To say that the 5 Series is the backbone of the BMW family of cars is an understatement. Ever since its introduction in 1972, BMW has sold 7.6 million units of their premium sedan, 2.2 million of those sold in the previous generation F10. BMW says that roughly 20 percent of all BMW revenue now comes from the 5 Series alone and 58 percent of the people associate the 5 Series with the BMW brand.
And one of those 5 Series will also be the darling of U.S. customers. The new G30 540i replaces the current six-cylinder powered 535i when it arrives on this side of the pond in February 2017.
A new, single-turbo 3.0-liter engine reigns under the hood, making 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft, up from an even 300 in both measures in the outgoing 535i. BMW claims it’s good for a 0.7-second improvement in the zero-to-60-mph sprint. It is paired with the typical ZF eight-speed automatic which is often praised for its smoothness and precision in shifting.
When equipped with the optional M Sport pack, the new 5 Series gets a front apron with larger air intakes, side skirt trim, a diffusor-style rear apron and an exhaust system with two rectangular tailpipes- lowered M Sport suspension and M light-alloy wheels, in either 18″ or 19″.
In the interior, the M Sport package includes sports heated seats and a specific cover made, an M Sports leather steering wheel, aluminum trim and some specific details such as the illuminated M entry rails.
In Germany, the price for the M Sport package varies, depending on the motorization, between 4,600 and 5,500 euros. US pricing will be announced in January at the Detroit Motor Show.
