BMW 5 Series becomes even more exclusive

BMW Australia has raised the price of entry to its 5 Series as part of a mid-life upgrade and restyling of the range that also throws in a lot more equipment to offset the higher costs.

However, the big winners are those that can shop at the top end of the range, with the petrol-fuelled 4.4-litre V8-engined flagship, the 550i, shedding slightly more than $20,000 to start from $159,900 when the revised series reaches showrooms next month.

Down at the bottom end of the scale, the list price of a base-model 520i sedan rises by $2000 to $79,900 before on-road costs as part of the update that adds a number of styling tweaks, including LED foglights for the first time.

The much cheaper 550i, though, is now fitted with a more advanced version of the 4.4-litre V8 fitted with twin turbochargers, as well as a lot more equipment.

Power for the V8 steps up by 10 per cent to 330kW while torque adds an extra 50Nm to make 650Nm. The range-topper also adds an automatic engine idle-stop system for the first time that helps save fuel in heavy traffic.

The performance boost shaves almost half a second off the 0-100km/h sprint for the 550, which now pegs it in 4.6 seconds.

Aside from the entry-level model, slight price rises apply to the four-cylinder diesel 520d and six-cylinder 535d, petrol 535i sedan and the oil-burning 520d Touring wagon.

Other models that fall in price slightly include the petrol 528i and the petrol-electric ActiveHybrid 5, while the six-cylinder petrol-engined 535i Touring wagon drops by almost $4000.

Anyone seeking the more alluring lines of the 5 Series Gran Turismo will have to dig deeper, with prices for all three models inflating. The entry-level four-cylinder diesel 520d GT adds more than $3000, the six-cylinder 530d GT adds more than $4000 and the range-topping six-cylinder petrol 535i GT adds almost $8000.

For the extra, or lesser, spend depending on the model, buyers gain a 5 Series that looks slightly sharper around the signature kidney grilles, and a reshaped lower airdam. Repeater lamps are now built into the external mirrors.

Down the back, there are new-look tail-lights offset with a new crease in the bumper. The tailgate is redesigned to give the GT a “longer and more dynamic silhouette”, according to BMW.

“This effect is further enhanced by revised two-section tail-lights and updated styling cues around the licence-plate holder and rear bumper, providing an elegant and sporty appeal,” BMW says.

Inside, there are more chrome highlights, as well as an increase in much-needed small-item storage space in the centre console.

According to BMW, each model in the 5 Series range was repackaged as part of the mid-life update.

Standard features on the 520i and 520d now runs to bi-Xenon headlights, self-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control with braking function, a speed limiter, and front and rear parking sensors combined with a reversing camera.

The sedans also gain leather electric front seats, “extended” dual-zone climate control and leather-clad steering wheel with paddle shifters, while the navigation system steps up to professional specification and the entertainment system adds internet functionality.

The 520d Touring adds an automatic tailgate, sunblinds for the rear side windows and a parking system that can hunt for an open space and then help the driver slot into it.

The BMW 528i sedan adds adaptive LED headlights that automatically dip the high beams for oncoming traffic, glare-reducing interior and exterior mirrors, a hands-free bootlid, driver-assist technology including a lane departure, forward collision and pedestrian warning, and a head-up display.

The 528i includes a premium Harman Kardon sound system with digital radio, surround view, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The 535i and 535d sedans gain power increases and, in the case of the diesel-engined model, better fuel efficiency, although BMW has not provided details.

The brakes on both cars are boosted to handle the extra performance, and both are fitted with the parking assist system, while the 535i Touring gains a hands-free electric tailgate and sunblinds for the rear side windows.

The ActiveHybrid 5 contains a similar level of kit to the 535i, but adds quad-zone climate control and 18-inch light alloy wheels.

The 550i adds the Harman Kardon surround-sound system with digital radio, and the same LED headlights and driver-assist functions as the 528i sedan.

The 520d Gran Turismo gets the same level of gear as the other four-cylinder models, but adds full electric front seats, the better satellite navigation system with internet access, and a reversing camera.

It also gains the driver-assist systems including lane departure and pedestrian collision alerts, and 19-inch alloysThe 530d Gran Turismo adds 20-inch light alloys, quad-zone climate control and the LED headlight package.

The range-topping 535i Gran Turismo gains a surround-view camera, self-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, and a comfort access system.

BMW has also extended its M Sports Package to the 5 Series range, available on all models apart from the ActiveHybrid 5.

It adds a stiffer suspension setting, sports seats in all but the 550i, an M-branded steering wheel, more aerodynamic bodywork, and unique 19- or 20-inch wheels, among other features.

2013 BMW 5 Series pricing*

BMW 520i Sedan	$79,900
BMW 520d Sedan	$82,400
BMW 528i Sedan	$97,400
BMW 535i Sedan	$116,900
BMW ActiveHybrid 5	$119,900
BMW 535d Sedan	$121,900
BMW 550i Sedan	$159,900
BMW 520d Touring	$90,900
BMW 535i Touring	$122,900
BMW 520d Gran Turismo	$93,900
BMW 530d Gran Turismo	$108,900
BMW 535i Gran Turismo	$117,900

*Excludes on-road costs.