BMW has released details of its seventh generation 5 Series saloon which is set to go on sale in markets around the world early next year.

Its most important new features, says BMW, are enhanced dynamics, an extensive array of assistance systems, increased connectivity and a new operating system. 

“I’m in no doubt that the new BMW 5 Series will set new benchmarks technologically, but also have huge emotional appeal. It remains the epitome of the business sedan,” says Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG.

The styling is very much evolutionary with clear links both to its predecessor and to the latest 7 Series. LED daytime driving lights, and LED dipped/high beam headlights come as standard while Adaptive LED Headlights with variable light distribution and anti-dazzle high beam are available as an option.

Exterior dimensions have increased to 4,935 mm in length, 1,868 mm in width and 1,466 mm in height. This translates into greater head- and legroom in the rear and more boot space (530 litres).

The new 5 Series is BMW’s most aerodynamically efficient model range, with a drag coefficient as low as 0.22 which, according to BMW, sets the class benchmark.

Lightweight construction techniques have lowered the car’s weight by up to 100 kg compared to the outgoing model, contributing to a reduction in fuel consumption by as much as 12 per cent with the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition achieving fuel economy of 74.3 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 102 g/km.

A newly designed chassis with new damper technology and lightweight braking system delivers improved driving dynamics, thanks to features including BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and Integral Active Steering.

Four engine variants (four- and six- cylinder units, petrol and diesel) will be available from launch in February 2017 with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Additional variants will arrive a month later, including the Plug-in hybrid 530e iPerformance which develops a system output of 252 hp, resulting in fuel consumption of 141.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of 46 g/km. It can also travel 27 miles in electric only mode. All models except the BMW 520d are fitted with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

The 5 Series features the latest-generation iDrive system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Vehicle systems are operated using the Controller, touchscreen, voice commands or BMW gesture control, while large control “tiles” display the content of the underlying menus and can be arranged according to the user’s preference.

A full-colour third-generation BMW Head-Up Display feature a 70 per cent larger, high-resolution projection surface.

BMW ConnectedDrive technology includes BMW Connected Onboard with services such as On-Street Parking Information (OSPI) and ParkNow to help users search for a parking space. Owners can sync their calendars, emails and contact details via Microsoft Exchange.

The 5 Series offers fully wireless smartphone integration via inductive charging, Apple CarPlay and a WiFi connection for up to 10 devices.

A new interior acoustic concept includes sound absorbers integrated into the headliner and acoustic glazing for the windscreen which no doubt improves the performance of the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system with diamond dome tweeters and an output of 1,400 watts.

BMW says the new 5 Series’ extensive portfolio of assistance systems represents another step towards automated driving. New assistance functions are Lane Change Assistant and Intelligent Speed Assist, the evasion aid, Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and Lane Keeping Assistant (which works at up to 130 mph) with active side collision protection. 

The All-new 5 Series saloon is set to hit showrooms in February 2017.