Unveiled online, the 2021 BMW 5 Series has been revealed ahead of its Australian market launch confirmed for October, bringing fresh looks and more sophisticated technology under the bonnet.
The updated range offers 48V mild hybrid drivetrain technology for all models, revised styling inside and out, as well as the inclusion cutting-edge systems designed to improve the comfort and safety of every journey.
Whilst the exterior changes might appear minor at first glance, eagle eyed punters will be drawn to the many visual refinements which serve to highlight the traditional sporting allure of the brand. The newly deigned prominent BMW kidney grille with single piece surround is flanked by new all-LED headlights, with BMW Laserlight now available as an option for all model variants. These headlights are capable of lighting up corners adaptively, feature BMW’s Selective Beam ‘non-dazzling’ high beam with matrix technology as well as High-Beam Assist.
New three dimensional rear lights work together with the trapezoidal exhaust to underscore the car’s positioning as the sportiest of all the large German sedans on the market. BMW claims that the rear of the car has been redesigned with an emphasis on reducing the number of intersecting lines, emphasising the width of the vehicle. New paint colours are also available for the first time, their availability in Australia when the car launches in October is yet to be confirmed.
The changes to the interior might be subtle, but they work in unison to make the car a more inviting place to sit and travel in. The dashboard and steering wheel remain unchanged. The centre console controls have been revised and are joined by minor trim, accent and colouring revisions.
The cornerstone of the interior is the move to a larger 12.3-inch centre display, which sits proudly on top of the centre of the dashboard. BMW’s iDrive 7.0 makes a debut as well, along with wireless Android Auto joining the wireless Apple CarPlay for the first time in a BMW.
The updates to the 5 Series are not just skin deep. Under the bonnet, BMW has made a raft of enhancements to the 5 Series, designed to increase its efficiency, whilst maintaining its athletic performance. Chief among these is the decision to fit all engines with a 48 Volt mild-hybrid system designed to make the large sedan as frugal as possible. The system works by using a 48V starter-generator, giving an immediate power spike when needed to both lighten the combustion engine’s workload and boost its power.
The Australian 5 Series range currently includes the 520d, 520i, 530d, 530i, 530e and M550 xDrive in various trim levels with the M5 Competition at the top of the range. With this update, it is expected that all present powertrain offerings will see small improvements in outputs as well as efficiency gains.
BMW Australia has confirmed that there will be five variants introduced locally come October, including the M550i range-topper and 530e hybrid alongside two other petrol models and one diesel. The 5er joins the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Jaguar XF and Audi A6 in the market.
Stay posted for further developments closer to the launch date in October, as more comes to light regarding the pricing and local specifications of BMW’s more handsome and thrifty 5 Series.
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