It seems like its been quite a while since BMW announced the new 5 Series, but the German automaker’s Geneva Auto Show press conference has provided us our first chance to get a look at this all-new model. The luxury sedan has grown for 2011 and looks it, while taking styling cues from both the current 3 Series and 7 Series.
When it initially goes on sale in North America, the 5 Series will be offered in both 550i and 535i trim. The 550 model boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 400-hp and 450 ft-lbs of torque, enabling it to hit 60 mph in just 5 seconds. As for the 535i, it gets BMW’s excellent twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six motor for 300-hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque. Both models will be available with either a standard six-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. A “Sport Automatic” 8-speed will also be optional.
No fuel economy numbers have been released yet, but BMW has made significant efficiency improvements with “green” technologies like electric power steering and Brake Energy Regeneration, where the alternator only recharges the car’s batteries under braking. The tall gears of the 8-speed transmission should also help deliver much improved fuel economy.
Those really in search of the best fuel mileage will, however, want to wait for the 528i, which will debut later with a 240-hp inline-six. At the Geneva Show, BMW also showed a European 520d, that gets an incredible 47 mpg on the European Test Cycle.
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