2017 BMW 5 Series First Drive REVIEW – Shrunken 7 Series In Sports Sedan Packaging
Even though your first grade maths teacher will say it's impossible, seven easily divides into five - at least that's the impression we got from our first drive of the 2017 BMW 5 Series.
BMW's propellorheads have made the 5 Series feels as though there is clearly defined formula that links the German brand's flagship limousine (the 7 Series) and its all-important, new mid-sized sedan.
The 5 Series arrives in Australian showrooms next month, with an initial four-model line-up that features an increased level of standard equipment, revised engines with more power and better fuel consumption and the latest, most advanced suite of active safety functions from the German brand.
Vehicle Style: Large Sedan
Price: $119,900 (530d), $136,900 (540i - both prices exclude on-road costs),
Engine/trans: 195kW/620Nm 3.0 litre 6cyl turbo-diesel (530d), 250kW/450Nm 3.0 6cyl turbo-petrol (540I) | 8sp automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.5 l/100km (540i) 4.9 l/100km (530d)
OVERVIEW
Like its most direct competitor, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW has re-positioned the 5 Series to become the company's technology leader – giving it a clear point of difference between the affordable and popular 3 Series and the opulent 7 Series.
But prices across the range have been raised - by around $10,000 on average, with the entry-level 520d now starting at $93,900 (plus on-road costs) - although BMW Australia claims the additional equipment offsets the extra costs by offering more value.
BMW models - Prices, Features and Specifications