BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo (2014)

This broad spread of qualities has been recognised with a swathe of impressive ratings elsewhere as well. German car journal "Auto Bild" crowned the BMW 525d Touring "Value Champion 2012" on account of its high value retention in the used car market. The title had been awarded to the BMW 520d Sedan the previous year. And the BMW 5-Series emerged from both the Euro NCAP and the US NCAP crash tests with the highest rating of five stars. It was also the first vehicle to achieve a 100 per cent score in the Safety Assist category of the Euro NCAP crash tests.

Design and body: Timeless elegance, cutting-edge functionality and made-to-measure luxury

Instantly captivating and enduringly compelling, the aesthetic qualities of the BMW 5-Series models have secured sales success around the globe and a wealth of awards and distinctions. "We haven't completely redesigned the BMW 5-Series, we've just given its character a slightly sharper sporting edge," says exterior designer Won Kyu Kang, describing the modifications made to the BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring.

The BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring: sporting contours for the front end, xenon headlights as standard

Sporting elegance is the standout characteristic of the BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring. Their design is defined by the hallmark BMW proportions created by a long bonnet, long wheelbase, short overhangs and set-back passenger compartment. At the front end, additional contour lines for the BMW kidney grille surround and the restructured lower air intake accentuate the car's sporting appearance. All the variants of the new BMW 5-Series model family are fitted with xenon headlights as standard.

Joining the LED fog lamps on the options list are Adaptive LED Headlights. Here, both the dipped and main beams are generated by LED units positioned on horizontal ribs in the centre of the two light rings, which are levelled off at the bottom. Sweeping chrome inserts with engraved BMW lettering add the finishing touches to the distinctive and extremely high-class appearance of the Adaptive LED Headlights. The side indicators are now integrated into the exterior mirrors on all new BMW 5-Series models. And the Sedan and Touring have newly structured rear lights with particularly thin and strikingly contoured LED light strips. These lights and an additional crease in the rear apron emphasise the wide track of both models.

New BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo: powerful presence at the front, dynamic elegance at the rear

The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo combines signature BMW proportions with an innovative body concept. The elegantly stretched coupé roofline, four doors with frameless windows and a high-opening tailgate exude sporting intent, luxurious long-distance comfort and extensive variability. Carefully targeted modifications to the car's design shine an even brighter spotlight on its unmistakable character, which meets the highest standards across an extremely wide spectrum.

A new air intake highlights the powerful presence of the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo's front end. The tailgate, meanwhile, has been extended rearwards and gives the roofline's transition into the rear an even more harmonious appearance. All of which allows the car as a whole to cut a lower-slung and dynamically stretched figure. These sharpened contours have also had a positive effect on the boot capacity of the new BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, which has been increased by 60 litres to 500 litres.

Horizontally structured and three-dimensional surfaces play a defining role in the new look of the rear end. Vibrant light and shade effects around the licence plate mount, a dynamically sweeping crease extending into the flanks and a chrome trim strip in the rear apron give the tail end a lighter and sportier feel. This impression is reinforced by the new outline of the two-section rear lights. Their horizontal layout is accentuated internally by a light design distilled into two LED light strips.

Interior: each model variant offers its own take on long-distance comfort, variability and a luxurious ambience

New details inside all the cars in the new BMW 5-Series provide a refined premium impression and increased functionality. In all models the Control Display of the standard iDrive operating system is now bordered on both sides by high-quality chrome trim strips. And the storage compartments and cup holders in the centre console of the Sedan and Touring now have increased capacity.

Generous levels of space, exquisite materials and high-quality workmanship all contribute to the premium ambience characteristic of the BMW 5-Series model family, as do exclusive interior design details like the standard iDrive and the black-panel technology of the instrument cluster and automatic climate control system's display.

The iDrive Controller can be ordered as an option with a touch-sensitive surface allowing character recognition. For example, a destination can be programmed into the navigation system by spelling out the desired address using finger movements on the Controller's surface. The existing "Speller" in the Control Display can also be used to this end, and the driver can alternate freely between the two operating methods while entering a command.

Another option unique in this segment is the multifunction instrument display designed to enhance driving pleasure. This 10.25-inch TFT cockpit screen takes its cues from the Driving Experience Control mode selected. Varying graphics and colour schemes ensure clear differentiation. In COMFORT mode the instrument display depicts a classical combination of four circular instruments. A magnifying glass function highlights the car's current speed and revs. In ECO PRO mode the rev counter morphs into an EfficientDynamics display, which indicates how efficiently you are driving. In SPORT mode the speedometer shows the car's speed digitally in the form of a large central figure, while the gear currently engaged is displayed in the centre of the rev counter.

