E60 BMW 5 series close to unveiling!

Posted by Harry on October 24th, 2009 | 2 Comments

2010 BMW 5 series (5)

If sources are to be believed, the 2011 BMW 5 Series is just 5 weeks away from its official unveiling with the physical unveiling at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. We can also confidently report that the production of the present generation 5 series has been halted and the re-tooling process for the new model has already begun. The last few kits are being assembled in India and those wanting the existing model could get some sweet deals this festive season.

These spy shots are from Austria and Germany and preview the car in Milano Beige colour. This is BMW’s most important model in recent times and the classic tag "Die neue Klasse" (The new Class) will be used to welcome the 6th generation 5 series. It will replace India’s most popular luxury car, which has enjoyed the numero-uno status in India beating the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-class. The new design idea was to built a car that looks expensive, but more modern and proportionate than a typical mid segment sedan. The spy pictures also reveal the interiors that sport dials similar to the ones on the 7 series and now sports the I-Drive dial beside the gear lever. We reserve further comments until the car is revealed.

As with most modern sedans, the styling moves towards a low slung coupe type roofline that every car from the new Sonata(Hyundai I40) to the Bugatti Galibier have in common. The dynamic stance, as is a trademark on all BMW’s sets it apart from its rivals. While the car’s size has grown a few inches in every dimension, extensive use of aluminium will keep the overall weight around the levels of the present car. Weight saving has been taken to an extreme with components like water pump, transmission cases and suspension mounts made out of lighter materials and the new 5 maintains BMW’s trademark 50:50 weight distribution.

BMW’s efficient dynamics will be featured extensively in the 5 series range and one of them includes all new aerodynamic wheels. Active Hybrid models will be featured along with both petrol and diesel engines although these might not make it to India. For the Indian market however, we can safely expect the normal lineup of the 3.0l petrol and diesel engine in many states of tune and the new generation turbo engines could make their appearance as well. Not much else is known at the moment but India being a crucial market for BMW, we expect the model to be here soon after its International launch. Stay tuned to Wheelosphere for updates. We know you will.