
Inside you gain Sports seats, door sill finishers with illuminated M designation, an anthracite headlining, M specific floor mats, pedals and steering wheel. The 530i G30, 530d G30 and 540i G30 also receive the M Sport braking system, too.
There isn’t enough space here to delve into the entire options list but there are a number of packages to choose from – Comfort, M Sport Plus, Premium, Technology, Visibility – along with items such as Adaptive Drive, Variable Damper Control and the much reported Gesture control from the 7 Series G11/G12. Next month we’ll get to slip behind the wheel of the new Five so make sure you check back then for our full driving impressions.
BMW 5 Series pricing announced
| MODEL: BMW | 520d G30 | 520d xDrive G30 | 530d G30 | 530d xDrive G30 | 530i G30 | 540i xDrive G30 |
| ENGINE: | Four-cylinder, 16-valve | Four-cylinder, 16-valve | Six-cylinder, 24-valve | Six-cylinder, 24-valve | Four-cylinder, 16-valve | Six-cylinder, 24-valve |
| CAPACITY: | 1995cc | 1995cc | 2993cc | 2993cc | 1998cc | 2998cc |
| MAX POWER: | 190hp | 190hp | 265hp | 265hp | 252hp | 340hp |
| MAX TORQUE: | 295lb ft | 295lb ft | 457lb ft | 457lb ft | 258lb ft | 332lb ft |
| 0-62MPH: | 7.5 seconds | 7.6 seconds | 5.7 seconds | 5.4 seconds | 6.2 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| TOP SPEED: | 146mph | 144mph | 155mph | 155mph | 155mph | 155mph |
| ECONOMY: | 68.8mpg | 62.7mpg | 60.1mpg | 53.2mpg | 48.7mpg | 39.2mpg |
| EMISSIONS: | 108g/km | 119g/km | 124g/km | 138g/km | 132g/km | 164g/km |
| PRICE (SE): | £36,025 | £38,025 | £43,835 | £45,965 | £40,120 | £46,645 |
| PRICE (M SPORT): | £39,025 | £41,025 | £47,135 | £49,265 | £43,420 | £49,945 |
