- by Brian Byrne
New BMW 5 details released
15 May 2003: The new BMW 5 Series Saloon, which is currently on its international launch programme, offers more space and comfort on less weight, with enhanced fuel economy and better performance.
The new car also features the world's first Active Front Steering as well as what BMW call active Dynamic Drive stabilisation. Runflat tyres are also part of the car's equipment.
The latest 5-series goes on European sale in July and will be initially appearing in three variants featuring straight-six power units: The 520i developing maximum output of 170 bhp, the 530i with 231 bhp, and the 530d developing maximum output of 218 bhp.
All three variants come as standard with a new six-speed manual gearbox, with six-speed automatic being available as an option on all model variants.
The 520i accelerates from 0-100 kilometres in 9.0 seconds and with fuel consumption in the composite EU cycle of 29.7 mpg.
Whilst larger and more spacious than its predecessor, the new saloon is not heavier, but is in some caes up to 75 kilograms lighter. This is attributable inter alia to the lightweight aluminium front section combined with the rest of the body-in-white made of steel to take a trendsetting step into the future of bodywork construction.
The car shares some of the design cues of recent BMW models, including a variation of the 'bustle' style on the bootlide of the BMW 7 Series. Adaptive headlights systems will be available.
The optional Active Front Steering varies the steering transmission ratio under normal driving conditions at low and medium road speeds, making the steering more direct, reducing the steering effort.
At high speeds, in turn, the steering becomes more indirect for better directional stability. Active Front Steering is able to intervene as soon as the car starts to become unstable by monitoring the yaw rate and changing the steering angle accordingly.
With the adaptive headlights, the two bi-xenon headlights are controlled in real time as a function of the steering wheel angle, yaw rate and road speed, illuminating the road ahead in a bend.
A Brake Force Display system is already homologated for the BMW 7 Series in the USA and now also available in the 5 Series, reducing the risk of bumper-to-bumper collisions when the driver applies the brakes hard by enlarging the brake light area. Following completion of the homologation process, the system will also be introduced in other countries and then only requires activation of the software already available.
The new BMW 5 Series comes for the first time with ACC Automatic Cruise Control.
A version of the controversial 'I-Drive' Controller and Control Display system has specially modified for the 5 Series - this control system is now featured for the first time together with a gearshift lever in the middle.
A head-up display also featured in a BMW for the first time presents information relevant to the driver in his direct line of vision.
Customers are able to choose their new 5 Series in five equipment variants and with four worlds of interior colours. The new Saloon offers more space above all at the rear and has a much larger luggage compartment than its predecessor. Standard features include the new automatic air conditioning with adaptive evaporation temperature control preventing the occupants' mucous membranes from growing too cold and drying out and providing individual stratification of temperatures inside the car.
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