BMW has done a great job in upgrading their all-new BMW 5 Series model — as a result, according to a Bloomberg report, the maker’s sales forecasts have been exceeded by a long shot. Launched in Europe this past March, the new F10 5-Series is now keeping up the flag for the German manufacturer, which as you know, in 2005 took the premium automaker crown from Mercedes-Benz — and it looks like they’re going to keep it for a while now. According to CEO Norbert Reithofer, BMW plans for “1.3 million unit sales this year”, and the new 5-Series sounds like their best bet against the recession. Don’t you think?

We are sure used to admiring the bimmers but this time around there is a different task at hand. We’ll be more inclined towards admiring ‘The Dwelling Lab’ which is a BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo inspired sculpture showcased during Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. The Sculpture aspires to make the people focus on the interior of the car first rather than the exterior as we do under normal circumstances. It is formed of five conical geometric shapes that jut out to invite the onlookers. The sculpture is sponsored by BMW, along with Danish textile specialists Kvadrat and Italian lighting firm Flos. Spanish architectural designer Patricia Urquiola and Italian designer Giulio Ridolfo have together finished this mammoth sculpture which aims to render a dwelling experience.

The AC Schnitzer tuning program gets an added front and rear spoilers along with more aggressive looking side skirts and a ventilated hood. Other noticeable changes include a redesigned rear end, an all new set of wheels and chrome exhaust tips. On the inside, the AC Schnitzer tuned BMW 5-Series GT gets aluminium pedals, an all new cover for the i-Drive controller and pleasing velour footmats. The tuning program also kicks up the performance with a 41HP power boost to the engine.

They surely find the standard 5-Series option a tad smaller which is why BMW is almost ready with its LWB S-Series variant that was spotted testing for cold weather conditions. The LWB 5-Series variant will fittingly break cover at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition which is to be held in April. BMW 5-Series LWB is 12-inches longer than the standard model which gives it an overall length of 5.04 meters, making it comparable to the previous generation 7 series. Other than China, 5-Series LWB may also make it to the Middle East dealerships. [via WCF]

The future of the station wagon in the US is also under the cloud after BMW has managed to sell less than 1,000 E60 (generation 5) touring models and the company has been clear why they’re pulling out the station wagon from the market. The addition of the ActiveHybrid 5 system will up the price quotient but BMW will try to keep the increase to minimum keeping in view the current market state. Initially, it will be the 535i and the 550i that will go on sale in June while the other models will follow later.

Note: pictured above is a 2011 BMW 5-series F10 Sedan

There’s a new 5-Series and it’s looking good. BMW has finally taken all the covers off the new 5 Series after yesterday giving us a peak of what it’s been testing the last few months.

The new 5 is codenamed the F10 and unlike the E60 that went before it, the new one looks good. Let’s face it – when the previous one was launched everybody was appalled shocked by those freakishly long eyebrows and the design were sadly not Chris Bangles best moment. An indication that you shouldn’t be smoking what he was smoking when you design a car.

Lesson learnt.

The new 5 is a much more graceful, completely uncontroversial design and there is a lot of the 7 series’ design language integrated in the new 5, but you’ll see that for yourselves in the photos and the video.

The new 5 series will be launched during the first quarter of 2010 in Europe, but we’ll have to wait and see when it comes to SA.

See the press release below for additional details.

The world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan once again marks the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the upper midrange segment. Through its sporting and elegant looks, driving dynamics typical of the brand, outstanding efficiency as well as innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation of BMW’s executive express convincingly reflects the supreme standard of the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars throughout the entire process of development. Design: charismatic, elegant, sporting.

With the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek engine compartment lid, short overhangs front and rear and a coupé-like, graceful roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan stands out clearly from the competition.

Overall, the aesthetic looks of the car are clearly determined by perfectly balanced proportions. Design features typical of the brand are to be found both at the front with its BMW kidney grille inclined slightly forward and on the strikingly chiselled engine compartment lid, in the stylish and elegant side view of the car, and on the muscular rear end.

Within the interior modern function and a superior ambience come together in perfect harmony, unmistakable style and clear orientation to the driver in the cockpit guaranteeing a truly unique driving and travelling experience.

Driving experience: supreme dynamics and outstanding comfort.

