BMW is updating the 5 Series for a September re-launch, as it seeks to keep ahead of Audi and Mercedes-Benz in the race for the global premium car no.1 spot. The sixth-generation 5 Series is currently the best-selling version ever made, having sold over one million examples of the saloon model alone since its launch three years ago. And BMW will be hoping that the enhanced equipment list, tweaked styling and the addition of a fuel-sipping 518d model will boost its appeal ever further.
Exterior
All 5 Series models now come with Xenon headlights as standard and the mirrors now have indicator repeaters built in. Extra styling lines can be found around the grille and rear bumper and new colours and alloy wheels can be had.
New styling creases can also be found on the GT model and the rear of that car has been made longer to give a better stance - as well as an even bigger boot. New rear lights have also been fitted.
Interior
In terms of design, all versions of the BMW 5 Series now come with more chrome on the dashboard, as well as larger storage areas. The upgraded standard equipment includes BMW Business Navigation with BMW Emergency Call. This system is linked to various crash sensors around the car and will automatically contact emergency services if one or more are deployed. The no-cost service is active for the life of the car.
The optional Professional Media Package has been upgraded and now features Real Time Traffic Information and the full range of BMW Apps. An additional option is a Head-up Display that shows phone book and entertainment details in full colour as well as essential driver information. Night Vision is also now available as an option.
Mechanicals
Starting at the bottom of the engine range, the 520d EfficientDynamics model has been canned due to the standard engine matching its emissions figure of 119g/km of CO2. That's a figure also matched by a new base model - the 518d, which offers a combination of 141hp and 62mpg. Improvements have been made elsewhere too. A new 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol unit headlines the (non-M) line-up in the 550i. Power increases of 42hp and 50Nm bring overall output up to 449hp and 650Nm. Despite this, fuel economy has improved to 32.8mpg and emissions sit at just 199g/km. Don't see many of them selling here, though. Shame.
BMW's optional Driving Assistant package is better now, too. Lane Departure Warning, Front-end Collision Warning and Pedestrian Recognition systems all work together with an autonomous braking set-up that should drastically improve reaction times and accident statistics.
Anything else?
A new all-wheel-drive 335d xDrive saloon is set to join the 3 Series line-up too, albeit only in the UK for now. A 313hp 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel engine is under the bonnet, hooked up to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a standard launch control system.
Finally, an M Sport Plus Package is soon to be launched across the 1-, 3- and 5 Series ranges; the package adds new alloy wheels, spoilers, Harmon/Kardon speakers and improved braking systems across the range.