SE

The SE model marks the entry point to the range, offering a high level of standard equipment and trademark BMW driving dynamics.

M Sport

The M Sport model offers a sharpened appearance with M aerodynamic body styling, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim and upgraded M light alloy wheels. Inside, the sporty feel is further enhanced by the leather upholstery and M-specific steering wheel.
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Exterior Equipment

M Sport suspension

M aerodynamic bodystyling

Exterior trim, High-gloss Shadow-line

Interior Equipment

Headlining, Anthracite

M Steering Wheel

Sport seats, front

Interior trims.

Aluminium Rhombicle Smoke Grey with highlight trim finisher Pearl Chrome

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M Sport Edition

The M Sport Plus Edition model offers a unique, sporty appearance with BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim with extended features and 20" BMW Individual light aerodynamic wheels. Inside, the unique feel is enhanced with sun protection glass and M seat belts. Available in Tanzanite Blue and Donington Grey.

Interior Equipment

M seat belts

M Multi-function seats, front

M Steering Wheel

Headlining, Anthracite

Exterior Equipment

BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents

M aerodynamic bodystyling

BMW Individual Lights Shadow Line

M Sport suspension

M Sport brake red high-gloss

Exterior trim, High-gloss Shadow-line

Interior trims.

Aluminium Rhombicle Smoke Grey with highlight trim finisher Pearl Chrome

Upholstery.

Black Dakota leather with blue stitching

Exterior Colours.

BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue II metallic

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The BMW kidney grille has extra width and height, dropping down further into the front apron and framed by a single-piece surround. The slimmer contouring of the headlights brings a modern twist to the focused look so familiar from BMWs past and present. The standard full LED headlights include two U-shaped daytime driving lights to create a precise and modern light graphic.

With the Visibility pack, customers can upgrade to either Adaptive LED headlights with matrix technology or BMW Laser lights including High-beam Assistant – these headlight upgrades are characterised by two L-shaped daytime driving lights. The latest generation of BMW’s Laser light technology increases the lighting range up to 600 metres and includes a blue laser effect within the eye-brow.

On both Adaptive LED and Laser light upgrades, customers can select the optional ‘BMW Individual Lights Shadow Line’ for an even sportier front profile aesthetic. The front apron of both SE and M Sport trim levels have also been redesigned with larger and more pronounced air inlets.

The LED taillights are now presented with an additional top overhang that transforms the L-motif into a C-shape. Blackened lenses frame the taillights for a more slender, high-tech look, with bold, stepped contours providing a modernised appearance. The rear apron has also been redesigned with trapezoidal tailpipe finishers and a sportier mounted diffuser on Saloon models.

M Sport package features new 19” and 20” Wheels whilst the new limited M Sport Edition comes with exclusive Individual metallic paint and unique 20” Air Performance wheels.

The M Sport package delivers a sportier look from both the front and rear profiles of the car. Typical of our most popular trim level, these models include the M aerodynamics package, M Sport steering wheel and all new 19” and 20” M Sport alloy wheels. A new M Sport Edition version will be available from launch in a limited worldwide production run of 1,000 units. Its exclusive specification includes the M Sport package, model-specific 20” Air Performance Wheels and a choice of two exclusive exterior paints including Donington Grey and Tanzanite Blue. The Central Information Display has increased in size from 10.25” to 12.3” and is powered by BMW’s latest Operating System 7.0.

The new BMW 5 Series comes in a choice of three trim levels: SE, M Sport and M Sport Edition. For the very first time in the UK, we’ll also be introducing a range-topping M Performance M550i xDrive on Saloon models.

Standard features of the SE include a choice of 17”, 18” and 19” alloy wheels and Steptronic or Steptronic Sport transmission depending on the engine variant. The interior benefits from Dakota leather upholstery, Oxide Silver dark matt trim, Sport leather steering wheel and heated front seats. The SE Touring specification includes split folding rear seats and matt silver roof rails, with all body styles also having an electronic tailgate.

