BMW officially released the new 5 Series sedan at the Olympic Stadium in Munich,Germany yesterday.  Internally known as the F10, this is the all-new upgrade we were talking about in our E-Class vs A6 vs 5 Series test in the November 2009 issue of OVERDRIVE. Officially the 2011 5 Series shared its platform with the latest 7 Series (and therefore, with the Rolls-Royce Ghost). The car itself is 10 cm shorter in wheelbase than its larger cousins. But, it is also over 7 cm longer than its direct competition, the new E-Class.

The sharing of the platforms, according to BMW, allows significant sharing of components and the joint development and now the joint production – at BMW’s Dingolfing plant – will give BMW a big efficiency boost. The platform sharing also means that the strut-setup in the old BMW 5 (the E60) has been replaced by a four-link setup as in the BMW 7er. The F10 also replaced the E60’s active steering with a new electric power steering assist mechanism, to reduce parasitic power losses – and therefore boost economy. The system is similar to the 7 Series’ as expected and given that we found nothing to complain about in the 7, the 5 should be good too. On the options list – we’re not sure that this option will come to India – is active rear wheel steering. And the F10 also boasts active roll control, adaptive damping – both optional and brake energy regeneration.

The interiors bear even more 7 Series cues. The dash layout, for instance, is turned to face the driver. Also facing the driver is the fourth generation of iDrive. All the models will get an in-dash seven-inch LCD for audio and aircon information display with the navigation-equipped models going up to a 10-inch screen. The car will also get an electro-mechanical parking brake. The BMW ConnectedDrive suite of driver assistance gizmoids now include a parking assistance, a collision warning with brake application in the Active Cruise Control system – and that also works with the Stop & Go system, a new speed limit warning. The night vision and HUD will be there, of course, but the night vision can now pick up individual persons and there’s a lane departure warning system as well.

The new BMW 5 Sedan has been announced with a fair range of engines. The top engine is a turbocharged V8. Other petrol engines include a turbocharged petrol six cylinder and two normally aspirated petrol sixes. In the diesel range are two turbocharged six-cylinder options and a four-cylinder turbo with common rail direct injection.The 550i will get the well-liked 411PS twin-turbo direct injection V8 (see our 750i test – that’s the same engine). The 550i expects to whoosh past 100kmph in 5 seconds. Below that is the 535i with a 309PS turbo-six. This inline six, by the way, is new. Displacement and output is the same, but there a single-scroll turbo which uses the Valvetronic variable lift system to manage airflow. That’s BMW’s first Valvetronic-Turbo-Six combo. A normally aspirated version of the 535i will also happen later on with 247PS on tap – that’s the 528i. Further below is the 523i which manages 206PS. The diesel range tops out at the 530d which makes 247PS, followed by the 525d with 206PS. The bottom engine is in the 520d which is the four-cylinder turbo-diesel making 184PS. This car has automatic start-stop fitted as standard according to the release, which allows it to hit 20kmph in the European test cycle. All the new BMW 5 series are available with an optional 8 speed automatic transmission except for the 550i which the gets the automatic transmission

as a standard feature.   Design wise, there’s a fair hint of the sculpting seen in the new 3 Series’ bonnet as well as the flat, tall bonnet shape from the new 7 Series. The design has toned down in its flourishes and the effect is of a more serious, if more buttoned down car. The side and rear profiles, though are distinctly BMW and it’s the front that actually looks subdued compared to the E60. The effect is that of a more muscular, more serious BMW 5er than before – a good move, we think.

We’re not expecting to the see the new car in the flesh even as a review at the Auto Expo in Delhi in January 2010. However, we’re confident that the car will arrive in India and replace the E60 in the econd half of next year, around July to August 2010.

Obviously, this is just the beginning. There will be the new M5 that will come at some stage, with a bonkers engine and all of that kind of fun…

The world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan once again marks the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the upper midrange segment. Through its sporting and elegant looks, driving dynamics typical of the brand, outstanding efficiency as well as innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation of BMW’s executive express convincingly reflects the supreme standard of the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars throughout the entire process of development.

Design: charismatic, elegant, sporting.

With the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek engine compartment lid, short overhangs front and rear and a coupé-like, graceful roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan stands out clearly from the competition.

Overall, the aesthetic looks of the car are clearly determined by perfectly balanced proportions. Design features typical of the brand are to be found both at the front with its BMW kidney grille inclined slightly forward and on the strikingly chiselled engine compartment lid, in the stylish and elegant side view of the car, and on the muscular rear end. Within the interior modern function and a superior ambience come together in perfect harmony, unmistakable style and clear orientation to the driver in the cockpit guaranteeing a truly unique driving and travelling experience.

Driving experience: supreme dynamics and outstanding comfort.

The most advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies ensure supreme sportiness and an even higher standard of motoring comfort all in one.

At the same time optional Dynamic Driving Control enables the driver to set the suspension individually to his personal requirements. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is available with Adaptive Drive encompassing Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive stability control, as well as BMW’s Integral Active Steering.