BMW is updating its popular midsize sedan, the 5-Series, with what the German automaker says are improved performance and dynamics, better steering feel, new four- and six-cylinder engines, and the latest iDrive system, now including optional gesture control. The car carries a fairly heavy load: More than 7.6 million 5-Series have been sold worldwide since 1972 — since 1975 more than a million in the U.S. alone. The ‘17 model is on sale next February, with prices coming closer to launch. Best guesses put a starting price in the $53,000 range.
BMW calls the new design “mature” and “confidently stylish.” It’s 1.2 inches longer than the outgoing model, 0.3 inch wider and 0.6 inch taller. The 117.1-inch wheelbase is 0.2 inch longer. Rear-seat passengers can enjoy 1.2 inches more legroom.
LED adaptive headlights are standard, their housings now connecting more smoothly with the kidney grille. Adaptive full LEDs, able to adjust the lights’ graphics, are optional. The kidney grille is active, opening the slats when more air is needed.
BMW design chief Karim Habib says the passenger cell has been moved back slightly and he wanted the roofline to flow more smoothly to the back end. Meanwhile the swage line sweeps the Hofmeister Kink upwards rather than continuing straight into the rear. He thinks the upward motion lends the car a forward-surging character and makes it look more muscular.