The new BMW 5-Series Sedan underlines its qualities as a mile-devouring car for business use or trips away with its high level of long-distance comfort for all passengers. What's more, its boot can hold 520 litres of cargo.

For those with further-reaching requirements when it comes to load capacity, the BMW 5-Series Touring will be the model of choice. An array of individual solutions lends the Touring a level of functionality and variability unmatched in its segment. Even when all the seats are in use it offers 560 litres of boot capacity, which can be expanded to as much as 1,670 litres as the occasion demands. The rear seat backrests split 40 : 20 : 40 as standard and can also be ordered with an adjustable tilt angle as an option. A pair of levers in the load compartment allows the folding-down process for the backrests to be initiated from the boot, and their approach into a horizontal position is now cushioned slightly to settle them into place. The load compartment cover is automatically lowered when the tailgate is closed. Plus, the tailgate of the BMW 5-Series Touring comes as standard with a Soft Close Automatic function and a rear window that can be opened separately from the tailgate itself, flipping up automatically at the touch of a button.

BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo: the perfect combination of luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility

The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo offers an unmatched blend of luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility, fusing the imposing elegance of a Sedan with the variable-usage interior of a Touring model and the versatility of a Sports Activity Vehicle. Its seating position - slightly raised to a height somewhere between that offered by a sedan and an SAV - allows particularly comfortable entry and exit. Rear passengers can enjoy legroom and headroom normally the preserve of luxury cars. The rear seats slide forward by 73 millimetres and the angle of their backrests can be adjusted through 33 degrees. When released from its locked position, the partition behind the rear seats follows the longitudinal movements of the seats, allowing boot capacity to grow from 500 to 650 litres. The partition and rear seat backrests can be split 40 : 20 : 40. Folding down all the elements and moving the rear seats all the way forward allows the Gran Turismo to reveal its maximum 1,750 litres of load capacity. To load items into the boot, one can either open the full, high-opening tailgate or a separate boot lid below the rear window. Similarly to a sedan, this smaller opening allows access to the load area without disturbing rear seat passengers.

Automatic tailgate operation comes as standard on the BMW 5-Series Touring and BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo and is also available as an option for the BMW 5-Series Sedan. The function of the optional Comfort Access system that allows the tailgate to be opened hands-free has been extended - for all members of the new BMW 5-Series model family - to include a closing mechanism, which means that a movement of the foot under the rear apron can now be used to prompt the tailgate to close as well as open. After unloading items from the boot, customers can therefore also close the tailgate without having to put down the items they're holding.

New to the BMW 5-Series: BMW Lines offer detailed personalisation

BMW 5-Series customers can choose from a wide selection of exterior paint colours. New additions to the range - and available for all models - are Calisto Grey metallic, Jatoba metallic, Mineral White metallic and Glacier Silver metallic. New variants have also been added to the line-up of optional light-alloy wheels.

Exclusively composed BMW Lines are now available for the first time to all members of the new BMW 5-Series model family as an alternative to standard specification. Customers can choose between the BMW Luxury Line and BMW Modern Line design packages, which shine the spotlight on selected facets of the car's character to great effect. Both Lines include LED fog lamps, 18-inch (BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo: 19-inch) light-alloy wheels, B-pillar trim and exterior mirror bases in high-gloss black, illuminated door pulls with chrome trim and likewise illuminated door sill strips with aluminium inserts bearing BMW lettering. Luxury / Modern badges can be found on the front side panels.

The BMW Luxury Line exudes a high level of elegance and exclusiveness thanks to a carefully assembled selection of further particularly high-class features for the exterior and interior. The chrome finish of the trim bars in the outer sections of the lower air intake, the fronts of the black kidney grille slats, the window recess finishers, the trim strip in the rear apron and the exhaust tailpipe embellishers all add gleaming touches. Leather upholstery with exclusive stitching, a black sports leather steering wheel and interior trim strips in exquisite Fineline anthracite wood create a particularly refined interior ambience.

