2014 BMW 5 Series Gets Makeover

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
The Auto Channel

THE HAGUE - May 20, 2013: For the 2014 model year, the BMW 5 Series has been given a technical and esthetic makeover. Since the introduction of the outgoing ‘5’ in 2009/2010, more than one million units have been sold world wide, underlining its achievement as the best-sold model in the premium executive segment.

The new 5 Series has a somewhat different contour of the kidney grille, while the Sedan and Touring have new lower air intakes for a sportier look. The rear end’s width is marked by an extra crease in the apron and the rear lights are a tiny little bit different from the ones of the current 5 Series. The 5 Gran Turismo also has a modified front apron and the rear end has gotten a lift for a longer and lower to the ground impression. Other differences can be found in the panel where the license plate holder is mounted and the chrome strip on the rear apron. The side indicators are integrated into the exterior mirrors. All variants of the 2014 model will be delivered with standard Xenon head lights, while adaptive LED headlights and LED fog lamps are options.

The interior has been updated with small details, such as chrome trim around the control display of the iDrive system, while the storage compartment and the cup holders in the centre console have been increased in capacity. The rear section of the 5 GT has been revised, increasing the capacity of the boot by 60 liters to 500 liters. Furthermore, customers have a choice of new paint colors, light alloy wheels and new colors for upholstery and interior trim.

On the technical side the 2014 BMW 5 Series has also been updated. In addition to Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto start/stop (also in combination with the 8-speed automatic transmission), Optimum shift indicator and Eco Pro mode there is a coasting mode, disengaging the powertrain, a Proactive Driving Assistant to adjust the car’s speed ahead of a change in speed limit and the Eco Pro Route function which comes with the optional Navigation Professional. By reducing the drag coefficient (Cd) to 0.25 for the Sedan, the 5 Series aerodynamics have been optimized.

The range of power plants available for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and Touring now comprises four petrol and six diesel units, and also encompasses two BMW M Performance Automobiles – the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and BMW M550d xDrive Touring. The new 5 Series Gran Turismo offers a choice of two petrol power plants and three diesels.

New is the availability of the 518d model for the Sedan and Touring, an entry-level 4-cylinder diesel variant with TwinPower Turbo technology and 105 kW/143 hp. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5’s intelligent energy management has been improved. This model now comes with a specially tweaked version of the Proactive Driving Assistant, enabling adapting the interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor to the route ahead.

Also the chassis technology has been futher improved for maximum balance between sporting performance and ride comfort. The BMW 5 Series Touring and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo come as standard with air suspension, including automatic self-leveling at the rear axle. The Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console is standard on all models. Dynamic Damper Control, M Sport suspension and the Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering systems unmatched by any rivals can be specified as options.

All engine variants now meet the strict EU 6 exhaust gas standard, that will come into force in September 2014. The diesel models come standard with nitrogen oxide-reducing BMW BluePerformance technology.

The option lists shows a lot of innovations, some of them updated, such as Comfort Access, which allows the tailgate to be opened hands-free. It now also includes a closing mechanism, so that a movement of the foot under the rear apron can now be used to close the tailgate as well. New is the Harman Kardon Surround Sound system that offers rear- tablet-style displays for the rear seats. The ambient light option has been updated with a facility which allows the interior lighting to be alternated in tone between orange.

The range of BMW ConnectedDrive business solutions and driver assistance systems is more advanced and richer in variety. In the field of driver assistance systems we note the introduction of the glare-free High Beam Assistant and the BMW Night Vision system, which includes human and animal detection and the Dynamic Light Spot function.

From November 2013, the optional Traffic Jam Assistant will also available. It automatically keeps the car in the same lane, even when the road bends around a corner. It is part of the Driving Assistant Plus option, which also includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Collision Warning with braking function.

The cruise control function, that works with radar sensors and a camera, reacts with greater precision to the driving situation and to stationary objects. Another feature available for the Sedan and Touring from November 2013 is the fully automatic Parking Assistant.

New for the 5 Series are the Luxury Line and Modern Line packages containing exclusive design and equipment features. An M Sport package tailored to each model variant is also available. Prices will be available closer to the introduction date. First of all we will make our first driving impressions with the 2014 BMW 5 Series models. This is scheduled to be near Munich by the end of next month, so please stay tuned!