THE BMW 5-Series may not be the most upmarket model in the Munich-based stable, but it carries significant duties on its shoulders each time it rolls out of the factory.
With the introduction of the seventh-generation 5-Series, BMW is set to redefine the benchmark. Wearing the “Business Athlete“ tagline, the G30 5-Series packs elegant styling and superior performance.
The fully-imported (CBU) machine arrives on our shore in 530i M Sport guise and is priced at RM398,800 on-the-road without insurance.
Sashi Ambi, BMW Group Malaysia‘s head of corporate communications, said the company would assemble the car locally, but not so soon.
The new 5-Series is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger and Double-VANOS, which makes 252hp and 350 Nm of torque.
Bolted to the engine is an optimised eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission that allows the car to sprint from zero to 100kph in 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 250kph.
IT features coupe-ish silhouette with athletic appearance. For the first time in the 5-Series, the headlights - BMW Adaptive full-LED units - are seamlessly integrated with the hallmark kidney grille.
Since the new car comes in the sole M Sport form, there are 19-inch M light alloy wheels, M Sport brake with blue-painted callipers and M Aerodynamics components.
The machines have drag coefficient of just 0.22, thanks to airflow-optimising elements such as air vent control in the kidney grille, front and rear apron and air curtains.
In the cabin, the 530i gets more M Sport treatment in the form of sport seats (driver and front passenger only), illuminated M door sills, M aluminium pedals and M leather steering wheel.
Rear passengers will be blessed with what BMW says are class-leading space, while luggage compartment is rated at 530 litres.
In terms of driving modes, there‘s a new Adaptive mode in addition to the existing Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro. This mode automatically adapts the steering, Dynamic Damper Control and Steptronic transmission to the driver‘s style and route ahead.
Safety features include Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and a new Speed Limit Info with Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, which co-works with the aforementioned Active Cruise Control.
It also gets Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning, Approach Control Warning and Person Warning with City Brake function.
The new 5-Series comes in four colours - Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect, Alpine White and Mediterranean Blue.
The RM399k price tag comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service programme and BMW‘s tyre warranty programme.
The car is on display at the main entrance of the Pavilion Mall in Kuala Lumpur until today.