2004 BMW 5-Series: First look

Perhaps one of the most anticipated cars of recent times, BMW's new 5-series, codenamed E60, has finally been officially announced.

No more computer generated imagery, no more spy shots of disguised vehicles - this is the real deal, and BMW has a lot riding on it.

Looking to give Mercedes' proven E-class a stiff kick in the cods - while at the same time putting Audi, Lexus and VW in their respective places - if first impressions are anything to go by, the 5-series looks promising.

The new BMW E60 sedan has been given a serious work over, and rightly so: The outgoing E39 model is now seven years old.

Launched in 1997, it was gifted with the odd makeover, but BMW has essentially been selling the same car for seven years.

The new 5-series has been the centre of much speculation - and anticipation. As you can see, the final product isn't as radically different as the obtuse 7-series.

Even so, many were quick to dismiss new BMW models, partly due to the fact that upcoming models would be styled by the same group as those who botched the 7-series.

Rumours even suggest that just 18 months into the new 7-series life - such is its tarnished name - it may get a mid life make-over, particularly at the rear. If this came to pass, it would be an admission on BMW's behalf that it's stylists - namely Chris Bangle - screwed up.

But the 5-series is here and, unlike the 7, most will agree it's not as ugly. Perhaps BMW's head of design is still in a job after all...

The fifth-generation BMW 5-series' front end has been massaged into a sleeker, less generic-looking face, while still being recognisable as a BMW.

The new headlights are one of the more eye-catching features, which taper off at the edges, curving round through the front quarters.

With dual xenon HID (high intensity discharge) globes, plus a new and sophisticated look, this is arguably the biggest evolution in the 5-series appearance ever.

BMW's famous twin-kidney grille has been slightly tweaked and even moved a little higher, now forming part of the bonnet, which has been given more a pronounced contour, running from grille to the windscreen.

Furthermore, the bonnet is now lower, thanks to new mounting points for the engine, and the car's profile is much sleeker than before in what could be seen as a tip of the hat towards Lexus.

With a more angled rear windscreen, the 5-series takes on a more sporting character. Less-generic tail lights replace the older models', while still retaining the BMW feel, and the rather grotesque boot 'hump' from the 7-series has been left out. Crisis over.

All 5-series vehicles will be rear-wheel drive and six-cylinder models come standard with six-speed manual transmissions, and can be optioned with fully-electronic 'StepTronic' six-speed auto gearboxes.

Two variants will be available at the Australian launch during October, the 520i and 530i - both inline sixes.

The 520i gets a 2.2-litre six, worth 125kW @ 6100rpm and a somewhat lame 210Nm @ 3500. Still, the entry level model is always important, as not everybody has the need for tyre-shredding power.

The tried-and-tested 3.0-litre mill, used in what seems like every BMW model available, makes a healthy 170kW @ 5900rpm and 300Nm of torque @ 3500rpm.

Later in the year, most likely December, BMW will release the 525i in Australia, fitted with a 2.5-litre inline six (141kW, 245Nm). The delay is likely due to the 525's high demand.

While two V8s are heading for European markets, only one is confirmed for Australia at the time of writing - the larger capacity 4.4-litre engine. The new 540i makes a healthy 210kW @ 5400rpm and 440Nm @ 3600rpm.

Replacing the older 32-valve, 3498cc engine will be a larger 3.6-litre mill, expected to outrank the 3.5 by some 20kW, putting peak power at around 200kW.

This engine has not yet been rubber stamped for local consumption, though the lack of a 535 model would be a great shame.

Yet the lack of mid-sized V8 may be forgotten in 2005, when BMW unleashes its hush-hush M5, which will be lighter and more powerful than the current model.

Packing a highly-tuned 5.5-litre V10, incorporating much of BMW's F1 know-how, insiders are already suggesting that many of Mercedes forced-induction AMG models will be no match for BMW's nat-atmo M5.

The 2005 M5 will ship with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox, and a few months later BMW will unleash an SMG model; sequential manual gearbox.

While BMW is tight-lipped on its upcoming ten-cylinder road warrior, insiders in Germany reckon the engine will have a few parts similar to the current 6.0-litre V12, but will feature direct petrol injection.

Also making the cut will be Vavletronic and dual VANOS, plus 10 individual throttle butterflies, similar to the six found in the M3, making for splendid throttle response.

