BMW sets 5 Series pricing

BMW has announced pricing for its new 5 Series range, which will comprise just one model for the remainder of this year.

Due on sale by mid-October and set to star at the Sydney motor show from October 16, the 170kW 3.0-litre straight six-powered 530i will be priced at $105,900.

Featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, auto-dipping door mirrors, electric driver's seat with memory and Park Distance Control as standard, the E60 530i is up $6500 on its predecessor.

Joining 530i by early 2004 will be the entry level 525i, powered by a 141kW 2.5-litre six and priced at $89,900 - an increase of more than $5000.

A six-speed Steptronic transmission and the world's first active steering system will be standard on all 5 Series models and, while Adaptive Headlight Control and Dynamic Drive will be available as options at launch, owners must wait until 2004 before optioning Head-Up Display and Active Cruise Control.

In the absence of the forthcoming V10-powered M5 performance flagship, the 545i will top the range in 2004, featuring a 245kW 4.4-litre Valvetronic V8.

Final pricing and specification for the V8 sedan are yet to be set, however 545i is likely to include extended voice recognition for key functions, bi-Xenon Adaptive Headlights, 10-speaker sound system and satellite navigation as standard.