The 2011 BMW 5 Series is all new with virtually no
hardware having carried over directly to the 2011 BMW 5 Series from the
previous models. The all-new 2011 5 Series lineup includes the BMW 535i and
BMW 528i with six-cylinder engines, and the BMW 550i with a V8.
2011 5 Series Trims and Models
The 2011 BMW 5 Series is available in three models: the BMW 528i with
3.0-liter inline-6, the BMW 535i with more powerful 3.0-liter inline-5, and
the 550i with 4.4-liter V8.
The 528i and 535i come standard with leatherette upholstery, automatic
dual-zone air conditioning with micron air filter, 205-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3
audio with 12 speakers, redundant steering wheel controls, pre-wired for
satellite radio and CD changer, iDrive, power moonroof, Bluetooth, wood
trim. The 550i comes standard with leather trim.
Options: The Active Ventilated Seat Package adds front ventilated seats,
active front seats, multi-contour seats, heated front seats; Convenience
Package adds power tailgate, keyless entry, soft-close automatic doors; Cold
Weather Package includes heated steering wheel, heated front seats, heated
rear seats, retractable headlight washers; Driver Assistance Package
supplies automatic high beams, lane departure warning, active blind spot
detection, parking assistant; Dynamic Handling Package adds electronic
damping control, active roll stabilization, adaptive drive.
The Premium Package for 528i and 535i upgrades to Dakota leather and
includes universal garage-door opener, auto-dimming mirrors, ambiance
lighting; Premium Package 2 for 550i, 528i and 535i adds navigation,
rearview camera, satellite radio, premium audio, power rear sunshade with
manual side windows, heated front seats, park distance control, iPod and USB
adapter. The Sport Package features 19-inch alloy V-spoke wheels (18-inch on
528i), increased top-speed limiter, leather steering wheel, multi-contour
seats, shadow-line exterior trim.
5 Series First Drive 2011
We drove both the 535i and 550i on the racetrack and were stupefied by
how extremely competent and balanced this midsize performance sedan really
is. The chassis of both models had exceptional poise and pace.
The 550i's front/rear weight balance was slightly more nose heavy, at
52.4/47.6 percent, than the 335i's 50.9/49.1, but it would take Mario
Andretti to notice the difference, which he no doubt would. For the rest of
us, merely bringing our game up sufficiently to fully exploit the real
potential of the two different 5s was an all-day exercise.
So what does racetrack performance have to do with everyday driving in
these 5s? Absolutely everything. Virtually any emergency maneuver in normal
traffic demands near maximal use of a car's balance and grip. On the
racetrack, a car's balance, grip and maximum performance and being assessed
constantly. We found the two 5s to be extremely controllable at massive
levels of acceleration, stopping and cornering. Compared with their
competition, the BMWs should provide excellent performance in accident
avoidance maneuvers.
One of the singular components of the new 5 is a superb new eight-speed
automatic transmission, up from six speeds last year. This eight-speed,
combined with newly intense weight-saving provisions with aluminum doors,
hood, front side panels and suspension components, produce good fuel mileage
for such a strong performer, in part because gears seven and eight are both
overdrive.
Fuel economy are an EPA-estimated 20 City/29 Highway for the 535i and
17/25 mpg for the 550i. Not bad for a racing sedan. The 535i and 550i, after
all, achieve 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds and 5.0 seconds, respectively.
2011
Interior Style
The cockpit of the 2011 BMW 5 Series is all business, deferring in every way
to the driver. The dashboard is angled towards the driver, while the
horizontal lines of the dash add to a feeling of spaciousness for both
front-seat occupants. And as expected, all controls are well placed, with
the driver-only functions situated to the left of the steering column or on
the wheel itself. The steering wheel contains 12 fingertip adjustments for
audio, phone and adaptive cruise control. It also has a convenient tilt-away
provision for easy ingress and egress.
The front seats are supportive and grippy, with unobtrusive but firm side
bolstering. Both front seats have 10-way power adjustment, though with the
Sport Package, for maximum comfort and driver alertness, the driver's seat
is provided with deluxe 18-way multi-contour seats. The rear seats offer
decent side bolstering, while rear seat legroom is generous, a half-inch
greater than in the preceding 5.
Early
Conclusions
The BMW 5 Series is dramatically updated and improved for 2011. If you've
held back because you've heard complaints about some of BMWs' cockpit
controls, the waiting is over. Looking for more info, photos, specs and all
news for the 5 Series? Go to BMW.com
for more info. The 5 is unquestionably one of the premier performance sedans
in the world.