A boomer Beemer takes BMW into the future

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

The new BMW 5-Series sedan will arrive in New Zealand in October, complete with technology that can be upgraded at service intervals throughout the car's model life.

Key equipment includes:

* Active steering, which electronically varies the steering ratio to improve response.

* Adaptive headlight control, where the car's headlights move with the steering wheel to aid visibility around corners.

* Brake force display, which increases brake light intensity as braking gets heavier.

* An optional heads-up information display developed from Formula One works with the car's iDrive control system.

The 5-Series, pictured here for the first time, also picks up technology from the flagship 7-Series, including semi-active suspension and a reworked version of iDrive. It comes with a lightweight chassis, all-aluminium suspension, and styling that will be less controversial than the 7-Series.

The first model to go on sale here will be the 530i, powered by a 3-litre straight-six engine developing 170kW (225bhp) and 300Nm of torque.

It, like the rest of the range, will offer the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic with manual mode, called Steptronic.

The 530i will be followed by the 530d, a 3-litre turbo-diesel producing 160kW/500Nm.

Hot on the heels of the oil-burner will be the 135kW 2.5-litre 525i straight-six and the 255kW/450Nm 4.4-litre V8 545i. The premium M5 will come much later.

The new car marks the debut of the active steering and adaptive headlight systems.

Says BMW New Zealand marketing manager Mark McCutcheon: "The active steering system is a significant innovation unique to BMW. It works quite unobtrusively but effectively to enhance the driving experience. The difference is staggering."

McCutcheon, who has driven the new model in Europe, says BMW has placed much emphasis on the dynamics of the car.

"The new model takes the class-leading dynamism of the 5-Series to new heights. There is huge awareness of this car. It will be a significant step forward from the current model and will certainly earn the title many bestow on the current 5-Series, that of the best all-round car in the world."

McCutcheon says pricing and final specification details will be announced closer to its arrival here.