The most advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies ensure supreme sportiness and an even higher standard of motoring comfort all in one. At the same time optional Dynamic Driving Control enables the driver to set the suspension individually to his personal requirements. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is available with Adaptive Drive encompassing´Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive stability control, as well as BMW’s Integral Active Steering.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is making its debut with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines as well as two six-cylinder diesels. The range is rounded off by a four-cylinder turbodiesel with an aluminium crankcase and common-rail direct injection. Maximum output in this case of 135 kW/184 hp makes the BMW 520d fitted as standard with Auto Start Stop the new efficiency benchmark in its segment. Average fuel consumption in the EU5 test cycle is just 5.0 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 56.5 mpg imp), the CO2 emission rating is 132 g/km (provisional figures).

The top-of-the-range BMW 550i comes with an eight-cylinder boasting BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection for maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp. The straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp, while the two straight-six power units featuring High Precision Injection and lean-burn operation develop 190 kW/258 hp in the BMW 528i and, respectively, 150 kW/204 hp in the BMW 523i.

Straight-six diesels with the most advanced technology give the BMW 530d maximum output of 180 kW/245 hp and the BMW 525d an equally impressive 150 kW/204 hp. Fitted with optional BMW BluePerformance technology, the BMW 530d fulfils the EU6 emission standard. And it almost goes without saying that all versions of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan comply in full with the EU5 standard in Europe.

BMW EfficientDynamics: BMW 5 Series increasing the lead.

All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are available as an option with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 550i comes as standard with BMW’s automatic transmission optimised for efficiency, just like EPS Electric Power Steering featured on all models.

BMW EfficientDynamics technologies are naturally featured as standard in appropriate combinations on each model, with features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, a gearshift point indicator, active air flap control, and on-demand operation of ancillary units including a detachable a/c compressor. Intelligent lightweight construction, finally, is ensured by features such as the doors, engine compartment lid, front side panels and suspension components made of aluminium.

Innovative driver assistance systems with BMW ConnectedDrive.

The driver assistance systems offered for the first time in the context of BMW ConnectedDrive include a Parking Assistant, Surround View, collision warning with application of the brakes in conjunction with Active Cruise Control plus Stop & Go, and a new Speed Limit Device. Further features also available are Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, a Head-Up Display, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, and a back-up camera.

Description in Brief.

Joint development and production together with the BMW 7 Series.

• The world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan opens up the latest chapter in a truly impressive story of success. In the course of five model generations, overall sales of the BMW 5 Series already amount to more than 5.5 million units. Now the new model is based on a newly developed vehicle architecture also featured in the BMW 7 Series luxury sedans.

• Joint production of the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 7 Series at BMW Plant Dingolfing, together with the extensive use of shared components, ensures highly efficient production with a supreme standard of quality following the most demanding benchmarks in the market.

• World debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the epitome of the sporting but elegant, innovative and driver-oriented executive express. The sixth generation of BMW’s immensely successful four-door stands out through modern aesthetics in design, conveys all of the Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW, and offers unparalleled efficiency in the upper midrange segment.

• The premium character of this outstanding Sedan is underscored by features and technologies otherwise to be found only in the luxury class. In the sum total of its features, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan thus represents the outstanding competence in development of the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars.

• The sophisticated aesthetics and dynamic looks of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are the result of perfectly balanced proportions. Again in the typical style of the brand, the new 5 Series Sedan boasts a long and contoured engine compartment lid, short overhangs, a coupé-like flowing roofline as well as the longest wheelbase in the entire segment.

• The charismatic flair of the upright front section and the BMW kidney grille inclined slightly forward from certain perspectives, the stylish elegance of the side view and the muscular sportiness of the rear end all come together in typical BMW design language to provide an outstanding look of style and supremacy.

• Within the interior horizontal surfaces and exciting lines create a truly generous and harmonious ambience. The clear structure of the cockpit enhances the high level of driver orientation, while the stylish, modern design of the interior may be further refined by top-quality materials and tastefully composed colour combinations reflecting the individual choice of the customer.

• Benefiting from BMW EfficientDynamics naturally featured as standard, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan further extends BMW’s leadership in the segment also when it comes to efficiency. All power units fulfil the EU5 emission standard, the new BMW 530d with optional BMW BluePerformance technology even comes with EU6. Intelligent lightweight technology is borne out among other things by chassis components as well as the engine lid, front side panels and doors all made of aluminium.

• The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is entering the market with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines as well as two six-cylinder diesels. The top model is the BMW 550i powered by a V8 with BMW TwinPower Turbo featuring High Precision Injection (300 kW/407 hp). Then there are the world’s first straight-six petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC (225 kW/306 hp) in the BMW 535i as well as two straight-six petrol engines with High Precision Injection and lean-burn technology in the BMW 528i (190 kW/258 hp) and the BMW 523i (150 kW/204 hp).

