The BMW 5-series saloon – it’s finally here. Internally dubbed F10, it's the sixth-generation BMW 5-series and will be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in spring 2010, with UK sales starting on 20 March 2010. A 5-series Touring version (F11) will follow next September. So what’s new for the sixth-generation BMW 5-series?
Let’s start with the tech: BMW claims the new 5-series is the first car in its class to feature start-stop tech, an eight-speed automatic transmission and double wishbone front suspension.
The new 5-series is also the first BMW to get the company's new Park Assist tech, slotting the car into a space by twiddling the wheel, leaving the driver to operate on the accelerator and brake pedals. A bit like a VW Touran, then.
Will the new 2010 Five still be the sporty choice of exec?
The double wishbone front suspension is mated to a rear multilink set-up, and BMW's optional Drive Dynamic Control chassis system offers Comfort, Sport and Sport+ damper settings. Four-wheel active steering can also be specced, along with a Surround View camera system, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian recognition, lane departure and lane change warning systems, plus speed limit detection.
Unfortunately, start-stop tech is only available on the manual 520d, and won't be available on the new eight-speed auto until later. Although the electric power steering will reduce fuel consumption, we don't expect it to endow the new 5-series' steering with exceptional feel.
And whereas the current-gen Five features an aluminium front end mated to a steel rear, the new car is all steel. Nevertheless, BMW still claims the new car achieves a 50:50 weight distribution.
(By Ben Pulman,First official pictures)
Great car trim! I’ve always wanted to have a car like this. I’m just praying so hard that Dad would give me my first car with the same amenities. My sister’s car is an LA Buick which we use in going to school. But now that I am old enough and responsible enough I think I deserve to have my own car. The car dealer (Orange County) always have great offers for Dad, I just hope he’d avails it next time we drop by the auto-shop.