BMW has launched the facelifted 5 Series with prices starting at below Bt3 million (US$100,068) for the baseline plugin hybrid (PHEV) model.
The new 5 Series, which was launched here in CKD form right from the start rather than in CBU form like in the past, is available in 3 variants – 520d M Sport (Bt3.539 million), 530e Elite (Bt2.999 million ) and 530e M Sport (Bt3.739 million).
Alexander Baraka, president, BMW Group Thailand said, “The new BMW 5 Series is being premiered to Thai fans in diesel and plug-in hybrid variants with extensively updated design to deliver even more eye-catching design accents, coupled with cutting-edge innovations in the areas of driver assistance, driving dynamics and connectivity.”
The exterior of the 2021 5 Series gets facial cosmetic changes including the kidney grille that is 20 per cent larger, sleek adaptive LED headlights with L-shaped daytime lights ad aggressive air intakes on the front apron. At the rear, there are new 3D LED tail lights and trapezoidal exhaust finish.
BMW says that the length of the improved 5 Series has been increased by 27mm compared to its predecessor, while the drag coefficient is claimed at 023.
The 520d and 530e Elite gets 18-inch alloy wheels while the 530e M Sport runs on 19-ich alloys.
The diesel powerplant pumps out 190hp and 400Nm, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 235km/h. Meanwhile, the maximum output from the hybrid powertrain is claimed at 292hp (252hp plus additional 40hp for 10 seconds with XtraBoost function) and 420Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 5.9 seconds and the top speed is claimed at 235km/h.
According to BMW, the all-electric driving range has been increased to 52kms thanks to the 12kWh battery. The fuel economy is claimed at 20km/l for the diesel and 55.6km/l for the PHEV, the latter with 41g/km CO2 emission that is the lowest among large PHEVs in the market, coming behind only pure EVs.
The PHEV cars come with adaptive suspension while the diesel come with M sport suspension.
There are numerous active and intelligent safety systems. The key change in BMW 520d M Sport and 530e M Sport also includes the modern infotainment system like BMW Head-up Display and the latest BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3-inch Control Display running the latest BMW Operating System 7, which opens up greater range of personalisation options. As part of Comfort Access, the BMW Digital Key turns the Apple iPhone into a car key – enabling up to 5 users of the new BMW 5 Series sedan to unlock and lock the vehicle via Near Field Communication (NFC).
