THE BUSINESS user is clearly in the sights of BMW. The new BMW 5 Series 520d SE is targeted right at business users, with a keen price, enticing specification, and low 18% tax banding.
Comparable prices on the outgoing 5 Series, sees the new model costing £27,555, against the old model at £27,430 (at 15% VAT rate). Yet the latest 520d SE features Dakota leather, BMW Professional radio and Bluetooth telephone preparation – additional specification worth £2230.
Key features include auto start-stop, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a double-wishbone front suspension.
Auto Start-Stop is just part of a series of fuel-saving measures. All manual gearboxes come with an optimum gearshift indicator, for example. Brake Energy Regeneration, which recharges the vehicle’s battery during engine over-run, is standard.
Active Aerodynamics are also standard. These close off the air cooling flaps behind the kidney grills to improve the aerodynamics of the car and performance on cold starts. Low rolling resistance tyres also feature to improve efficiency still further.
There are six models in the range:
- BMW 520d SE Saloon 184hp, 56,5mpg, 132g/km CO2
- BMW 525d SE Saloon 204hp, 45.6mpg, 162g/km CO2
- BMW 530d SE Saloon 245hp, 44.8mpg, 166g/km CO2
- BMW 523i SE Saloon 204hp, 37.2mpg, 177g/km CO2
- BMW 528i SE Saloon 258hp, 36.2mpg, 182g/km CO2
- BMW 535i SE Saloon 306hp, 33.2mpg, 199g/km CO2
- BMW 550i SE Saloon 407hp, 27.2mpg, 243g/km CO2
Among the options on the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is Park Assist. Once a button on the centre console is pressed ultrasound sensors located in the side indicator surrounds scan the road either side of the vehicle for an appropriate parking space. On location of a suitable free bay the driver then only need operate the accelerator and brake pedals while the Park Assist system swiftly slots the car into the space.
In addition there will be four optional equipment packages. BMW Business Advanced Media and BMW Professional Multimedia packages include BMW Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive – Assist and Online and Voice control. Dynamic package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Sport seats, Anthracite headlining, Sport leather steering wheel and High-gloss exterior trim. The Visibility package includes Adaptive headlights, Xenon headlights, High-beam Assist and headlight wash.
The all-new BMW 5 Series range goes on sale 20 March 2010.
New BMW 5 Series prices
- BMW 520d SE Saloon £28,165
- BMW 525d SE Saloon £33,095
- BMW 530d SE Saloon £37,100
- BMW 523i SE Saloon £31,235
- BMW 528i SE Saloon £32,915
- BMW 535i SE Saloon £37,090
- BMW 550i SE Saloon £50,520
