Vehicle Overview
Redesigned for 2011, the sixth-generation 5 Series offers a longer wheelbase, better fuel efficiency and more conventional styling than its predecessor. Available in 528i, 535i and 550i trims, the 5 Series sports a new twin-turbo V-8 (550i) and single-turbo six-cylinder (535i), with eight-speed automatics available across the board. Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Infiniti M.
High-tech options include BMW's Adaptive Drive system, a self-parking feature and lane departure and blind spot warning systems. When it hits dealerships, the 5 Series will come as a rear-wheel-drive sedan; expect all-wheel-drive variants and eventually a high-performance M5 to follow.
For 2010, BMW introduced the 5 Series Gran Turismo hatchback.
See also:
Stowing cargo
Heavy cargo: stow as far forward and as low
as possible, ideally directly behind the cargo
area separating wall.
Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure each of th ...
Exciting, elegant, innovative design
The drive-train layout, with a longitudinally mounted in-line engine at the
front and rear-wheel drive, is unique within the compact segment. This improves
the new BMW 1-Series' handling, and is a ...
Exterior & Styling
The 2011 5 Series is further proof that BMW is pulling itself out of an
awkward design era. Recently, the only element that had seemed to tie one model
to another was an ill-conceived — and poorly ...