February 23, 2010. Copyright 2010, Graphic News. All rights reserved

New BMW 5 debuts at Geneva, with Ferrari hybrid and Audi A1
By Neil Winton

LONDON, February 23, Graphic News:  BMWÕs new 5 Series presents a collection of the best state of the art automotive technologies rather than introducing anything radically new, although its modest good looks are a big improvement on the previous modelÕs divisive body style, which looked overdesigned and pretentious to many.

The new 5 Series, which will compete directly against the Mercedes E class and Audi A6, looks like a big 3 Series and will attract those who prefer a little anonymity for their money. Buyers will be thrilled though by whatÕs under the bonnet, both in terms of performance and economy.

There are three diesels and four petrol engines available at the launch, which starts across Europe in March. Some of the claims made for these engines might induce readers to do a double take, they are so amazing. The 2.0 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine in the 520d for example produces 184hp and propels this big machine from rest to 62mph in 8.1 seconds and on to 140mph. Fuel economy is claimed to be a real world 56.5mpg, although manufacturerÕs figures reflect undemanding EU rules.

Other power plants include 2.5 and 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesels. There are three six-cylinder petrol motors, and the range topping 550i which has a 4.4 litre V8 twin turbocharged power plant producing 407hp and explosive acceleration of 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds.

Standard equipment includes Start-Stop, even if you opt for the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Start-stop, which switches off the engine when you stop, and switches it on again when you want to move off, has only been available on manual gearboxes until now. All 5 Series cars also come with leather seats, and Brake Energy Regeneration, which recharges the battery when the car is slowing, or coasting down hill, and has nothing to do with the brakes. To improve economy a bit, the gaps in the front grille close while the car is on the move to improve aerodynamics.

The Geneva Car Show, which opens to the public March 4-14, will provide plenty of counter attractions to the new BMW. FerrariÕs 599 four-wheel drive supercar will have a petrol/electric hybrid engine which uses electric motors to drive the front wheels. The Fiat stand will feature a Chrysler Delta, a Lancia with a U.S. badge to remind us that the Italian company now controls the American outfit. Volvo will unveil its S60 saloon, and Audi will take the wraps off its new A1, set to steal sales from BMWÕs Mini.

Leading the Asian onslaught, Kia of Korea has a new, racy looking Sportage compact SUV, and Suzuki, now allied with GermanyÕs VW, will show a plug-in hybrid version of its Swift. Mitsubishi of Japan, negotiating a merger with FranceÕs Peugeot, introduces the ASX SUV. Nissan, which pushed its luck naming a car a Qashqai, will try it on again with the Juke.

Meanwhile, new BMW 5 buyers will be able to opt for the eight-speed automatic gearbox, and if their budgets permit, pile on high-tech options like head-up display, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, lane departure and land change warning.

The ultimate new technology option, a hybrid engine, will have to wait for a year or two.
/ENDS




BMW 520d SE auto

Engine Ð 1,995cc 4-cylinder common rail direct injection turbo
Power Ð 184hp @ 4,000rpm
Torque Ð 380 Nm/280-lb ft @ 1,900
Drive Ð rear-wheels
Gearbox Ð eight speed automatic
Acceleration Ð 0-62mph / 100 km/h -- 8.1 seconds
Top Speed Ð 141mph-227km/h
Fuel consumption Ð claimed combined Ð 56.5mpg-5.0 l/km
C02 Ð 132g/km
Suspension Ð double wishbone/multi arm
Length Ð 4,899mm
Width Ð 1,860mm
Height Ð 1,464mm
Wheel-base Ð 2,968mm
Weight Ð 1,640kw
Boot capacity Ð 520 litres
Competition Ð Mercedes E class, Lexus, Jaguar XF, Audi A6
Price Ð from £28,195/Û32,100 after tax