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BMW 5-series scooped (2009)
By
Tim Pollard
Spy shots
04 January 2008 11:12
The new 5-series grows marginally to a smidge under five metres in length, but the Bavarians will use some aluminium in the construction to keep the mass low. However, the main news on the eco front is the adoption of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics, winner of CAR’s green gong in our Car of the Year awards 2007. This clever tech will be standard on most models, cutting the engine when idling at standstill and disconnecting the alternator when the battery is fully charged, lowering fuel consumption and emissions. Why is the system so clever? Because it’ll be standard-fit on most models, you won’t have to pay extra for it, and it works seamlessly in the background. It’s an excellent example of jump-in-and-forget tech.
Engines and tech
Many of the Five’s engines will be carried over from today’s model, but there is a new 4.4-litre V8 engine fitted with direct injection and turbo for an output of more than 400bhp - and a hybrid system is under development with GM and Daimler. The anticipated engine range includes:
Petrols
3.0si 306bhp/307lb ft
4.0si 408bhp/460lb ft
5.0 V10 500bhp/384lb ft
Diesels
3.0d 245bhp/422lb ft
3.0sd, 300bhp/500lb ft
We also hear that the six-speed auto ’box will be replaced with a new high-efficiency transmission offering eight forward ratios. And the new 5-series can be fitted with various driver assistance extras like active steering, lane guidance, adaptive cruise control, automatic performance control and dynamic drive.
The new 5-series is being designed by new styling chief Adrian van Hooydonk, working under design director Chris Bangle. And this one will be joined by the new PAS, a new, roomy super-sized 5-series Touring on stilts.
