Asian Carmakers Corporation pulled another rabbit from its hat with the recent launch of the all-new 5 Series at the BGC Arts Center in Taguig. With business titan Ramon Ang and Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez leading the charge, Manila’s elite and select members of the motoring media witnessed the unveiling of the 5 Series.
This year’s variant boasts of a dynamic redesign, reduced weight and a set of more powerful, yet fuel efficient turbo diesel engines. “As the world’s most successful business car, the seventh generation BMW 5 Series mirrors the goals of our NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy. With the expansion of our model portfolio in the premium business segment, we are confident that the all-new BMW 5 Series will further extend its emotional appeal by embodying all the values of the business athlete – strong character, relentless determination and a dynamic outlook on life,” explains Maricar Parco, ACC president.
SONNY ESPIRITU
Since 1972, the 5 Series has distinguished itself as a driver’s car and has since evolved into a sophisticated, comfortable sedan that attempts to be all things to most people. In the process, the 5 Series traded some of its driver’s car chops for a more isolated feel. The 2017 model doesn’t stray far from this contemporary vision of the 5 Series. And despite being a tad larger and bringing an arsenal of technology to bear, the new car manages to be fit and well trimmed to take on its competitors such as the Mercedes Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and the Lexus GS 350. Glancing at the car a few steps away from the stage, the new 5 Series grows in length by 1.2 inches and stands 0.6 inch taller than the outgoing model, while the wheelbase and width are nearly unchanged. The updated cabin primarily benefits backseat passengers, who gain 1.2 inches of legroom. These modest changes to its footprint, combined with the evolutionary styling, mean the new car is readily familiar.
According to CAC Marketing Chief Karl Magsuci, the new 5 Series keeps its weight in check by employing lightweight and strong metals such as aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel. Weight is said to be reduced by up to 137 pounds. Expect the real-world weight savings compared with last year’s 5 Series to be negligible. That’s because the new 5 Series is packed with technology that offsets the weight saved in the structure. It even borrows some of its cabin features from its bigger brother, the 7 Series.
Upfront, visible changes can be seen through its elongated hood which accentuates the brand’s patented kidney grille which seamlessly merges with the Adaptive LED headlamps. This gives the vehicle a broader stance. The character lines on the side turn up as they head rearwards further highlighting the Hofmeister Kink, which is a signature design element of every BMW vehicle.
At the rear, the tail pipes are now symmetrically arranged on either side giving the all-new BMW 5 Series a bold, stylish, athletic demeanor at all times. The forms and precision of its design combine presence, aesthetics, and functionality in equal measure. The quality of the interior is further improved from its predecessor with the finest materials used throughout the cabin. Leather Dakota upholstery comes as standard, and the range-topping 530d Luxury includes Leather Nappa. The trims of the door panels are either in wood or aluminum while the surface of the dashboard in selected variants are covered in Sensatec material. These trim parts are laser cut at the factory, to ensure the perfect fit-and-finish for every single 5 Series.
The rear passenger space has also been greatly improved. The knee room is 18mm longer than its predecessor and the seat cushion length is one of the best in its class. The transmission tunnel is narrow and the middle seat has been made wider to ensure that three adults can sit comfortably in the back.
CAC says that the all-new 5 Series will available in three trim levels for the local market. The entry level (P4.5M) BMW 520d will be offered in Luxury trim and an aesthetically upgraded M Sport Package (P4.9M). Both are powered by a 2-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine producing a 190 hp and 400 Nm. The difference lies in the exterior and interior trims. For those who can afford to shell out the P6.3 million price tag of the high end 530d in Luxury trim, you get a 3-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that produces 265 hp and 620 Nm. This variant comes with the top-grade Leather Nappa upholstery for the interior, 20-inch BMW Individual wheels, soft-close function for the doors, and the BMW Remote Control Parking with which the driver can park the car while he is outside the vehicle by just using the display key.
“Today, the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series has made yet another breakthrough in our quest for modern mobility, highest quality, and absolute precision. The all-new BMW 5 Series strikes a perfect balance of sport and style, with a sleek exterior and a host of innovative technologies within and we are proud to present it to the Philippine market,” says Parco.