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Join us on Saturday 20 March 2010 for the arrival of the next chapter in the story of one of the most successful cars ever to have been produced - the new, sixth generation BMW 5 Series Saloon. Call 0845 601 8593 or email us to be one of the first to take a test drive.

Offering customers the perfect blend of class-leading technology, unrivalled driving dynamics and a sporting yet elegant design to set a new benchmark in the executive class.

The very first BMW 5 Series Saloon appeared in 1972 and every incarnation since then has raised the bar in terms of design, engineering or technology. The new BMW 5 Series Saloon has been styled to reflect its almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution with beautifully balanced proportions, short overhangs, a coupé-like flowing roofline and a long, contoured bonnet. The familiar BMW kidney grille stands upright alluding to the car’s sporting pedigree.

The latest BMW has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,968mm, creating a greater feeling of interior space.  This translates into an extra 13mm of knee room for rear passengers, compared to the previous 5 Series, while customers specifying the optional glass sunroof benefit from a larger roof panel that allows light to flood in highlighting the generous rear cabin.  The BMW 5 Series Saloon is as practical as it is elegant and has a 520-litre boot with the option to specify 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.

Inside, the cabin features many of the sporting but luxurious quality and comfort features found in the BMW 7 Series.  Inclined seven degrees towards the driver, the asymmetrically designed centre console ensures that all controls are comfortably within the reach. The multifunctional steering wheel has been simplified, putting all of the function keys in one hand and infotainment in the other.

The use of Black Panel technology on the instrument panel and centre console, as seen in the BMW 7 Series and the 5 Series Gran Turismo, adds an extra touch of luxury to the cabin.  A signature piece of BMW design, Black Panel technology integrates the centre console into the trim of the car.  High-resolution electronic displays are visible when needed, but when not in use discreetly blend in to form an elegant black band across the interior.

Award-winning EfficientDynamics as standard
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon comes with an array of EfficientDynamics technologies. The BMW 520d is the first 5 Series to come with Auto Start-Stop, reducing the engine idle period when coming to a short stop.  All manual gearboxes will also come with an Optimum gearshift indicator to help drivers know when to change gear to optimise the car’s efficiency.  Brake Energy Regeneration, which recharges the vehicle’s battery during engine over-run, is part of the 5 Series Saloon’s standard specification.

Active Aerodynamics also play a part in keeping emissions low and performance high by closing off the air cooling flaps behind the kidney grills to improve the aerodynamics of the car and performance on cold starts.  Low rolling resistance tyres also feature to improve efficiency still further.

Transmission
Benefiting from dry sump lubrication, the BMW 5 Series Saloon comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox which has been optimised compared to previous transmissions for greater efficiency.  A redesigned gearshift leaver and enhanced internal packaging have resulted in a smoother, sportier gearshift.

Bespoke chassis configurator
For those BMW 5 Series Saloon models specified with Variable Damper Control or Adaptive Drive packages, the Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) chassis configurator is fitted to enhance ride and handling still further.  DDC allows for fine tuning of the chassis with the choice of Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Each mode changes the levels of steering assistance, throttle response, gear change characteristics, degree of Dynamic Stability Control interaction and, courtesy of adjustable dampers, the ride and handling characteristics.

Highest ever standard specification

The BMW 5 Series Saloon features the highest ever level of standard specification for the model. All models now come with Dakota leather upholstery, BMW Professional Radio and Bluetooth telephone preparation compared to the previous (E60) BMW 5 Series Saloon. Six-cylinder engine derivatives additionally gain USB audio interface and Ambient lighting, while the BMW 550i has the eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. The BMW 520d additionally benefits from full automatic air-conditioning system as standard.

Innovative new optional equipment
The BMW 5 Series Saloon is the first BMW to be offered with Park Assist aimed at enhancing driver convenience. Once a button on the centre console is pressed ultrasound sensors located in the side indicator surrounds scan the road either side of the vehicle for an appropriate parking space. On location of a suitable free bay the driver then only need operate the accelerator and brake pedals while the Park Assist system swiftly slots the car into the space with ease.

Four-wheel Integral Active Steering can also be specified for the first time on a 5 Series Saloon and a car equipped as such benefits from a 0.5metre smaller turning circle. Meanwhile, the Surround View system uses cameras in the side mirrors and the front wheel arches in conjunction with Park Distance Control and the optional Reversing Assist camera to provide a 360 degree view on the iDrive display for perfect parking.

The BMW 5 Series Saloon is offered with a wealth of optional equipment to enhance driver safety, comfort and enjoyment. Head-up Display, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info and two rear entertainment packages are all available.

In the UK the BMW 5 Series Saloon will be offered with four optional equipment packages. BMW Business Advanced Media and BMW Professional Multimedia packages include BMW Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive – Assist and Online and Voice control. Dynamic package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Sport seats, Anthracite headlining, Sport leather steering wheel and High-gloss exterior trim. The Visibility package includes Adaptive headlights, Xenon headlights, High-beam Assist and headlight wash.