BMW began producing the 5-Series models in 1972 and is currently producing the sixth generation of the luxury car. Sold in both sedan and touring styles, the BMW 5-Series is powered by a single turbo inline-6 N55 and the twin-turbo V8 N63, and is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW also released the 5-Series Gran Turismo which is a coupé-like crossover powered by a single-turbo diesel I6 producing 242hp, a single-turbo I6 producing 302hp, and a twin-turbo V8 producing 402hp. These engines are mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and get stopping power from the new Brake Energy Regeneration system.
The new BMW 5-Series will go on sale on the US market this June with prices starting at $50,475 for the 535i Sedan and $60,575 for the 550i sedan. Of course, before making such an important decision, consumers may want to jump on board and play around with the new online configurator for the 5-series that BMW has just unleashed.
For starters, drivers can choose the exterior color of their dream vehicle before moving to the interior where they can choose between different leather and trim colors. After that, decisions get a little easier depending on how much money drivers want to spend. BMW offers a slew of packages that seem to include things that should probably come with the vehicle anyway. Their packages include: an active ventilated seat package, a dynamic handling package, a sport package, a convenience package, a premium package 2 (which is weird because we didn’t see a premium package 1), and a couple of others that we didn’t feel were important enough to mention. In addition to this long list of packages, consumers can also choose from a variety of options for performance, entertainment, conevenience, and safety. That pretty much sums up the online configurator.
The BMW 550i is powered by a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 delivering a total of 400-hp. The engine is mated to a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission, 8-speed automatic transmission or new Sport Automatic 8-speed.
The BMW 535i has a 3.0 liter, 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The car produces 300hp with 300lb-ft of torque.
So, if you have a couple of hours to waste and are thinking of purchasing a new BMW 5-series then we suggest you take a look at the online configurator. It would be a sure way to waste time and accomplish nothing in the process. We say this not because the configurator isn’t helpful or good, but because it will probably lead to fun instead of production.
Quebec isn’t exactly a burgeoning auto hotspot in that part of the world, but nevertheless, BMW picked it to host a launch party for the all-new 2011 BMW 5-Series. This recap video of the festivites, which was published by BMW, highlights the 5-Series’ long history in the Canadian market with BMW Laval being given the honor to personally unveil the new 5-Series.
As a gathering crowd of some pretty well-dressed folks witnessed the covers being pulled, you could really tell the enthusiasm and genuinely positive response to the car, a rare occurrence these days considering the large number of vehicles that have failed to meet people’s expectations.
The 2011 5-Series that will be sold in Canada will be similar to what’s going to be offered in the US with the base model being the 528i, followed by the 535i and topped off by the top-of-the-line 550i XDrive Gran Turismo.
Check out the video to see highlights of the Quebec launch party of the new 2011 BMW 5-Series.
BMW is no stranger to the more eccentric portion of living, but when you add BMW’s designers together with Patricia Urquiola and Giulioka Ridolfo, then what comes out is the birth of the downright bizarre. We are talking about a BMW 5 series Gran Turismo that has been disassembled and then reassembled with an onslaught of accessories. The most obvious are the 5 gigantic cones jutting out of the car providing an amplified look at the interior. This particular structure was displayed at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile this month.
Patricia Urquiola describes her inspiration for this dramatic transformation, “Usually we perceive cars from the outside, and then the inside follows. However, our direct interaction is with the inside: it is the core that protects and comforts us, the space in direct contact with our bodies and our functions and needs in the process of traveling. I investigated this interface and tried to understand the possible evolution as a softer, dwelling experience.” We assume this is where the name, “The Dwelling Lab” came from. The word dwelling means, “a house or other building or place in which somebody lives,” and so this concept brings a whole new meaning to “living out of your car.”
Hit the jump for the full story and to watch the video of the BMW’s transformation.
BMW America announced that the North American market will get, next to the 535i and 550i, a new addition to the 5-Series line-up. The new 528i Sedan is priced at $45,425 and will go on sale this July. As we mentioned before, we believe that BMW will eventually bring out new models of every car in their current line-up and juice them up with their EfficientDynamics technologies. The BMW 528i brings us closer to being correct. We can’t blame them, they have come up with a remarkable technology that should be taken advantage of.
The 528i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that delivers 240 HP and 230 lb-ft of torque. The sprint from 0 to 60mph is made in 6.6 seconds when the engine is mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission.
The options list includes: new 17-inch light alloy wheels, the optional Sport Package that includes 18-inch light alloy wheels, a standard lumbar support, and a larger standard moonroof. The new sedan will be offered with rake energy regeneration, valvetronic, electric power steering, and an on-demand operation of engine accessory drives.
Consumers will now be able to get the always beautful BMW with more advanced features and technological breakthroughs. Sign us up!
BMW has unveiled the BMW 550i xDrive Gran Turismo in China at the Beijing Auto Show. This is the first BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo to be equipped with the xDrive all-wheel-drive technology.
The BMW 550i xDrive Gran Turismo is powered by a 4.4 liter V8 engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and High Precision Injection. The engine delivers a total of 407 hp and a peak torque of 442 lb-ft and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This also makes the 550i xDrive Gran Turismo become the first model to combine BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive with an outstandingly dynamic, smooth, comfortable, and highly efficient eight-speed automatic transmission.