The BMW Modern Line package displays a strikingly contemporary and dynamic edge. The air intake bars, kidney grille slats, rear trim strip and tailpipe embellishers come in matt chrome, and the instrument panel and sports leather steering wheel can be specified as an option in the light colour shade Oyster. Interior trim strips in dark Pearl and exclusive stitching for the optional leather upholstery ensure the interior creates an eye-catching impression.

All variants of the new BMW 5-Series can also be ordered with a model-specific M Sport package, further increasing the scope for individualisation.

Powertrain and chassis: The perfect balance of dynamics and comfort

The appeal of Sheer Driving Pleasure in a premium executive class car is set to grow even further in both strength and reach with the launch of the new BMW 5-Series model family. The host of optimised details included in all variants of the new BMW 5-Series have led to (in some cases significantly) reduced fuel consumption, but with no drop-off in sporting ability. Indeed, some models now actually offer improved performance. Added to which, all engine variants now meet the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust gas standard.

A new entry-level diesel variant, additional models equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive and an even more powerful yet also more efficient range-topping V8 power plant join the action, completing an engine line-up that now covers an output spectrum from 105 kW/143 hp to 330 kW/450 hp. The new BMW 5-Series Sedan and new BMW 5-Series Touring can be specified with a choice of four petrol and six diesel engines. Beyond this, the Sedan also comes in BMW ActiveHybrid 5 full-hybrid and BMW M5 high-performance guise. The engine line-up for the new BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo comprises two petrol units and three diesels.

The cutting-edge chassis technology underpinning all the models in the BMW 5-Series family delivers a balance of dynamic performance and ride comfort without precedent in this market segment, while the Electric Power Steering system comes with Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance as standard. The BMW 5-Series Touring and BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo are also fitted as standard with automatic self-levelling air suspension at the rear axle. Among the options available for all members of the BMW 5-Series family are the Integral Active Steering and Adaptive Drive systems, which no other model in this segment offers. Targeted enhancements of acoustic and suspension comfort in the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, meanwhile, lend even further emphasis to its role as the supreme long-distance specialist of the line-up. The Sedan and Touring have likewise made notable advances in these areas.

An efficient start: new entry-level diesel engine for the Sedan and Touring

BMW TwinPower Turbo technology ensures an exemplary balance of driving pleasure and fuel consumption across the engine range. In the new entry-level diesel engine, which powers the BMW 518d Sedan and BMW 518d Touring, this package of technology consists of a turbocharger with variable inlet geometry and common rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors. The 2.0-litre engine develops a maximum output of 105 kW/143 hp, generates peak torque of 360 Newton metres (266 lb-ft) and accelerates the new BMW 518d Sedan from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.6 seconds. The four-cylinder unit burns an average 4.5 - 4.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (equivalent to 62.8 - 57.7 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle (CO2 emissions: 119 - 129 grams per kilometre, depending on the gearbox and tyre format specified).

The selection of diesel power plants available for the Sedan and Touring includes two four-cylinder variants - fitted in the BMW 520d producing 135 kW/184 hp and the BMW 525d with 160 kW/218 hp - and three six-cylinder units. With average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres (62.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometre, the new BMW 520d matches the figures of the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition it replaces.

Further up the range, the BMW 530d develops 190 kW/258 hp and the BMW 535d produces 230 kW/313 hp. And rounding off the line-up are two M Performance cars: the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and BMW M550d xDrive Touring. They also use a 3.0-litre straight-six engine deploying M TwinPower Turbo technology with three turbochargers to deliver unrivalled peak output of 280 kW/381 hp and maximum torque of 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft). Three diesel engines are available for the new BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, powering the BMW 520d Gran Turismo, BMW 530d Gran Turismo and BMW 535d Gran Turismo.

Even more powerful, even more efficient: the V8 engine for the BMW 5-Series

The new generation of the V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology for the BMW 5-Series model family takes to the stage armed with a 10 per cent rise in output yet also significantly reduced fuel consumption. The eight-cylinder unit, found under the bonnet of the BMW 550i Sedan, BMW 550i Touring and BMW 550i Gran Turismo, now also combines its two twin-scroll turbochargers and High Precision Direct Injection with VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. The power plant generates 330 kW/450 hp and maximum torque of 650 Newton metres (479 lb-ft) from its 4.4-litre displacement. The new BMW 550i Sedan, for example, sweeps from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.6 seconds. Its average fuel economy in the EU test cycle stands at 8.6 - 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres (32.9 - 32.1 mpg imp). CO2 emissions come in at 199 - 206 g/km, depending on the tyre format specified.