• The latest generation of straight-six diesels featuring an all-aluminium crankcase and common-rail direct injection develop 180 kW/245 hp in the BMW 530d and 150 kW/204 hp in the BMW 525d. Due to supplement the model range in the near future, the new BMW 520d comes with a thoroughly upgraded 135 kW/184 hp four-cylinder diesel and features Auto Start Stop as standard. Offering average fuel consumption of just 5.0 litres/100 km (equal to 56.5 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle and a CO2 emission rating of 132 g/km, this high-tech power unit sets a new benchmark in its segment.

• Eight-speed automatic transmission comes as an option with all engine variants of the BMW 5 Series and is standard on the BMW 550i. Sports Automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel is also available as an option. With its innovative gearset configuration, a unique level of inner efficiency and optimised weight, the eight-speed automatic transmission combines outstanding gearshift comfort, dynamic performance and efficiency of the highest level.

• The combination of a double track arm front axle and the Integral-V rear axle ensures supreme driving dynamics and motoring comfort all in one. Further efficiency is provided by EPS Electric Power Steering including Servotronic as standard feature for the first time in the BMW 5 Series. Optional Integral Active Steering, finally, adds a controlled rear axle steering function to the active steering on the front wheels, with a steering lock of up to 2.5o.

• In its driving behaviour, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is even more dynamic than before and offers a significant improvement in motoring comfort. In its agility it follows the benchmark set by the BMW 3 Series, in its supremacy it comes very close to the BMW 7 Series Luxury Performance Sedan. All the car’s driving characteristics may be set and tuned individually by Dynamic Drive Control available in conjunction with the Sports Automatic, Dynamic Damper Control and Integral Active Steering options.

• The clearly structured cockpit and intuitive controls enhance Sheer Driving Pleasure in typical BMW style to an even higher level, at the same time underlining the sophisticated ambience within the passenger compartment of the new BMW 5 Series. The driver-oriented cockpit in Black Panel technology, the multifunction steering wheel featured as standard, the two highly functional steering wheel columns, and the separation of driving and comfort functions further enhance the feeling of supremacy at the wheel. An important option for the truly discerning customer is the BMW Head-Up Display optimised once again in terms of the information provided, image resolution and the size of the image presented.

• The new BMW 5 Series Sedan comes as standard with the latest generation of BMW iDrive control. Both the standard and optional audio, navigation and communication functions are masterminded via the Controller on the centre console and the 10.2- or, respectively, 7-inch Control Display integrated harmoniously in the instrument panel.

• BMW ConnectedDrive offers a unique range of functions for enhanced comfort, safety and infotainment, unparalleled even in this superior segment. For the first time the new BMW 5 Series Sedan comes with a Parking Assistant, a collision warning and brake initiation function in conjunction with Active Cruise Control and Stop & Go, Surround View and the Speed Limit Device all available in the new model. Further options are Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info, a High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision able to detect even individual persons, Park Distance Control and a back-up camera. And last but certainly not least, BMW ConnectedDrive comes with BMW Online, BMW Assist, BMW TeleServices, and the option to use the internet in the car.

• In the interest of enhanced agility and safety, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan boasts a particularly stiff body structure. Appropriate use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel increases the mean stiffness of the new model car by approximately 55 per cent over its predecessor, at the same time optimising the weight of the car.

• Standard features include three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as crash-activated headrests for the driver and front passenger, curtain head airbags at the side, a tyre defect indicator as well as an active engine compartment lid for optimum pedestrian safety. Daytime driving lights, foglamps, two-stage Adaptive Brake Lights and cruise control complete with a brake initiation function all come as standard, bi-xenon dual headlights, Adaptive Headlights with variable light distribution, adaptive headlight range control and bending lights, as well as an Enhanced Emergency Call function even able to automatically locate the vehicle through BMW ConnectedDrive are all available as options.

• The wide range of sophisticated features offered as standard in the new BMW 5 Series comprise Comfort Start without requiring the driver to even insert the key, the BMW Professional radio complete with a CD player, an AUX-In plug and six loudspeakers, automatic air conditioning with separate temperature and ventilation control on the driver’s and front passenger’s side, as well as an Integrated Owner’s Manual. The exclusive comfort options clearly oriented to the luxury class, finally, include Comfort Access, a USB plug, a multi-channel audio system, rear seat entertainment systems, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seats, Soft Close Automatic on the doors, a contoured sliding roof optimised for supreme acoustics, as well as an electrically retractable trailer bar.

