BMW unveils new 5 Series sedan

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The 550i will get the well-liked 411PS twin-turbo direct injection V8 (see our 750i test - that's the same engine). The 550i expects to whoosh past 100kmph in 5 seconds. Below that is the 535i with a 309PS turbo-six. This inline six, by the way, is new. Displacement and output is the same, but there a single-scroll turbo which uses the Valvetronic variable lift system to manage airflow. That's BMW's first Valvetronic-Turbo-Six combo. A normally aspirated version of the 535i will also happen later on with 247PS on tap - that's the 528i. Further below is the 523i which manages 206PS. The diesel range tops out at the 530d which makes 247PS, followed by the 525d with 206PS. The bottom engine is in the 520d which is the four-cylinder turbo-diesel making 184PS. This car has automatic start-stop fitted as standard according to the release, which allows it to hit 20kmph in the European test cycle. All the new BMW 5 series are available with an optional 8 speed automatic transmission except for the 550i which the gets the automatic transmission as a standard feature. Design wise, there's a fair hint of the sculpting seen in the new 3 Series' bonnet as well as the flat, tall bonnet shape from the new 7 Series. The design has toned down in its flourishes and the effect is of a more serious, if more buttoned down car. The side and rear profiles, though are distinctly BMW and it's the front that actually looks subdued compared to the E60. The effect is that of a more muscular, more serious BMW 5er than before - a good move, we think.

We're not expecting to the see the new car in the flesh even as a review at the Auto Expo in Delhi in January 2010. However, we're confident that the car will arrive in India and replace the E60 in the econd half of next year, around July to August 2010.

Obviously, this is just the beginning. There will be the new M5 that will come at some stage, with a bonkers engine and all of that kind of fun...

The full press release is on the next page