New for the SE are folding mirrors, front electric lumbar support and Parking Assistant. Comfort, convenience and connectivity are heightened with automatic air conditioning, DAB radio, Connected Package Professional and BMW Live Cockpit Professional.

The M Sport trim level adds new alloy wheel designs in 18”, 19” and 20”sizes, the M aerodynamics package and high gloss shadow-line exterior trim, which now extends to the roof rails on the Touring. Inside, there is the M leather steering wheel, front sports seats, a distinctive instrument panel finished in Sensatec, anthracite headliner and Aluminium Rhombicle Grey trim details.

Building on the M Sport, the M Sport Edition boasts exterior and interior enhancements. Finished in either Tanzanite Blue or exclusive Donington Grey, the M Sport Edition features 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with run flat tyres, shadow-line adaptive LED headlights, all-new red M brake callipers, extended high-gloss shadow-line exterior trim and sun protection glass. The M Sport Edition specification also includes an M rear spoiler and M multifunction seats.

Mild-hybrid technology will now offer enhanced performance combined with lower fuel consumption and improved driving comfort. Fitting a powerful 48V starter-generator and a second battery enables a significant increase in the amount of brake energy that can be regenerated and stored. This energy is used not just to supply the electrical system, but also to lighten the combustion engine’s workload and boost its power.

The starter-generator produces an electric boost that instantly makes an additional 8 kW/11 hp available, enhancing overtaking and off-the-line acceleration. The starter-generator also increases efficiency by assisting the engine when driving at constant speeds and improves comfort when the Auto Start-Stop and coasting functions are in use.

All the 520d is complemented with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is also offered as an option. There is a choice of sophisticated chassis systems designed to enhance either agility and dynamism or driving comfort. M Sport suspension, Adaptive M suspension and Adaptive M suspension Professional including active roll-stabilisation can all be found on the options list. Red M callipers are now available as an alternative to blue with the M Sport Pro pack on M Sport models.

The driver assistance systems available for the new BMW 520d serve both to enhance driving comfort on long journeys and increase safety in situations where the driver does not have a clear view. As part of Driving Assistant Professional, updates to Steering and Lane Control Assistants are included, which in turn introduces Active Navigation. This system uses navigation data to spot in advance when a lane change will be required, and this can then be performed simply in advance notice, using the Lane Change Assistant.

The newly standard Parking Assistant’s range of functions has been extended with the addition of the reversing assistant, which takes control of the steering while reversing for distances of up to 50 metres.

The new Drive Recorder option coupled with Parking Assistant Plus, uses in-built cameras to record video footage from different points around the vehicle, before storing the recordings so they can be either watched later on the control display or exported via the USB port.

Recordings can be up to 40 seconds in length, comprising the 20 seconds of video saved immediately prior to the Drive Recorder being activated and the next 20 seconds. In the event of a collision, the 20 seconds up to the moment of impact and the next 20 seconds are automatically recorded and saved.  

The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional brings in the latest BMW Operating System 7.0 and a host of digital services as standard. The new BMW 520d includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with the latest extended functionality. This technology learns routines, habits and preferences to help the driver get the best out of the in-car functionality. Smartphone Integration is offered as standard, without any runtime limitations, and is now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Offered for the first time on the new BMW 520d, the Remote Software Upgrade functionality keeps the vehicle up to date with the latest software. All updates can be imported over the air, either on a smartphone via BMW Connected or directly into the car using its built-in SIM card. Installation is much like a smartphone update. The content of the upgrades can vary, from new software services to improved vehicle functions and the possibility to purchase additional technology via the BMW ConnectedDrive online store.

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Practicality and boot space

The new 5 Series offers plenty of legroom for its passengers in the front and the back, and while the boot capacity is down on the E-Class it still has 530litres.

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Verdict...

The new BMW 5 Series is a very impressive executive car, and drives and handles like you would expect from BMW.