Power units:

BMW 550i

• V8 petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo and High Precision Injection
• Capacity: 4,395 cc, max output: 300 kW from 5,500 – 6,400 rpm
• Max torque: 600 Nm/442 lb-ft from 1,750 – 4,500 rpm
• Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds
• Top speed: 250 km/h
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard:
• 10.4 ltr/100 km
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 243 g/km,
• full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

BMW 535i

• Straight-six petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo,
• High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC
• Capacity: 2,979 cc, max output: 225 kW at 5,800 rpm
• Max torque: 400 Nm from 1,200 – 5,000 rpm
• Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds
• Top speed: 250 km/h
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard:
• 8.4 ltr/100 km
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 195 g/km
• full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

BMW 528i

• Straight-six petrol engine with bi-VANOS
• and VALVETRONIC
• Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 190 kW at 6,600 rpm
• Max torque: 300 Nm from 2,600 – 5,000 rpm
• Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds
• Top speed: 250 km/h
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard:
• 7.6 ltr/100 km,
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 178 g/km,
• full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

BMW 523i

• Straight-six petrol engine with bi-VANOS
• and VALVETRONIC
• Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 150 kW at 6,100 rpm
• Max torque: 270 Nm from 1,500 – 4,250 rpm Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds Top speed: 234 km/h
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard:
• 7.6 ltr/100 km
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 177 g/km,
• full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

BMW 530d

• Straight-six diesel with aluminium crankcase,
• turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection (piezo-injectors, max injection pressure 1,800 bar)
• Capacity: 2, 993 cc, max output: 180 kW at 4,000 rpm Max torque: 540 Nm from 1,750 – 3,000 rpm
• Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds Top speed: 250 km/h
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.2 ltr/100 km
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard:
• 162 g/km,
• full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

BMW 520d

• Straight-four diesel with aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection
• (magnetic valve injectors, max injection pressure 1,800 bar)
• Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 135 kW at 4,000 rpm Max torque: 380 Nm from 1,900 – 2, 750 rpm
• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds (provisional),
• Top speed: 225 km/h (provisional)
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.2 ltr/100 km
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 137 g/km (provisional),
• full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

The BMW 5-Series’s complete details are about to be revealed soon, but meanwhile, some pics of the car’s design were leaked – you can see the front end of the car partially exposed. BMW officials claim that this car will be the most visually striking model in the BMW lineup for this generation. However, the leaked photos don’t seem to go along with these claims a lot. The car seems to be based on design elements that have been tried with time and are a natural step forward – they don’t look remarkably extraordinary though. The car will probably be equipped with a new version of one of the current engines, especially tweaked for increased efficiency and fuel use. There are some rumors floating around that it may actually be a four-cylinder petrol turbo engine. [via 5post]

The German tuner Hamann is famous for giving a new life to existing cars and it does well with all its changes on most occasions. It is therefore evident that bigger monikers like BMW do not have an apprehension to such changes. It is the 5 series which has undergone the trim and there is a set of images that have been revealed. There is no information available regarding the changes have been made but what is known is that the details of the original Hamann 5-Series GT will go public at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The GT as regular variant will come with seating space for four people inside a wheelbase equivalent in length to the 7 Series. The engine will sure go for a trim and one should also look out for a modified front end and rear bumper with signature black wheels and different tailpipes. Also there would be powerful brakes and a host of branded accessories on the inside.

There is a car that puts an accent on “driving experience”, but won’t compromise on looks or specs. I’m talking about the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept, that is a Progressive Activity Sedan. Some sort of mix between an X6 and a luxurious 7-series, the comfortable four door four seat coupe is definitely designed for the fashion-conscious. Not exactly in love with the front grille but it’s definitely interesting loveable if you consider the lavish interior and the amazing glass roof. Strange , yet eye-catching, we’d love to get behind the wheel for a quick drive.

Many people are waiting to see how the new 2010 BMW 5 Series will look like, but the Germans managed to keep it under the radar until now.  Expected to see the ligth starting October 2010, the folks from autozeitung.de managed to get their hands on a set of spyshots with what looks like the new 5-Series. Slightly sportier and with an increased wheelbase, it featurs a wider BMW grille inspired from the CS Concept and packs state of the art technology that includes a steering system with an active rear axle, Night vision, lane-assist, active braking or an advanced cruise control system. With petrol engines under the hood to output from 180 to 370 hp, and diesels ranging from 180 to 290hp, the new 2010 BMW 5 Series sure will definitely be a hot ride. [via WCF]