BMW lobs updated 5 Series pricing and spec

BMW has announced the pricing and specification for its updated 5 Series large sedan range, which ushers in greater equipment levels, increased pricing and a new model line-up ahead of its local arrival in October.

Pricing now kicks off from $95,900 plus on-roads for the 520i, with pricing for the six-variant range increasing by between $2000 and $6000, depending on the variant.

BMW has decided to drop the inline six-cylinder petrol 540i grade from the line-up, instead offering the more powerful and affordable M550i Pure in its place.

All grades come with revised exterior styling and a new exterior design package, while inside, the existing 10.25-inch multimedia screen has been increased to 12.3 inches in size.

The entry-level 520i kicks off the range, still powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine developing 135kW at 6500rpm and 290Nm from 1350-4250rpm, driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

With a $5000 increase over the old version, the 520i scores a raft of new standard equipment including the M Sport package which bundles 19-inch alloys, M Sport suspension, Shadow Line trim, sports seats, Anthracite roofliner, M Aerodynamics package, M leather steering wheel, M door sills and trapezoidal chrome tailpipe finishers.

Other new standard equipment includes adaptive LED headlights, high beam assist and driving assistant professional, which joins carry-over features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, ambient lighting, Comfort access, Connected Package Professional, DAB+ digital radio, electric seat adjustment, head-up display, 12-speaker sound system, Sensatec instrument panel, leather Dakota upholstery, parking assistant plus, digital instrument cluster and wireless charging.

Next up is the $115,900 530i, which has increased by $3000 and now includes the fitment of M Sport brakes in its standard equipment.

Like the 520i, it continues to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-pot albeit in a higher state of tune, producing 185kW at 6500rpm and 350Nm from 1450-4800rpm.

The 530i builds on the spec of the 520i and adds an automatic tailgate, front heated seats with lumbar support, adaptive suspension and 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 530i’s specification is matched by that of its diesel counterpart, the 530d, which sits $10,000 upstream, thanks mainly to its engine – a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel six-cylinder mill that now features two-stage turbocharging.

Outputs remain steady at 195kW/620Nm, with the 530d marking the sole diesel offering in the updated 5 Series line-up.

The 530e continues as the sole plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, teaming a 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-pot engine to an 80kW/265Nm electric motor for a combined output of 185kW/420Nm.

A new XtraBoost function allows an extra 30kW of power available for up to 10 seconds, when the drive mode button is set to Sport and the gear selector moved to the M/S position.

When driving in electric-only mode, the 530e features a range of 67km, and features a Type 2 charging port for home or public charging.

Priced at $118,900, the 530e features the same specification as the 530i with the addition of eDrive services and acoustic protection for pedestrians.

Topping the range is the M-fettled M550i xDrive, underpinned by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 good for 390kW at 6000rpm and 750Nm from 1800-4600rpm, teamed to an eight-speed automatic transmission and driving all four wheels through BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-paw system.

Asking $152,900, the M550i features 20-inch wheels, M Performance tuning, M Sport differential, tyre repair kit, adaptive M Suspension Professional, roll stabilisation and four-wheel steering, four-zone automatic air conditioning, M rear spoiler, soft-close doors, leather instrument panel, ambient air, electric glass sunroof, BMW Laserlight and metallic paint.

For those who desire the performance of the V8 without the expensive equipment list of the M550i, the $137,900 M550i Pure is also available, which removes the roll stabilisation and four-wheel steering, BMW Laserlight, electric glass sunroof, metallic paintwork, soft-close doors, leather instrument panel and ambient air.

The updated 5 Series Touring range is expected to follow the sedan line-up, as is the fire-breathing M5 Competition sedan.

Through the first half of 2020, BMW has sold 382 examples of the 5 Series, down 38.5 per cent year-to-date but still leading the luxury large car segment ahead of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (362).

2020 BMW 5 Series pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs