It has been over three years since the sixth-generation of the BMW 5 Series was launched worldwide, including here in India. While the 5 Series has been popular, the company claiming to have sold over a million units, its competitors have been closing in. Audi took the crown from BMW in the luxury car space at the end of last month and Mercedes-Benz has been attacking the market with a slew of new launches. The announcement of a new E-Class by Mercedes has really forced BMW to act fast. New European emissions standards (EU6) to be introduced in 2014 has also forced the car-maker to revamp its model lineup. The new engine lineup for the 5 Series is more efficient and emits lesser harmful gases into the environment, with a targeted reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions.
Updated on 10th October 2013
The new 2014 BMW 5 Series has been launched in India, 4 diesel variants of the car have been launched with prices starting at Rs. 46.90 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi. Detailed price list is as below:
- BMW 520d Modern at Rs. 46.90 Lakhs
- BMW 520d Luxury at Rs. 46.90 Lakhs
- BMW 525d Luxury Plus at Rs. 51.90 Lakhs
- BMW 530d M Sport at Rs. 57.90 Lakhs
What’s New?
The BMW 5 Series is now offered in three different trim lines, the Modern Line, Luxury Line and M Sport Line. The different lines get different styling changes; The Luxury line, as the name suggests, incorporates more things that enhance the luxurious characteristics of the 5 Series (more chrome basically). The Modern line gives the 5 Series a more modern feel (less chrome, some matt finished parts). Finally, the M Sport line is for those who want more sportiness from the 5 Series (M Sport accessories). In other markets, these lines are offered with all engine choices whereas in India BMW has launched these lines as standalone options.
There are subtle styling changes inside and out. New features introduced in this update include adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lamps, integrated indicators in the ORVM covers, new alloy wheel designs and paint options.
As of now, BMW as only released the details of the diesel variants. There are two diesel engines on offer:
- 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, 181 BHP / 380 Nm. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission on the 520d Modern and 520d Luxury variant.
- 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, 215 BHP / 450 Nm mated to a sport automatic transmission on the Luxury+ variant.
- 3.0-litre, V6, 255 BHP / 540 Nm mated to an 8-speed sport automatic transmission on the M Sport version.
We do not think the petrol variants of the car have been discontinued.
Video Review
Updated on 26th September 2013
Almost 4 months after its international reveal and 3 months after its main rival the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was launched in India, we now have news that BMW will be launching the 2014 BMW 5 Series in India on 10th October 2013.
You can check out the details of the 2014 BMW 5 Series in our earlier update below, we will be covering the launch event and will bring you the latest news on the car as it happens. Keep tuned in to Car Blog India.
Updated on 21st May 2013
What’s new?
Image – BMW has given the whole 5 Series range a makeover. From top to bottom: The 5 Series Gran Turismo, the 5 Series Touring and the 5 Series Sedan
Currently, BMW sells the 5 Series sedan, the 5 Series Gran Turismo and the M5 in India. The new 2014 BMW 5 Series gets minor tweaks in the styling front, a new entry level model, new standard features, new paint options and interior trim among others. The best news is that there’s a new, more powerful M5! Read the changes in detail below:
Styling
The styling tweaks on the 5 Series are subtle, to say the least. The 5 Series has been made even more aerodynamic to make the car more efficient, the 520d for example has a drag coefficient 0.25 cd. BMW didn’t think there was any need to radically change the design of a car that can still get heads turning, even after three years of its launch. Changes at the front of the sedan include new contour lines near the grille, which make it look more prominent, and the air intakes below the headlights which get more details.
At the rear the bumper gets a minor tweak, while the tail lamps have been tweaked even more slightly. The differences are very minute and almost indistinguishable, we know.
The 5 Series Gran Turismo gets a modified bumper at the front. The rear end has been redesigned for a “a longer and lower-to-the-ground impression”, says BMW. Noticeable changes in the rear include flourishes around the number plate holder and a chrome strip on the bumper.
All versions of the 5 Series will get Xenon headlights fitted as standard, while adaptive LED lamps in the headlights and the fog lights will be offered as options. Indicator lights fixed to the rear-view mirrors will also be offered on all variants of the 5 Series. Additional changes can be ordered by choosing the Luxury line, Modern Line and M Sport Packages.
Interiors
Changes to interior are as subtle as those on the exterior of the 5 Series, the sedan gets a chrome lined iDrive controller and the various storage points in the centre console, like the cup holders, are now more spacious. The Gran Turismo gets a bigger boot, the capacity has been increased by 60 litres with rear seats up and by 500 litres with the rear seats folded.
Chassis
The chassis of the 5 Series has been tweaked for better balance between comfort and sporty handling, parts like the double-wishbone front axle, integral rear axle and the electric power steering have been honed for the same. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo gets air suspension as standard, including an automatic self-leveling system 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 can be specified as options.
Engines
The most noticeable difference in the new 5 Series is in the engine department. BMW claims that the new engine options makes the 5 Series faster, more economical and cleaner than before.
A slew of new fuel saving measures have been added, including a Coasting Mode which disengages the engine when the car detects it is coming to a long slow halt, a Proactive Driving Assistant which adjusts the car’s speed according to the speed limit on the road (a feature which might not be available in India) and an Eco Pro Route function which decides which route will consume the least fuel for a particular journey. These features in addition to the already available Brake Energy Regeneration feature, Auto Start-Stop function, Optimum Shift Indicator and ECO PRO mode help reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions.
The new engines include a 4-cylinder 143 BHP twin turbo diesel, which will power the new 518d sedan. The 518d has a fuel efficiency of 22.2 KMPL when tested in the EU test cycle. The other engine is the top-of-the line twin turbo V8 petrol engine, which develops 450 BHP of power. The range of power plants available for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan now comprises four petrol and six diesel units, and also includes a BMW M Performance variant – the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan. The 5 Series Gran Turismo gets two petrol power plants and three diesels.
Features
There is a lot of additional optional features available for the 5 Series with this update. The Comfort Access system allows the tailgate to be opened and closed hands-free. A new rear-seat entertainment system is on offer, with tablet-style displays, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system and a new version of the ambient light option that alternates in tone between orange and white.
The BMW ConnectedDrive system now gets even more advanced. Alongside the Concierge Service for hotel reservations and a selection of other services, it also offers an extensive suite of office functions, including internet-based services which can be accessed via the car’s integrated SIM card or the driver’s smartphone.
Other features available include the Driving Assistance Plus option, which includes cruise control, collision warning systems with an option of automatic breaking and a Traffic Jam Assist which, the company claims, will make driving a bit more relaxing. Another feature available for the Sedan is the fully automatic Parking Assistant.
