For current BMW dealers this is probably good news as this new 5 Series looks very different to the current popular model which means the many current owners might be motivated to trade in their cars but for owners of the multi-award winning BMW 5-Series, their current car values will be falling sharply as dealers start giving pre-registration discounts to clear the large amount of stocks sitting in yards and multi-story car parks all over.
In Malaysia, dealers will let you drive away with a high spec BMW 5-Series (520i Luxury) for as low as RM295,000 which is a hefty RM33,800 discount (new car official price is RM328,800). Now with this 2021 5-Series in the horizon, expect another RM10-15,000 discount on the outgoing model.
PRESS RELEASE: A long list of accolades, including Car of the Year, class winner in the Best Cars Award, Executive Car of the Year and winner of the Connected Car Awards, reflects the outstanding qualities of the current model generation.
Stepping up the road presence: the new exterior
The exterior design of the BMW 5-Series is headlined by sporting grace and clean surfaces. Precise modifications showcase the Sedan and Touring’s presence and exquisite sporting style even more vividly. Large, tautly drawn surfaces at the front and rear, the bold BMW kidney grille and new headlights and rear lights ensure the 5-Series exudes considerable visual impact.
Slight increase in vehicle length, but proportions otherwise unchanged
With their long bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, short overhangs, a long wheelbase and wide tracks, the familiar BMW proportions of the new BMW 5-Series Sedan and new BMW 5-Series Touring make no secret of the cars’ dynamic character. Their width, height and wheelbase are unchanged, but the extra 27 millimetres (BMW 5-Series Sedan) / 21 millimetres (BMW 5-Series Touring) of exterior length – both models now measure 4,963 millimetres – underscore the sweeping elegance on display.
Leading the way once again for aerodynamic drag
With a drag coefficient as low as Cd = 0.23 in the case of the Sedan and Cd = 0. 26 for the Touring, the new BMW 5-Series models continue to set the standard for aerodynamics in their respective segments. Among the key contributors here are the sophisticated design of the cars’ trim mouldings and the active air flap control system for the radiator.
Newly designed front end: taut surfaces, bold kidney grille, focused look
The most distinctive features of the revised front end include the bold BMW kidney grille with modified contouring and the headlights with new light graphic. Generously sized, tightly sculpted surfaces in body colour and vertical air intakes on either side of the front apron underscore the exterior’s elegant interplay of lines and give the car an even more expressive appearance.
Modern evolution of the iconic BMW kidney grille
The prominent kidney grille immediately catches the eye with a new, octagonal form. This modern interpretation of the BMW icon adds extra width and height, drops down further into the front apron and is framed by a single-piece surround. Also playing their part in the grille’s arresting appearance are the vertical bars, the top sections of which jut further out. The larger dimensions of the BMW kidney grille provide an attractive contrast against the now slimmer headlights.
New headlights with L-shaped daytime driving lights create a focused look
LED headlights with automatic headlight range control are again fitted as standard on the new 5-Series. The two daytime driving light sources – arranged next to one other – are U-shaped, the turn indicators are located in special light modules at the outer edge of the headlights.
The two new optional LED headlights create a totally new appearance. The two L-shaped light tubes arranged next to one another in each light unit have a precise and modern graphic. The new contouring of the headlights and the structure of the light sources at their heart bring a modern twist to the focused look familiar from BMW’s past and present. With these units, the outer daytime driving lights also perform the role of turn indicators. All of the light functions use LED technology as standard.
Adaptive LED Headlights, now with matrix function
New full-LED headlights including adaptive cornering function, BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam with matrix technology, and the High-beam Assistant are offered as an option.
The matrix function of the BMW Selective Beam high beam system allows range to be increased while preventing other road users from being dazzled. Here, high beam is divided into four LED segments, which can be activated and deactivated independently of one another as the situation on the road demands. The instant the front-mounted camera detects an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle in front, low beam only will be used to illuminate the area around the vehicle, while the remaining high-beam segments continue to improve road visibility.
The cornering light and high beam are proactively adjusted using GPS. The dynamic light distribution (city, motorway and country road light) function generates different types of illumination, optimised to the driving situation at hand.
BMW Laserlight now available as an option for all BMW 5-Series models
In 2019, BMW Laserlight was introduced into some top-of-the-line 5-Series models. And now all variants of the new BMW 5-Series Sedan and new BMW 5-Series Touring can be ordered with BMW Laserlight as an option.
This system adds a dynamic Laserlight module to the Adaptive LED Headlights with matrix function. At speeds over 60 km/h (37 mph), this strengthens the non-dazzling high beam and follows the course of the road. At up to 650 metres, range is almost double that of the conventional headlights available for the new 5-Series. Added to which, the extremely bright and strong BMW Laserlight achieves a significantly higher level of light intensity. As part of the dynamic light distribution and BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam systems, it also boosts the effectiveness of low beam on country roads and motorways.
