BMW is set to market its 520 model, a basic gasoline version of the new Series 5, which has so far only been offered in an electric model (i5). The gasoline engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, now equipped with a mild hybrid system (48V) designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
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The engine produces 208 horsepower, 18 horsepower more than the outgoing 520 model, and is connected to the same 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive. Despite a weight increase of 115 kg and the additional horsepower, the 0-100 km/h acceleration is 0.4 seconds faster (7.5 seconds) reaching a maximum speed of 235 km/h.
Compared to the outgoing Series 5, the new model is larger in every dimension. It is 9.5 cm longer (506 cm), 3.5 cm taller (151.5 cm), 3 cm wider (190 cm), and has a longer wheelbase larger by 2 cm (299.5 cm). However, its cargo space is actually 10 liters smaller (520 liters).
The model includes, among other things, leather upholstery, electric adjustment and heating for the front seats, a sunroof, but only a rearview rather than a panoramic camera for reverse driving, and lacks a wireless charging pad. Safety equipment includes autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, active park distance control and a warning for opening doors when the area around the car isn’t clear.
BMW’s Series 5 has been considered one of the most coveted cars for decades, and a status symbol for its owners. It's a car that has always struck the perfect balance between high dynamic capabilities similar to the smaller and cheaper Series 3, with the comfort and equipment of the larger and more expensive Series 7. Accordingly, it has been a benchmark in its category since its introduction to the international market.
However, today it faces an almost impossible task, and with electric batteries offering almost everything with significantly reduced usage costs – it appeals to an audience that’s conservative and older, but no less important, in a consistently shrinking customer base. In this respect, it finds itself marking the end of an era.