BMW has unveiled the facelifted version of its popular 5 Series Saloon and Touring, which gains new mild- and plug-in hybrid variants.
In terms of styling, the new 5 Series gains cues from the latest 3 Series. It’s only the front and rear end that have been changed, with a wider front grille being introduced along with slimmer LED headlights, while laser headlights are available as an option and can light up the road for up to 600m.
At the rear, the latest 5 Series gains new LED lights with darkened lenses, as well as a new rear diffuser and trapezoid-shaped exhaust tips. A suite of new alloy wheels are also available.
In the cabin, BMW has updated the touchscreen from 10.25 to 12.3 inches, with the unit now being based on the latest operating system found in the latest BMW models. It allows for the firm’s ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’ voice control system to be introduced, as well as free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring – the latter being something new for the BMW brand.
As for the engines, all four- and six-cylinder engines now come with mild-hybrid technology as standard. Previously only available on the 520d, the models feature a 48v starter-generator and an additional battery. This can store energy and use it to provide additional torque, while also increasing efficiency.
BMW is also introducing a new six-cylinder 545e xDrive plug-in hybrid as part of this update, which mates the engine from the 530i together with an electric motor and battery. Details on this are limited, though it will sit alongside the 530e that’s been available for several years. The 530e will also be available as a Touring (estate) for the first time, too.
Also joining the line-up is the M550i xDrive, which features a 523bhp 4.4-litre V8. It’s the first time this model will have been sold in the UK, despite being available in overseas markets in the past.
Additional driver assistance tech has also been added, with improvements to steering and lane assistance being made. A new ‘Parking Assistant’ feature is also offered, which can reverse the car for up to 50m by storing steering movements – for example, if you’ve gone down a narrow street and can’t turn around.
Four trims are available – SE, M Sport, a limited M Sport Edition and ‘M Performance’, which is the M550i. Prices start from £37,480 for the 520i SE and rise to £67,595 for the M550i. It’s an additional £2,000 to have a Touring over a Saloon.
The new model is being launched in July, with plug-in hybrid versions arriving in November.
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