Design Inherited from Predecessor

The design first emphasizes a wide, low stance by connecting the kidney grille, a signature BMW front-end feature, with the headlights. Furthermore, by aligning the bonnet's leading edge with the front grille, the line where the bonnet and grille meet has been eliminated, creating a unified design.

The side view follows the traditional 5 Series design with its long hood, short overhangs, a large cabin, and a coupe-like roofline. The door handles, positioned along the character line, are also the same as the previous model. Ken Ohno, BMW Brand Management Product Marketing, commented on this character line, "We've adopted two upper and lower character lines. The surfaces transition from shadow to light, creating a beautiful, muscle-like line that surrounds the Hofmeister kink without flowing to the rear."

The rear design also emphasizes a low center of gravity, similar to the front. The rear combination lamps wrap significantly around the sides, visually connecting the sides and rear. While these L-shaped rear combination lamps inherit BMW's traditional design, they incorporate the latest LED light bars, resulting in a clean silhouette for the rear lamps, free from a segmented appearance.

Improved Driving Performance and Fuel Efficiency

There are two key points regarding driving dynamics in the new 5 Series: weight reduction and aerodynamics.

Regarding weight reduction, Mr. Ohno stated, "We have reduced weight and improved rigidity by optimizing material combinations. Through the incorporation of various lightweight materials, we have achieved a weight reduction of up to 100 kg compared to the previous 5 Series, and 80 kg for the Japanese specifications." High-tensile steel sheets are used for the roof structure, side frames, and rear end, while aluminum is used for the engine hood, trunk lid, engine cross member, rear side members, roof, and doors. As a result, fuel efficiency, handling, and acceleration/deceleration performance have all been enhanced.

BMW 540i

Aerodynamics have been improved from a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25 in the previous model to 0.22.

Five powertrain options will be introduced in Japan. The "523i," equipped with a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine, produces a maximum output of 184 ps and a maximum torque of 290 Nm. The "523d," also with a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder diesel engine, delivers 190 ps and 400 Nm. Another model, the "530i," also features a 2-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 252 ps and 350 Nm. The "540i" is powered by a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine, with a maximum output of 340 ps and maximum torque of 450 Nm. This model is also available with all-wheel drive, xDrive.

Finally, there is the plug-in hybrid "530e." This model combines a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with a high-output electric motor integrated into an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a total system output of 252 ps and 420 Nm.

According to Mr. Ohno, when comparing the acceleration of the 523d to the previous model, he explained, "While acceleration has improved from 8.1 seconds to 7.5 seconds, fuel efficiency remains at 21.5 km/l, the best in its segment. This is an approximately 30 percent improvement over the previous model and is the second-best fuel efficiency among BMW models. These figures were achieved through weight reduction and improved aerodynamics."

The 530e is scheduled for introduction in the third quarter of 2017, and the 523i in the fourth quarter.

Another key aspect of the driving dynamics is the Integrated Active Steering system, which provides four-wheel steering. While it was standard on the previous 5 Series, it now steers the rear wheels in the opposite phase by approximately 3 degrees at speeds below 60 km/h, reducing the minimum turning radius. At speeds above 60 km/h, it steers the rear wheels in the same phase by approximately 3 degrees, enhancing driving stability.

Partial Autonomous Driving Now Possible

Following the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the 5 Series now also enables partial autonomous driving. By incorporating two stereo cameras within the rearview mirror and equipping front and rear with three and two radar sensors respectively, four new functions have been added.

First is "Steering & Lane Control Assist." The stereo cameras detect lanes and vehicles ahead, applying steering force to assist the driver in staying near the center of the lane during high-speed driving. In traffic jams, it supports following the vehicle ahead, enhancing safety and convenience during driving and partially realizing future autonomous driving technology.

Next is "Active Side Collision Protection." This system activates when there is an imminent risk of a side collision, such as a vehicle in the adjacent lane entering its lane. It intervenes with steering to create distance from the approaching vehicle towards the opposite side, while maintaining the vehicle within its lane.

The third function is "Rear-end Collision Warning." It monitors vehicles behind and, based on the distance and approach speed, warns the driver of the following vehicle by activating the hazard lights if a rear-end collision is imminent.

The fourth function, "Cross Traffic Warning," detects the risk of collision with crossing vehicles or pedestrians when maneuvering out of a parking space or at T-junctions with poor visibility. It alerts the driver via a warning display on the central information display in the center console.

Additionally, it is equipped with Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning, and Collision Mitigation Brake.

The 5 Series has sold over 8 million units worldwide. The catchphrase for the new 5 Series, which has evolved in its seventh generation after seven years, is "Business Athlete." Peter Kronschabl, President and CEO of BMW Japan, stated, "A business athlete is someone who balances professional responsibilities with their personal life, making the most of every moment. They are individuals who strive for success in both their careers and their lives. The new BMW 5 Series will be their perfect partner."

Prices range from ¥5.99-7.45 million for the entry-level 523i, ¥7.64-7.89 million for the 530i, and ¥9.72-10.17 million for the top-end 540i, which is also available with 4WD. The diesel 523d is priced at ¥6.98-7.66 million, and the hybrid 530e at ¥7.78-8.03 million. Deliveries will begin in February, with the 530e expected around summer and the 523i around autumn.