4:38pm Thursday 9th October 2003
When it comes to adventurous design, BMW is one of the prime exponents. Cars like the 7 Series and the Z4 roadster caused a few raised eyebrows, in Ireland, when it was first displayed, and the 5 Series follows that trend.
Its predecessor was tidily – if a little conservatively – styled, but the latest car marks a new design philosophy for BMW.
Although certain BMW trademarks, like the kidney-shaped grille and the cut-back rear window pillar remain, the days of lookalike BMWs are over - from now on, each volume model will display its own, unmistakable personality.
At first glance, the 5 Series seems to incorporate cues from both the Z4 and the 7 Series.
The oddly proportioned bootlid is reminiscent of the 7 Series, while the ‘flame-surfaced’ flanks reflect the light in a similar way to the Z4.
Whereas the 7 Series and the Z4 are relatively specialist items, the 5 Series represents a major cash cow for BMW, and if the public don’t take to the styling, there will be major consequences.
Much of the focus has gone into developing innovative technology, but at the same time keeping weight from creeping up. More space is coupled with a weight saving of up to 65kg, due in no small part to lightweight aluminium, including much of the chassis and bodywork of the car, and the suspension components.
Three engines are available; the 170bhp 520i, the 231bhp 530i and the 218bhp 530d diesel.
Both the petrol-powered units use BMW’s latest bi-VANOS valve actuation system, that gives hefty torque low down, and outright power at the top of the rev range.
Even the entry-level 520i will sprint to 60mph in 8.8 seconds, hit a top speed of 143mph, and yet return an average of 31.4mpg.
Step up to the six-speed 530i and the sprint drops to 6.7 seconds, the top speed rises to 155mph, but fuel economy doesn’t take too much of a hit, the 530i turning in a creditable 29.7mpg.
However, the real star of the show is the 530d. Despite coming within a whisker of the 530i’s sprint to 60 – the diesel car stops the watch at an amazing 6.9 seconds – it will still go on to 152mph, and return 41mpg.
These models will be joined shortly by the 192bhp 525i and the 333bhp 545i. Although the 5 Series does carry over some 7 Series styling cues, it’s clear that BMW has listened to customer feedback.
The bootlid is less extreme, and, although the 5 Series features the controversial iDrive control system, it’s notably easier to use than the 7 Series system, and is backed up by more knobs and switches on the fascia.
Much thought has gone into the way electronic systems blend with good old manual ones. BMW has taken the notion that electronics should aid rather than replace manual systems.
Rather than developing the sort of pure ‘drive-by-wire’ systems that often isolate the driver from road feedback, BMW has instead developed a system that maintains a link between the front wheels and the steering wheel, but which adjusts the power assistance dependent upon speed and yaw rate, promising quick turn-in when you punch the 5 Series into a corner, but without the accompanying nervousness at high-speed that many such cars demonstrate.
This system is networked to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, reducing the interventions DSC has to make.
Dynamic Drive, BMW’s active suspension system, is available as an option, and Active Cruise Control, a system that automatically controls distances to the car in front, is also available to order.
BMW hasn’t left too many safety features out of the 5 Series. Brake Force Display is an interesting concept, enlarging the brake light area when the driver really anchors on.
Another first for BMW is Adaptive Headlights – a feature many will associate more with Citroen.
This system, sadly still an option, swivels the headlights by up to 15 degrees left and right, to illuminate more of the road through a bend.
BMW has yet to offer this technology, but it will be along shortly.
It’s tricky to see how BMW can fail with the 5 Series.
The styling may look a little avant-garde now, but my suspicion is that it’s just the right blend of challenging modernity and relative familiarity.
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