The German carmaker has commenced production of its new 5-series sedan at its Chennai plant, with the car set to launch on June 29, 2017. The 5-series will be sold in two diesel variants – a 520d Luxury line and 530d M Sport – and in one petrol guise - the 530i Sportline. A cheaper ‘Corporate Edition’ of the 520d could be introduced six months after the car launches here, and this version will be priced around ₹5 lakh cheaper.
The 1,995cc, four-cylinder diesel in the 520d makes 190hp at 4,000rpm and 400Nm of torque from as low as 1,750rpm. The sportier 530d is powered by a 2,993cc, six-cylinder diesel engine producing 265hp and 620Nm of torque. The carmaker claims this variant can hit 100kph in 5.7sec. The 530i will be powered by a 1,998cc, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that puts out 252hp and 350Nm of torque, and can hit 100kph in 6.2sec. All three engines send power via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The New 5 has grown in comparison to the previous car. It measures 4,936mm in length, 1,868mm in width and 1,479mm in height, and has a slightly longer 2,975mm wheelbase as well. The company claims the car is 100 kg lighter thanks to the use of aluminium and high-strength steel. Overall rigidity has also improved.
This car will come loaded with tech including a 10.25-inch touchscreen with gesture control, a wireless phone charger and a remote parking system (similar to the 7-Series). The heads-up display is 70 percent bigger now and displays maps, telephone listings, music tracks and more. The new 5 also comes with dynamic stability control, corner brake control, dry braking function, and fading compensation. Dynamic damper control and adaptive drive are optional extras.