The 2011 BMW 5 Series
There's nothing flashy or superficial about the redesigned BMW 5 Series, the mid size sedan that, according to the company, delivers half its profits worldwide.The 5 Series' perennial task is to bridge the gap — in size, price, sportiness and luxury — between the sprightly 3 Series and the big-and-rich 7 Series.
Sharing a stellar chassis with the latest 7 Series, the new 5 leans in that luxurious direction, literally: the mildly stretched 5 Series is just 6.9 inches shorter than the 750i but 14 inches longer than the 3 sedan.
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Here is a sneak peek into the much awaited 2011 BMW 5 Series. There's nothing flashy or superficial about the redesigned BMW 5 Series, the mid-size sedan that, according to the company, delivers half its profits worldwide.
The new 2011 BMW 5 Series, 535i, evokes both luxury and pure functionality in all respects. The 5 Series' ultimate task is to bridge the gap in terms of size, price, sportiness and luxury. (NYT Photo) -
The new 5 displays all of BMW's grand specifications, along with some weaknesses: a sense of aloofness in some situations such as the one which has been aggravated by its new electric power steering and an inclination to show off its technical prowess. (NYT Photo)
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Sharing a stellar chassis with the latest 7 Series, the new 5 moves coolly towards the luxurious direction, literally: the mildly stretched 5 Series is just 6.9 inches shorter than the 750i but 14 inches longer than the 3 sedan. Not surprisingly, the 5 drives more like a scaled-down 7 than a scaled-up 3. (NYT Photo)
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The lovely cabin evokes both luxury and pure functionality without seeming to lift a pinkie to exert itself.
Highlights include a no-nonsense black-panel instrument display and a knockout 10.2-inch, high-resolution screen for the optional navigation system. (NYT Photo) -
Starting at $50,475, the popular 535i model gets the company's new 3-litre single-turbo in-line 6, with 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.
That 535i is good for a factory-estimated scoot from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds. For $60,575, the 550i cuts that time to 5 seconds flat by calling on the 7 Series' 400-horse twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V-8, left.
One can also have a 528i for $45,425, as long as your motive and standards are met by a 240-horsepower in-line 6. (NYT Photo)