As well as the BMW 535i Sedan and BMW 535i Touring models, the multi-award-winning straight-six with 225 kW/306 hp also powers the BMW 535i Gran Turismo. A pair of four-cylinder petrol engines is likewise available for the Sedan and Touring. The engine powering the BMW 520i develops 135 kW/184 hp, while the unit offered for the BMW 528i from the launch of the new BMW 5-Series boasts revisions to various details and delivers 180 kW/245 hp.

The Sedan and Touring variants of the BMW 520i, BMW 528i, BMW 535i, BMW 518d, BMW 520d and BMW 525d are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Each of those models can also be specified as an option with the extremely fast and precise, not to mention extraordinarily efficient, eight-speed automatic transmission provided as standard for the BMW 550i, BMW 530d and 535d, as well as all variants of the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo. The eight-speed automatic now comes with a coasting function and can also be ordered with shift paddles on the steering wheel. Shift paddles are also included with the eight-speed sports automatic transmission, a standard feature of the BMW M550d xDrive, which stands out with its ultra-impressive shift dynamics.

Additional models with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive

The selection of engine variants that can be combined with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system has also been expanded. The BMW 520d xDrive Sedan and BMW 520d xDrive Touring are both new additions to the range, the electronically controlled distribution of drive between the front and rear axle giving them a noticeable increase in traction and directional stability, not to mention an even sharper dynamic edge through quickly taken corners.

All-wheel drive is also available as an option for the Sedan and Touring versions of the BMW 528i, BMW 535i, BMW 525d, BMW 530d and BMW 535d, and the BMW 550i Sedan. The M Performance cars channel the power from their six-cylinder diesel engines through all four wheels as standard. All the models in the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo line-up - with the exception of the BMW 520d - can be ordered with xDrive.

State-of-the-art chassis technology delivers dynamics and comfort to order

The fine-tuning carried out on the chassis for the new BMW 5-Series models makes for an even more assured conversion of engine power into dynamic performance and ride comfort. Both the double-wishbone front axle and the integral rear axle are made largely from aluminium. They allow the spring and damper systems to respond with great precision to inconsistencies in the road surface and ensure optimum road holding at all times. The overall result is a balance between sporting ability and ride comfort that no rival can better. What's more, the car's set-up can be adapted to suit individual needs or the driving situation at hand using the standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console. Pressing the button changes the driving mode, altering the responses of the accelerator and steering, as well as - if fitted - the shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox and the settings of the electronically controlled dampers.

The optional Dynamic Damper Control system adapts electronically to both the condition of the road and the driver's style. And the car's driving characteristics are further enhanced by the Adaptive Drive system, which includes active roll stabilisation. Electronically controlled anti-roll bars help to reduce the car's body roll through quickly taken corners and in sudden changes of direction, for example. M Sport lowered suspension is also available as an option.

In addition to controlling the amount of speed-dependent steering assistance generated and regulating the steering angle of the front wheels, Integral Active Steering also adjusts the steering angle of the rear wheels. This system imbues the car with impressive agility in dynamic driving situations, comfortable and assured reactions when changing lanes and through corners, and optimised manoeuvrability through tight bends and in city traffic.

BMW ConnectedDrive in the new BMW 5-Series: Unique innovations for enhanced safety, convenience and infotainment

The intelligent link-up of the driver, vehicle and outside world enters a globally unique dimension in the new BMW 5-Series model family. The range of onboard BMW ConnectedDrive technology expands on an already impressive network of driver assistance systems and mobility services designed to enhance safety, convenience and in-car infotainment. The new additions see the BMW 5-Series consolidating its leading role in the field of mobile business applications and internet-based infotainment.

The BMW ConnectedDrive range of products and services has also benefited from focused development work in the area of driver assistance systems. Among the latest innovations are systems that relieve the stress on the driver in situations such as traffic tailbacks or slow-moving traffic and provide even greater assistance with parking manoeuvres.

BMW ConnectedDrive: outstanding connectivity for business, touring and infotainment

A SIM card fitted in the car, the extensive integration of smartphones and an array of innovative BMW ConnectedDrive functions open up new avenues for mobile communication and the use of online services in the BMW 5-Series. These features take the convenience and variety offered by the in-car office applications, navigation capability and infotainment to an unrivalled level. A hands-free facility with USB connection comes as standard on all new BMW 5-Series models.

