BMW has officially introduced its all-new 5 Series sedan after a photo of the car surfaced online yesterday.
Since 1972, the BMW 5 Series nameplate has sold more than 7.6 million units worldwide, making it the most successful premium sedan available. Now entering its seventh generation, the 2017 BMW 5 Series takes advantage of magnesium, aluminum and high-strength steel, helping it shed as much as 137 pounds. It also boasts a new user interface the German automaker calls iDrive 6.0, with Gesture Control, the latest generation head-up display, Remote 3D View and an improved voice control with natural voice input.
Compared to its predecessor, the new BMW 5 Series is 1.2 inches longer, 0.3 inches wider and 0.6 inches taller, while riding on a wheelbase that measures 117.1 inches, which is 0.2 inches longer than before. On the outside, BMW has taken its familiar kidney grille and flanked it with twin circular headlights that have their housings now connecting seamlessly with the grille, helping emphasize the car’s width. It will come standard with adaptive LED headlights.
There are also active kidney grille slats for the radiator, with the system opening movable slats behind the vertical, fixed kidney grille slats and lower air intakes when more cooling is required. When it isn’t necessary, the system keeps them closed to optimize aerodynamic efficiency.
SEE ALSO: Gallery: See All Four BMW Vision Next 100 Concepts Up Close
Two models will be available at launch, the 530i and 540i. The entry-level model comes equipped with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The range-topping engine for the time being generates 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque in the BMW 540i. Both engines will be available with BMW xDrive all-wheel drive. Expect more performance-oriented versions (M5!) to follow.
On the inside, BMW has enhanced the luxury of its midsize sedan with available 20-way adjustable multi-contour seats for the driver and passenger that can be additionally equipped with ventilation and massage function. The latest-generation head-up display has a resolution of 800 by 400 pixels, making its projection area around 70 percent larger than the outgoing model.
The 2017 BMW 5 Series will begin arriving dealerships in the U.S. in February 2017. Expect pricing to be announced closer to its launch.
