BMW PH Introduces All-New BMW 5 Series

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, has unveiled the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series.

During the unveiling, ACC President Maricar Parco said that the all-new BMW 5 Series "affirms the brand’s global strategy" and is "designed for the ultimate business athlete." Sporty, elegant and stylish, the BMW 5 series sports state-of-the-art innovative features, high-tech assistive systems and connectivity, as well as aesthetic athleticism, which would make driving more pleasurable. Parco revealed that around 7.9 million BMW 5 series were sold worldwide across its first sixth generations. "Since 1972, BMW has been producing an award-winning vehicle that enjoys international recognition and success. As the world's most successful business car, the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series mirrors the goals of our NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy," the ACC chief noted. "These include our passion for technological innovation, enhanced connectivity, and sustainable mobility. 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," she added.

Sophistication that exudes precision and dynamism can be seen in the BMW 5 Series' exterior as it features an Active Air Stream Kidney Grille with Adaptive LED Headlights that complement the lines, giving it a broader look. Always present, of course, is the Hofmeister Kink, a signature design element of every BMW vehicle. For its interior, Dakota Leather is used as standard throughout the cabin for the 520d variants while the 530d makes use of Nappa Leather. Complementing the finest cowhides are wood and aluminum trims and the laser-cut Sensatec dashboard. Passenger size has been one of the priority concerns that were improved in the all-new BMW 5 Series.  Leg room for the rear passenger is 18mm longer compared to its predecessor while the transmission tunnel is narrower and the rear seat wider so that three adults can comfortably seat at the back. The BMW 5 Series also has an Ambient Air Package with air ionizing functions that has eight fragrances divided into four categories: "Blue Suite" with fresh water fragrances, "Green Suite" with fresh plant fragrances, "Golden Suite" with warm and rich fragrances, and "Authentic Suite" with natural fragrances.

To match the luxurious interior, the all-new BMW 5 Series also features advanced technology in its class. The BMW 5 series features BMW Display Key. Aside from the usual locking and unlocking, it also provides information such as the fuel level and could switch on the air-conditioning even before entering the vehicle. Another feast for the eyes is its a 12.3-inch full-digital instrument display that also comes as standard across all variants. Moreover, the all-new BMW 5 Series is also equipped with the latest version of the BMW iDrive system, Interface Design (ID) 6, which features a 10.25-ich LED touch display equipped with the Navigation Professional System. Similar to some mobile phones, the enhanced iDrive system of the vehicle includes the BMW Gesture Control, which was first introduced in the BMW 7 Series and is standard for the 5 Series. Without pressing the buttons, adjusting the volume as well as accepting and rejecting phone calls can be done with simple gestures. The all-new BMW 5 series is up to 100kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the use of aluminum panels and high-strength steel to ensure that the car's steering is sharp and agile. Powered by BMW's TwinPower Turbo engine that's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic function, the all-new BMW 5 series provides power with lower fuel consumption compared to the outgoing model. The 520d variants have a 2.0-liter engine that produces 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque while the range-topping 530d has a 3.0-liter mill that's good for 265 hp and 620 Nm of torque. "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," Parco noted. The price for the all-new BMW 5 series starts at P4.59 million for the 520d Luxury, P4.99 million for the 520d M Sport, and P6.39 million for the 530d Luxury. Story and photos by Ruben Manahan IV