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Just as we were growing accustomed to the quirkiness of the current 5 Series, the new model has eased back into conservatism. At least those were my initial picture-based impressions.
But as I approach the car at its international launch venue in Lisbon, Portugal, I'm surprised by how imposing it looks in the flesh, particularly when viewed from the front, where that double kidney grille has almost doubled in size. Thankfully they've avoided giving it a 'doggy nose' like the 7 Series and X1 and the overall effect is conservative yet confident.
There are no surprises in the side view, albeit that it has a more low-slung and muscular profile than the current 5, but the rear end seems to me like the weakest link – viewed from behind it says nothing more than 'upsized 3 Series'.
The new Five will reach our shores in three months time and the initial range will offer six engine choices. Even though it’ll be a while before the M5 hits the scene, the 550i should be a damn fine substitute for now with its 300kW twin-turbo V8.
This 4.4-litre unit develops its maximum output between 5500 and 6400rpm, while maximum torque amounts to a massive 500Nm from 1750rpm. While good for a claimed 5-second 0-100km/h sprint, this engine’s also said to be the most efficient of its kind, with combined consumption of just 10.4 litres. While BMW did not have any 550i models available for test drive, the 535i that I drove today proved to be a fine substitute.
A surprisingly enticing all-round package, is the 535i, fitted with the TwinPower 3-litre turbocharged straight six. Offering a compelling balance between performance and efficiency, the 335i is good for a 6.1-second 0-100km/h sprint and 8.4 l/100km combined consumption. This is one truly sweet engine, its twin-scroll turbo providing a smooth punch from the very bowels of the rev range.
The large 5 Series body doesn't bog it down much either and acceleration off the mark is gleefully rapid. You're really not going to feel short changed if you can't stretch your bugdet to the 550i.
Less enticing for Highveld motorists but a sure attraction for the penny pinchers, the naturally aspirated 528i and 523i derivatives form the bottom end of the petrol range and both are powered by BMW’s familiar 3-litre six, but in different states of tune. In the 528i you get 190kW, 300Nm and a 6.7-second 0-100, while the 523i musters 150kW, 270Nm and runs to 100 in 7.9 seconds, while both units consume 7.6 l/100km.
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