2017 BMW 5 Series Range Review | Australian First Drive
The newest addition to the executive class is the all-new 5-Series, stepping up BMW’s growing presence with in-car technology and semi-autonomous driving aids.
Following on from the flagship 7-Series, the new 5-Series takes many cues from its larger counterpart, both stylistically, as well as through available technologies, including remote parking via the key fob.
With ever-improving competition from the likes of Jaguar and Volvo, not to mention traditional rivals, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, the new 5-Series needs to be as great to maintain its competitive edge.
Vehicle Style: Prestige large sedan
Price: $93,900-$136,900 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo diesel (520d), 185kW/350Nm 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol (530i), 195kW/620Nm 3.0-litre 6cyl turbo diesel (530d), 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre 6cyl turbo petrol (540i) | 8sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 4.3 (520d), 5.8 (530i), 4.7 (530d) 6.7 (540i) l/100km | Tested: 7.2 (520d), 10.2 (530i), 10.4 (540i) l/100km
OVERVIEW
From launch, the 5-Series range offers four variants, the diesel 520d and 530d, and petrol 530i and 540i. In keeping with BMW’s sporting flavour, M-sport styling is standard on 530 and 540 models and optional on the 520d with more a plush Luxury Line package also available.
Compared with the outgoing model, the latest generation now starts at a higher $93,900 entry point, (up by over $9000) but BMW claims an extra $6255 in value with items like a head-up display, wireless phone charging, surround-view camera, and the Driving Assistant Plus suite of technologies (see Safety), Comfort Access and more joining the standard features list.