Global bestseller, winner of a string of comparison tests and "Germany's favourite car" - the BMW 5-Series represents a quite unique success story. Its sales figures, the verdicts of experts and the response of the public make a compelling narrative. And now the BMW 5-Series Sedan, BMW 5-Series Touring and BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo are preparing to build on their standout presence in the world's car markets with the help of cutting-edge technological innovations and sensitively modified design features. The introduction of the new BMW 5-Series provides the latest highlight in the development of the company's longest-serving model family; the BMW 5-Series has been a fixture in the BMW portfolio since 1972 - longer than any other current model. It didn't take the 5-Series long to establish itself as a paragon of driving pleasure and aesthetic appeal in its segment. And today it can add efficiency and innovation to the list of disciplines in which it leads the way in the executive car market.
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| 2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid |
The BMW 5-Series Sedan currently rolling off the assembly line is the sixth-generation model. An impressively harmonious balance between sporting flair and elegance has been a defining feature of the four-door variant since it first made the leap from the drawing board to the road and went on to become the most popular executive car in one market after the next. Entering the fray in 1991 and now in its fourth generation, the BMW 5-Series Touring blends hallmark BMW dynamics and all-embracing comfort with a variable-usage cargo area designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of activities. And the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, unveiled in 2009, has seen BMW introduce drivers to an all-new type of car. Its extravagant design represents the expression of sports performance, luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility.
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| 2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid |
To date, over 6.6 million BMW 5-Series cars have left the factory. And the current BMW 5-Series is in excellent shape to surpass the record set by the highly successful last two generations, each of which sold in excess of 1.4 million units. A total of more than one million units of the current BMW 5-Series Sedan have been delivered to customers since the sales launch of the 5-Series in March 2010. No other generation has bettered these sales figures over such a short period of time.
The BMW 5-Series defended its leading position as the best-selling car in its class in supreme style once again last year, further extending its upward curve of constantly rising sales figures since its market launch.
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| 2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid |
Like the manual gearbox fitted in the BMW 5-Series, the eight-speed automatic option also stands out with its remarkable efficiency. Indeed, the majority of 5-Series models burn even less fuel with the eight-speed automatic specified than when the same engine teams up with the manual gearbox. All the models in the BMW 5-Series line-up come as standard with features including the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, the need-based operation of ancillary components, active air vents, Electric Power Steering and tyres with reduced rolling resistance. Elsewhere, modifications to the wheel arches and underbody panelling and a redesigned front apron contribute to further optimisation of the cars' aerodynamic properties. The result, among other things, is a reduction in the drag coefficient (Cd value) of the new BMW 520d to 0.25.
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| 2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid |
The standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch can be used to activate ECO PRO mode, which tweaks the engine management, accelerator responses and shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox to help the driver keep revs low and burn as little fuel as possible. Plus, efficient power usage for electrically operated functions such as the climate control system and the seat and exterior mirror heating ensures efficient energy management. A coasting mode is now also available for the first time in conjunction with the optional automatic gearbox. In ECO PRO mode this function disengages the powertrain as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h (31 and 99 mph). This allows the car to glide along with no engine braking effect and burning only minimal amounts of fuel.
The optional Navigation system Professional also does its bit to assist efficient driving, presenting drivers with not only the quickest or shortest route to their destination, but also the ECO PRO Route - mapped out to keep fuel consumption particularly low. Another innovation making its debut in the new BMW 5-Series range is the Proactive Driving Assistant. With the navigation system's route guidance activated, this function advises the driver on the ideal moment to take his foot off the accelerator when approaching corners and speed-restricted areas in order to reduce fuel consumption. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 comes with specially adapted versions of the coasting mode and Proactive Driving Assistant, helping customers to make maximum use of the car's pure electric driving potential.