Update – BMW launches F10 5-Series sedan; 8-Speed automatic standard across range

Images from launch added, courtesy Motorbeam.

BMW really pushed as much as it could to bring the new 5-Series to India early. They have done a brilliant job of re-jigging and re-tooling their assembly process so that the F10 5-series can be launched sooner. Well, BMW never really rushes its launches but the brilliance of the new E-class meant that BMW was left far behind the Merc. The new Merc is much sharper and better than the older 5-Series that it was up against. A look a the sales figures say it all – Merc sold over 250 E-classes in Match while the 5 could only manage 180. Moreover, in the first three months of 2010, the E has outsold the 5 2 to 1. BMW immediately turned to plan B to pull forward the launch of the new 5-Series by a couple of months to this very day.

The launch was a very special one. There was not just a single car but a whole pavilion of BMWs. This shows the importance of the new 5-Series. The new 5 comes with four engine choices. The variants and prices (Ex-Delhi) are as follows. While the 535i alone is imported as a CBU, the rest are assembled in India. Bookings are open with immediate deliveries.

BMW 5-Series 523i Rs 38,90,000

BMW 5-Series 535i Rs 58,00,000 (CBU)

BMW 5-Series 525d Rs 39,90,000

BMW 5-Series 530d Rs 45,90,000

Hit the jump to know more about the colours, interior trim and engine details. Click here to read about our exclusive international launch coverage. Know more about the new 5-Series by watching a series of videos and pictures here.

All the kits come from BMW’s plant in Dingolfing, Germany.

Colours available :

Metallic : Space Grey, Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Havanna, Cashmere Silver, Deep Sea Blue, Milano Beige, Imperial Blue Brilliant Effect and Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect

Non-metallic : Alpine White

Dakota leather is the standard upholstery for the new BMW 5 Series and is available in the following colour combinations: Oyster / Black, Black / Black, Vento Beige / Vento Beige, Oyster / Oyster dark and Cinnamon Brown / Black. The following interior trims are available: Fine-wood trim Ash Grain Brown and Fine-wood trim ‘Fine line” anthracite.

The engines are improved and the base 523i comes with 204bhp while the 535i features Direct injection and twin turbochargers producing 306bhp. The new generation diesel engines produce 245bhp in the 530d while the 525d produces 204bhp, similar to the 523i. We expect the 525d to be the best seller across the range until a cheaper 520d arrives. The best part however is the inclusion of standard 8-speed automatic gearbox across all variants. The 8 gear ratios ensure that the engine is driven at its maximum efficiency zone resulting in better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Speaking on the occasion, Peter Kronschnabl, president, BMW India said, “The 5 Series is the core model in our product portfolio. Each generation of the BMW 5 Series has been a winner and has played a major role in the company’s success around the world. And we intend to keep it that way in India. You can imagine what high expectations we have of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan: It has to live up to its highly successful predecessor both in terms of innovative technology and sales achievements.” He further added, “Splendid design, flawless workmanship, driver orientation with ideally placed instruments and intuitive operation, the new BMW 5 Series embodies a formula to captivate the senses. The new BMW 5 Series is everything a BMW sedan is meant to be: aesthetic, dynamic and efficient.” 

Picture courtesy : Overdrive