A suite of office functions turns the BMW 5-Series into a mobile workplace - underpinned by either the customer's mobile phone or the car's integrated SIM card. Emails, appointments, contacts, calendar entries and notes are displayed on the cockpit's central screen. A dictation function converts notes spoken by the driver into written text, which can then be stored and sent out by SMS or email.

BMW Apps guide the user through the large and ever increasing number of services, which can be accessed using the customer's phone or internet connection. A unique feature worldwide is the Concierge Service, which BMW ConnectedDrive customers can use, for example, to make hotel bookings, search for addresses and telephone numbers or look up opening times. Also available are the remote functions from BMW ConnectedDrive, in-car internet usage and the online entertainment option offering a selection of some 12 million music tracks. BMW Apps includes features such as a web radio function, access to your Aupeo! personalised music library and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter. This service is constantly expanding to include new apps, which can be uploaded into the car via the SIM card or a smartphone. The car's integrated SIM card also forms the basis for the Intelligent Emergency Call function offered as standard in numerous markets. If the optional Navigation system Professional is specified, customers can also make use of the Real Time Traffic Information option, which keeps the driver supplied with extremely precise traffic alerts and congestion reports in real time.

Unsurpassed variety, new functions: BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems

The range of BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems is now also more forward thinking and richer in variety than ever. The introduction of the glare-free High Beam Assistant, plus BMW Night Vision with Dynamic Light Spot and person and animal recognition, enhances safety when driving at night. The new generation of the High Beam Assistant creates optimal visibility at all times without any input required from the driver. The system uses a camera fitted into the rear-view mirror to identify vehicles travelling up to 400 metres (approx. ¼ mile) in front. Oncoming traffic is picked up when it is still 1,000 metres (just under ¾ mile) away. With the High Beam Assistant activated, the headlights are partially masked as and when required in order to eliminate the danger of dazzling vehicles as they draw closer.

BMW Night Vision also boasts new functions. The system is supplied with data by a thermal imaging camera mounted to the front of the vehicle. It provides a real-time video image in the Control Display showing people, animals and anything else that radiates heat even if they are located outside the area illuminated by the headlights. In addition, a control unit analyses the stream of video data, looking for pedestrians, cyclists and animals that are potentially on a collision course with the vehicle. The driver is alerted to such a situation by a symbol in the instrument cluster and the optional Head-Up Display. The urgent warning function adds an audible signal. Dynamic Light Spot is a special headlight, which directs a beam of light onto the people or animals detected by BMW Night Vision, providing the driver with an additional hazard alert.

Driving Assistant and Traffic Jam Assistant: increased safety and comfort in congestion and city traffic

The new Driving Assistant option combines Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning with a braking function. If the system detects an unintentional deviation from the vehicle's path, the steering wheel vibrates to warn the driver. The system can be used at speeds of at least 70 km/h (43 mph) and its camera also supplies the data required for the Collision Warning with braking function. This function can be activated at speeds of at least 15 km/h (9 mph) and uses visual and audible alerts to warn the driver of the danger of a collision with vehicles travelling ahead. The car's brakes are preloaded at the same time to shorten its potential stopping distance.

Driving Assistant Plus provides even more extensive assistance. This system brings together Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and the Driving Assistant to ensure, first and foremost, greater comfort and safety in slow-moving traffic and tailbacks. The driver can delegate proximity control duties to the system. The combination of a front-mounted camera and full-range radar sensors detects both vehicles travelling in front and stationary vehicles. If the driver does not react to the warning of a looming rear-end collision, Driving Assistant Plus automatically brakes the vehicle with anything up to maximum possible force, as required.

A Traffic Jam Assistant function is due to be added to Driving Assistant Plus in November 2013. At speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph) this function monitors both the distance to the vehicle in front and the car's position within its lane. The Traffic Jam Assistant uses steering assistance to keep the vehicle reliably in the centre of the lane.

Fully automatic BMW Parking Assistant offers an even more comprehensive helping hand

Another innovation due to become available in November 2013 for the new BMW 5-Series Sedan and new BMW 5-Series Touring is the fully automatic BMW Parking Assistant. The new version of the system not only carries out the steering movements required for reverse parallel parking, but also operates the accelerator and brake pedal. All of which means the BMW 5-Series can glide into the selected parking space fully automatically.