Blue inlays at the upper edges of the headlights and “BMW Laser” lettering in the headlight glass are the visual calling cards of this advanced technology.
An eye-catching design option for cars ordered with the Adaptive LED Headlights and BMW Laserlight is BMW Individual Shadowline headlights with darkened inlays at the upper edges of the headlights.
The optional BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline comprises features such the window surrounds, Air Breathers and elements of the exterior mirrors in High-gloss Black.
The new BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline with extended features adds a High-gloss Black surround and bars for the kidney grille and exhaust tailpipe finishers in Black Chrome (only on cars with the M Sport package) to the options list.
New rear end accentuates car’s width to elegant effect
The gracefully sporting, modern appearance of the new BMW 5-Series is enhanced at the rear of both the Sedan and Touring models by clear surfacing with minimalist lines.
Trapezoidal tailpipe finishers now standard on all BMW 5-Series models. Regardless of the equipment line and engine specified, all models of the new BMW 5-Series come with trapezoidal tailpipe finishers, which are now integrated to the left and right in the rear apron inlay. The top of the grey-coloured inlay has black trim edging as standard (trim edging is electroplated on Luxury Line cars).
Three-dimensional sculpted rear lights with new graphic
A new L-shaped light graphic gives the BMW 5-Series its own clear identity. Black edging lends the rear lights a slimmer appearance. The rear lights and brake lights are integrated into a single light fixture. An overhang in the outer edge of the graphic’s upper section brings a fresh interpretation of the familiar BMW L shape. The prominently three-dimensional external lens now houses the light fixture directly, creating an iconographic showcase for the main light functions.
M Sport package with powerful new design
The newly developed M Sport package stands out with its new, dynamically proportioned aerodynamic features. These include an all-new front apron, whose surfaces are split up by a U-shape structure pointing towards the road. The gratings of the significantly enlarged air intakes now have a modern mesh structure. The BMW kidney grille bars have Aluminium matt faces. If BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line with extended features is specified, the bars are painted all-black and the exhaust tailpipe finishers come in Black Chrome. And a new diffuser element in the rear apron uses more pronounced contours to optimise airflow.
New BMW M550i xDrive Sedan with model-specific design features
The new BMW M550i xDrive Sedan has the bespoke looks to match its standout sporting character. Its model-specific design cues have been coordinated precisely into a harmonious composition and optimise the car’s handling dynamics, supply of cooling air and aerodynamic properties. Complementing the aerodynamically optimised body elements included in the M Sport package, the new BMW M550i xDrive Sedan also features a rear spoiler on the boot lid. The exterior mirror caps, BMW kidney grille surround, inlays in the front air intakes and Air Breathers, and the model lettering in Cerium Grey metallic add exclusive visual flourishes. BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline brings adornments including High-gloss Black for elements such as the window surrounds, Air Breathers and exterior mirror edging. The M car also comes as standard with 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design. The BMW M550i xDrive Sedan has dual trapezoidal tailpipe finishers in Black Chrome and a four-branch look.
New paint finishes for the BMW 5-Series range
The exterior paintwork of the new BMW 5-Series Sedan and new BMW 5-Series Touring is available in two non-metallic and eight metallic colour shades. New additions include the Phytonic Blue metallic and Bernina Grey Amber effect variants. The BMW Individual range for the new BMW 5-Series comprises new Aventurine Red metallic and Tanzanite Blue metallic, alongside the familiar Alvit Grey metallic.
Extensive selection of wheel variants available; customers can now also specify Air Performance Wheels
In customary BMW 5-Series fashion, the new model is also available with a large selection of light-alloy wheels in 17- to 20-inch formats, some with new styles and colours.
The unique, aerodynamically and weight-optimised 20-inch BMW Individual Air Performance Wheels are making their debut appearance. The innovative light-alloy wheels bring about a reduction in drag coefficient of around 5 per cent compared to the same car with conventional light-alloy wheels. As a result of this extra efficiency and the lower weight, combustion-engined variants of the new BMW 5-Series achieve a cut in CO2 emissions of up to 3 g/km in the WLTP test cycle. Plug-in hybrid models lower CO2 output by up to 2 g/km, with electric range increasing by an average of one kilometre (0.62 miles). High-quality precision-fit inlays are fitted to the aluminium Y-spoke base wheel to optimise aerodynamic efficiency by judiciously managing airflow management and cutting turbulence. The BMW Group is the world’s first carmaker to combine cast aluminium with aerodynamically optimised inlays.
