NEW BENCHMARK BMW 5 SERIES NOW IN SOUTH AFRICA

“7 Series at the front, 3 Series at the rear”. My first visual impression of the all-new BMW 5 Series (codename F10) which was launched in South Africa this week. And that’s not a bad thing at all, considering the 3 is one of the best-designed cars on the road today, while the 7 exudes presence and mad respect. While the word “elegant” has not been used to describe any BMW for years (except the current 3 Series Coupe/ Convertible), the 5ver comes pretty close, especially at the rear.

At just under five metres long and 1.6m wide, the car has piled up dimensions considerably. As a result interior comfort levels are unprecedented, perhaps for the segment, but certainly for the model range. Motoring scribes don’t often spend time at the back seat of any car, so when I was ushered into this largely unfamiliar territory, I almost lost my breath. That particular model was fitted with the optional DVD screens for passenger entertainment, along with other goodies. Eat your heart out 7 Series!

As large as it is, the high 5 does not feel it at all when it comes to taking bends and curvy roads. Along 300km-plus of mixed roads, including three mountain passes, the car went at it like Lewis Hamilton at McLaren. Front suspension is a double track control arm axle with separate lower track arm level, aluminium, small steering roll radius and an anti-dive system for the first time. The rear has an integral-V multi-arm axle and a similar system to the 7 Series, which, at low speeds turns the rear wheels very slightly in the opposite direction of the front ones. At high speed all four turn in the same direction. The net effect is a car that confidently devours curves without ever feeling its size. Compact and precise is how I’d describe it. Not exactly what you would expect of something weighing over 1 700kg.

The range consists of six models; a baseline 523i (150kW, 250Nm), then 528i (190kW, 310Nm), a 535i and 550i (300kW, 600Nm) on the petrol side, and two diesels in the form of a 520d and a 530d. All six have the same 8-speed automatic gearbox as standard, a first for the segment. Because of stock unavailability we couldn’t drive anything but the 535i and the 530d.

Featuring a 3.0-litre petrol with a single twinscroll turbo unit, the 535i pushes out the same power as its twin turbo predecessor did; 225kW at 5800rpm and the same amount of torque, 400Nm but at an earlier 1200rpm. Same power and torque but from one turbo. The 535i replaces the 530i and from what I experienced, customers will not be laying any wreaths on the latter’s grave. Power is instant and urgent, depending on the chosen settings. BMW says it will go from 0 – 100km/h in 6.1 seconds and only stop at 250km/h. Average fuel consumption is said to be 8.4 litres per 100km and C02 emissions are 195g/km. We got around 10.3 for the fuel index during 350km or so, but of course illegal speeds were quite frequent. At some point the speedometer indicated a highly jailbird-inducting 245km/h.

The diesel is equally capable as far as the driving experience is concerned, although it will not do the same speeds as the petrol. But the 3.0-litre common rail with direct injection turbo sure is sweet to the right foot. Maximum go is a best-in-class 180kW achieved at 4000rpm, while peak torque is a massive 540Nm between 1750rpm and 3000rpm. Acceleration is said to be 6.3 seconds and top speed 250km/h. We tried to get it there but ran out of straight road unfortunately, or fortunately. Fuel consumption averages 6.1 litres per 100km and C02 emissions are 160 g/km.

Standard features across the range include the 8-speed automatic gearbox (there will be no manuals at all with these cars in Mzansi), leather seats, air conditioning, keyless engine start, a multifunction steering wheel, Park Distance Control, Bluetooth preparation, and a USB interface. There is a list of options as long as George Bush jnr’s nose, including things like 270-degree cameras for parking, DVD players for both front and rear, side window curtains, a TV function (sorry, no DSTV or Top TV) and voice control.

BMW has always been known as the sportiest brand in its segment. And while once or twice this position was threatened, it has not quite been taken. What the new 5 Series does is to add exceptional comfort to that feisty pedigree through its lush interior, adjustable suspension, beefy steering and technological prowess. Achieving such a balance is not only rare but some say it’s damn near impossible. The 5 Series, I dare declare, has made the impossible, possible.

2010 BMW 5 Series Pricing

523i (R479 000)

520d (R485 000)

528i (R568 500)

530d (R630 000)

535i (R646 000)

550i (R835 000)