2007 BMW 530xi

Beneath the powerfully distinctive and athletic styling, the character of the 5 Series is defined by an array of automotive innovations that combine to deliver a level of driving dynamics that others could only hope to equal.

Advanced intuitive control systems combine with uncompromising craftsmanship, luxurious materials and a tangible measure of increased spaciousness to create an interior environment without peer in this class.

Yet the more things change, the more they remain the same. When you get behind the wheel of the BMW 5 Series, the experience is, as always, incomparable. As with every BMW, it's all about the drive - a level of sheer driving pleasure that elevated the BMW 5 Series even further above the ranks of conventional luxury sedans.

The world's first Active Steering system is standard on all models. Basically, this remarkable innovation delivers variable assistance, adjusting the steering ratio depending on vehicle speed; when parking, the wheel requires less than 2 turns lock-to-lock. At highway speeds, the assistance reduces, allowing for more relaxed, yet precise vehicle control.

The optional BMW Dynamic Drive suspension control system further adds to the outstanding handling characteristics by reducing body roll by more than 80%.

There is also the option of revolutionary Adaptive Headlights. The swivelling headlights follow steering movements, illuminating up to 90% of the road in bends.

Once you experience this remarkable combination of advanced driving systems on the road, any conventional luxury car becomes an inconceivable proposition.

The new BMW 5 Series continues to wear the heart of BMW performance technology on its sleeve, so you can continue to enjoy the choice of the world's best straight-six or legendary V8 engines.

This is the BMW 5 Series you simply must drive.

In every situation, the straight six-cylinder engines perform with harmony and dynamic responsiveness. Their innovative four-valve technology means that each cylinder has two intake valves and two exhaust valves, allowing each chamber to breathe deeply with each stroke. Double-Vanos controls the timing of each valve opening, adjusting it to maximise the efficiency of the fuel-air mix. The result: swift acceleration and effortless cruising.

Characterised by outstanding responsiveness and turbine-smooth power delivery, the six-cylinder Valvetronic 160kW 525i and the 190kW 530i effortlessly surge from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds and 6.7 seconds respectively. The Double VANOS (Variable Camshaft Control) maximizes efficiency regardless of engine speed or accelerator position.

State of the art diesel engineering: the straight six-cylinder BMW 530d diesel powerplant delivers smooth performance and pure, breathtaking 480 Nm of torque, exploiting fuel-saving advances in combustion chamber design and BMW's second-generation common rail fuel injection.

Figures don't have to be dull: just take the 550i's eight-cylinder petrol engine. Its vital statistics are 270 kW at 6,300 rpm, 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and 10.8 litres per 100 km combined. What's more, this Valvetronic-equipped V8 delivers outstanding pulling power throughout the rev range, with 80% of its peak torque available between 1,500 and 6,400 rpm. However with lower combined fuel consumption levels of 10.4 litres per 100 km, the 540i only slightly trailing in its performance, still has all the lasting impressions of its bigger brother. With an impressive output of 225 kW at 6,300 rpm and 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds these two additions to the 5 Series line up contribute to maximum driving enjoyment.

Harnessing and optimizing the power and torque of the straight-six and V8 engines is a new 6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic gearshift. This supremely smooth, responsive transmission delivers a seamless flow of power to the road, at the same time maximising fuel economy and intelligently adapting to individual driving styles.

Dynamic driving has indeed evolved to a new level.

5 Series M Sport Package

The beauty of the M Sport Package is more than skin deep. In addition to the exterior aerodynamic improvements, there are tangible sporting additions to the interior as well as further refinement of the already beautifully balanced suspension.

Anyone seeing the M Sport Package-equipped 5 Series cars will immediately note the deeper, more aggressive front facia. Large circular fog-lamps are set into flared gills flanking the enhanced under-bumper air intake with its dark mesh lattice.

Subtly fluted side skirts run between wheel arches that now accommodate 18-inch light alloy M Double Spoke wheels, sized at 8J x 18 and shod with runflat 245/40 R18 tyres.

At the rear, a further extension to the lower valance reinforces the impression that the car is hugging the road. A more sporting and agile, yet still comfortable ride is delivered courtesy of stiffer springs, recalibrated dampers and a 15 mm lower ride height.

The new 5 Series M Sport Package echoes the suspension set up of the forthcoming high-performance M5, sharing links and bushes, to provide the perfect mix of handling and comfort.

Inside, an anthracite roof lining is added along with an M Sport steering wheel and body-hugging sport seats finished in Dakota Leather trim, available in Beige, Truffle Brown, Auburn or Amethyst. Newly developed Aluminium interior trim strips and M Door Sill finishers complete the interior. Wood trim in place of Aluminium is optionally available.

Source - BMW