M Sport braking system with blue or now also red painted callipers
Specifying the optional M Sport braking system brings additional stylistic touches. Customers can now choose to have the brake callipers with M logo painted in blue or red.
Interior and equipment
Hallmark features of the BMW 5-Series include an interior which blends contemporary elegance with driver-focused cockpit design – and therefore provides the ideal environment for driving pleasure and comfortable progress over long distances. High-quality materials and precise workmanship bring a modern, premium ambience to the new 5-Series’ cabin. The iDrive control and operation system comprises a freestanding Control Display, which now has a 10.25-inch screen diagonal as standard. If the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional is specified, the monitor’s diameter increases to 12.3 inches.
Two other factors in the customary long-distance driving qualities of the BMW 5-Series are the generous feeling of space in all five seats and the superbly engineered acoustics. As well as effective body sealing and the sound insulation integrated into the headliner, acoustics-related measures also include soundproofing for the load compartment of Touring models.
New additions to standard equipment
Standard specification for all 5-Series models now also encompasses automatic climate control with extended functions, separate controls for the driver and front passenger, and the SYNC function. And the buttons on the centre console now have surfacing in High-gloss Black.
Sophisticated premium ambience, enhanced comfort
In addition to the familiar electrically adjustable standard seats and optional sports seats and comfort seats, customers ordering the M Sport package will also be able to specify new M multifunction seats – previously reserved for the BMW M5 – with integral head restraints and optimised side and shoulder support. Their range of functions includes electric adjustment of the seat position, backrest angle and width, thigh support and head restraint height.
The surfaces of the standard seats are trimmed in cloth – or in cloth/Alcantara if the M Sport package box is ticked.
Alternatively, the new BMW 5-Series Sedan and new BMW 5-Series Touring are now available for the first time with synthetic Sensatec perforated trim. This high-quality material can be ordered in three colours, and its contrast stitching and quilting create an extremely stylish feel. Sensatec can be specified for both the standard seats and optional sports seats.
A wide selection of Dakota leather and Nappa leather upholstery variants are still available. And customers can also plump for BMW Individual Merino full leather trim in a choice of three colours.
The familiar active seat ventilation feature, which is offered in conjunction with several of the leather trim variants for the comfort seat option, has achieved an even higher level of effectiveness.
The level of seating comfort provided by the comfort seats and M multifunction seats has been enhanced significantly by a host of modifications. And both seat variants can still be ordered with the massage functions providing mobilisation, relaxation and vitality.
The black surfaces of the instrument panel trimmed in optional Sensatec are now enriched by contrast stitching in a classy shade of brown.
The selection of available interior trim strips is likewise more extensive than before. The Aluminium Rhombicle Smoke Grey variant with accent trim strip in Pearl-effect Chrome is new to the M Sport package for the BMW 5-Series. And the array of variants included on the options list has increased further with the addition of ash open-pore fine-wood interior trim with accent trim strips in Pearl-effect Chrome.
The individualisation options for the interior also include the BMW Individual headliner in anthracite-coloured Alcantara.
Exclusive interior for the new BMW M550i xDrive Sedan
Inside the new BMW M550i xDrive Sedan, exclusive equipment features over and above those in the M Sport package include model badges on the front/rear door sill plates and in the instrument cluster display. As in the predecessor model, the M leather steering wheel comes as standard with shift paddles, so drivers can toggle through the gears of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission manually.
Functionality at the usual high level, intelligent storage concept
With its large storage compartments and door pockets, two drinks holders in both the front and rear compartments, plus 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear-seat backrests, the new 5-Series brings modern functionality to everyday driving and longer journeys in customary style. The optional Comfort Access teams up with automatic tailgate activation (standard on the BMW 5-Series Touring) to provide hands-free opening and closing of the boot lid/tailgate. The enhanced versatility of the BMW 5-Series Touring is also evident in the rear-seat backrest sections, which can be released from their locked position using buttons inside the boot and then fold down automatically. The luggage compartment cover and partition net are now contained in separate cartridges that can be stowed away in matching recesses underneath the luggage compartment floor. The separately-opening rear window in the tailgate of the 5-Series Touring is a BMW brand signature – and not offered by any rival in the marketplace.
The load capacity of the BMW 5-Series Sedan remains 530 litres (plug-in hybrid models: 410 litres), while the BMW 5-Series Touring allows owners of petrol and diesel models to increase boot space from 560 to 1,700 litres. The size of the load compartment in the new plug-in hybrid Touring models is likewise only slightly restricted by the space-saving positioning of the high-voltage battery underneath the rear seat bench. Folding down the 40 : 20 : 40 rear-seat backrests increases capacity from 430 to a maximum 1,560 litres.