New functions have also been added to the Active Protection option. In critical situations this package of safety features deploys an array of measures to help mitigate the consequences of a possible accident. To this end, the car's side windows and sliding sunroof (if fitted) are closed, the front seatbelts are pulled tight and the front passenger seat backrest is raised into an upright position. Active Protection now also includes the Attentiveness assistant, which analyses driving behaviour and, if necessary, suggests the driver takes a break.

Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic position finding and accident severity recognition is part of the standard specification in a large number of markets and provides fast and appropriate assistance in the event of a collision. BMW took the lead in the marketplace with this system around 15 years ago, and the latest generation sends important information - such as the car's precise location, its chassis number, vehicle type and colour, and the data collected by sensors positioned around the car - to the BMW call centre in the event of a crash. This information confirms how many people are in the car and which airbags have been deployed, and indicates the intensity of the impact.

Looking good: Head-Up Display, Speed Limit Info, Lane Change Warning, Surround View

The latest innovations in the BMW ConnectedDrive portfolio add further depth to the already exceptionally wide range of driver assistance systems on board the BMW 5-Series. Highlights include the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, which now also projects telephone contacts and entertainment programme listings onto the windscreen, Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info, and Lane Change Warning.

The optional rear-view camera and Surround View help to provide a better overview of the area around the car and the road ahead. In addition to the rear-view camera and the Park Distance Control sensors, Surround View also makes use of two cameras in the exterior mirrors and shows a bird's-eye view of the car and the area around it on the Control Display. The system also includes the Side View function, which assists the driver when pulling out from narrow and concealed gateways or car park exits. Two cameras integrated into the front bumper enable the driver to monitor cross-traffic.

BMW EfficientDynamics for the new BMW 5-Series: Increasing driving pleasure, reducing fuel consumption

The BMW 5-Series model family offers not only a case study in driving pleasure, but also a template for efficiency in the executive class. All the models in the line-up strike a balance between fuel consumption and performance none of its rivals can match. The new BMW 5-Series adds further weapons to the arsenal of technology deployed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Innovative powertrain management and energy management functions join optimised aerodynamic details in helping the BMW 5-Series to extend its lead in the efficiency race.

BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW BluePerformance meet the challenges of the EU6 exhaust gas standard

All the engines available for the new BMW 5-Series come with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. And all the members of the new 5-Series family already fulfil the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust gas standard due to come into force in September 2014. The diesel models meet the restrictions on nitrogen oxide emissions set out by the standard through extremely effective exhaust gas treatment. The BMW BluePerformance technology employed to this effect consists of either a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or an SCR catalytic converter with urea injection, depending on the model.

Extensive BMW EfficientDynamics package includes innovative additions

Like the manual gearbox fitted in the BMW 5-Series, the eight-speed automatic option also stands out with its remarkable efficiency. Indeed, the majority of 5-Series models burn even less fuel with the eight-speed automatic specified than when the same engine teams up with the manual gearbox. All the models in the BMW 5-Series line-up come as standard with features including the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, the need-based operation of ancillary components, active air vents, Electric Power Steering and tyres with reduced rolling resistance. Elsewhere, modifications to the wheel arches and underbody panelling and a redesigned front apron contribute to further optimisation of the cars' aerodynamic properties. The result, among other things, is a reduction in the drag coefficient (Cd value) of the new BMW 520d to 0.25.

The standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch can be used to activate ECO PRO mode, which tweaks the engine management, accelerator responses and shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox to help the driver keep revs low and burn as little fuel as possible. Plus, efficient power usage for electrically operated functions such as the climate control system and the seat and exterior mirror heating ensures efficient energy management. A coasting mode is now also available for the first time in conjunction with the optional automatic gearbox. In ECO PRO mode this function disengages the powertrain as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h (31 and 99 mph). This allows the car to glide along with no engine braking effect and burning only minimal amounts of fuel.

The optional Navigation system Professional also does its bit to assist efficient driving, presenting drivers with not only the quickest or shortest route to their destination, but also the ECO PRO Route - mapped out to keep fuel consumption particularly low. Another innovation making its debut in the new BMW 5-Series range is the Proactive Driving Assistant. With the navigation system's route guidance activated, this function advises the driver on the ideal moment to take his foot off the accelerator when approaching corners and speed-restricted areas in order to reduce fuel consumption. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 comes with specially adapted versions of the coasting mode and Proactive Driving Assistant, helping customers to make maximum use of the car's pure electric driving potential.