Early figures put peak power at roughly 375kW, which is likely to drop as refinement and reliability issues come into play. This is expected to arrive @ 7000rpm and peak torque is currently rumoured to peak @ 4000rpm; 650Nm.

Exciting stuff indeed, particularly as the the 5-series underpinnings are much improved over the E39s. Making use of the latest (aluminium) MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension rigs, BMW reckons the next-generation 5-series is the sportiest and most nimble yet.

Available as an option and standard on more expensive variants, pneumatic suspension will adapt to varying road conditions, for instace dropping ride-height when cruising at Autobahn or Autostrada speeds to increase fuel efficiency.

The 5-series also gets number of structural improvements, most notably the introduction of a new aluminium chassis.

In addition to increasing the vehicle's rigidity and weight distribution, the new frame - combined with the all-aluminium suspension setup - helps reduce weight significantly.

Further to the car's fairly confronting new look, the 2004 5-series is now wider, taller and longer than the superceded model, yet weighs in at 75kg less than its 2003 counterpart, thanks largely to the aluminiumisation of core components.

5-series occupants will be greeted with a new look interior that adheres to 'new' standard set by the 7-series and also seen in the Z4.

In BMW-speak, the interior benefits from: "... the renowned interplay of convex and concave surfaces from the BMW Z4." We would have settled for five seats and a jumbo cup holder, but this is good too.

In all seriousness however, the 5-series interior is very much in line with your large luxury sedan, though featuring more driver and passegner-oriented ergonomics than most.

Automatic climate control makes the cut, and the rear seating area has increased in size, likewise boot space.

While anyone who's driven the 7-series won't be too thrilled to hear that the iDrive control concept will appear in the 5-series, it is reassuring to note that the German automaker has simplified its operation.

In a clever move by BMW, the 5-series can be optional with a HUD, or heads up display. Drivers can select which systems they want to see, such as navigation or speed info, which is projected onto the inside of the windscreen.

While the HUD not only looks seriously cool, it also has added safety benefits in that drivers don't have to look away from the road to know how much fuel is left, or how fast they are going. Expect Merc, Audi et al to add the HUD in respective future models.

It should also be noted that the new 5-series gets plenty of acronyms, but never before have we seen so many 'active' features. While Active Roll Stabilisation, Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Active Front Steering system (AFS) may sound a little gimmicky, in actual fact they help elevate the new 5-series above the norm.

ACC makes use of radar-based techno-wizardry to make it easy to maintain a safe and comfortable distance from the car in front, though it's the AFS that seems to be getting all the hype from BMW types.

According to Bavarian Motor Works, the 5-series will be the first car in the world to offer an Active Front Steering system. Claimed to offer new levels of driving enjoyment, comfort and safety, the system electronically alters the the degree to which the front wheels turn.

It does this based on a number of factors, one of which is speed. The slower you travel, the less input (or steering wheel turns) is required for a given situation, such as tighter turns, navigating city traffic or parking. At higher speeds, the steering becomes less direct, offering better stability during highway driving, for instance.

When the vehicle's numerous sensors conclude you're picking up the pace, perhaps indulging in your favourite twisty backroads, or even initiating a sudden movement, the steering response quickens, allowing for more decisive output.

It works in tandem with the vehicle's Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC), which can sense increases in the yaw rate - such as the enthusiastic driving or emergency swerving - and adapt its steering ration accordingly.

And, if all this gadgetry wasn't enough, how about adding the optional Adaptive Headlights? Hooked up to the bi-xenon front light clusters, the system reacts to varying stimuli - much like the AFS - such as the steering wheel angle, road speed and yaw rate to angle the lights in order to provide a better and more practical spread of light. We're hoping the car will be able to wink, too, but it may require some aftermarket mods to the software...

We could also mention the Adaptive Brakelights, Valvetronic engine systems and enhanced SRS airbag array, but alas, we've run out of room.

Suffice to say, the new 5-series is one very impressive piece of kit that will go a long way to redeeming the reputation of the one Chris Bangle. Even without the M5 (not due until 2005), the new 5-series appears to be a well thought-out design that could be the start of a revitalised BMW.

Of course, one could also be a cynical and suggest the new E60 5-series is simply a marketing exercise aimed at winning over the most lucrative car market in the world - America. But it's not, and there's a good chance even the Germans will find it hard not to be impressed.

The 2004 BMW 5-series is due out in Australia in October 2003. No prices have been set, but expect them to be slightly higher than current 2003-spec models.