BMW 5 series is India's best selling luxury sedan in its class. Did you know that it holds an enormous 56% of the Market share? So the A6's, E-Class's, S80's are all battling for the rest of the pie. BMW 5 series has the style and the go to match it. This is BMW at its best. So, while the new E-class is around the corner and the A6 poised for a facelift, BMW couldnt be far behind. The RS6 also makes an enormous 580bhp which trumps the M5's 500, but while Audi concentrates on power, BMW's always remain driver focussed and they handle as sharp as a knife. BMW's are all about precision and that huge driver involvement that every other manufacturer has tried to imitate in this class.
So, the BMW 5 series is very important in the Indian context and BMW would launch it soon after its international launch. With the 2009 BMW 7-Series freshly unveiled, it seems like a fitting time for a look at the next Bimmer sedan slated for redesign — the 2010 5-Series.
More info after the break
Sources in Europe claim this BMW will move away from the polarizing design of the current model. Already under development with the internal codename “F10,” the next-generation BMW 5-series will soften the harder lines of the current E60 with more conventional-looking headlights and a cleaner front-end design.
New European pedestrian safety standards are expected to drastically alter the design of many European cars for the worse, but BMW will not only maintain its classic twin-kidney grille design, it will reduce the length of the front overhang.
As is typical of most recent BMW redesigns, this 5-series will add some space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase nearly 10 centimetres and widening the track. The overall length will grow by less than 2 centimetres, while its height will be reduced slightly and its width increased by a fraction. A set of 17-inch wheels will be the smallest available with 18- and 19-inch wheels optional.
When the new 5-Series finally bows — likely in 2010 — it will be available with the same twin-turbo V8 found in the X6. Just as in X6-guise, the twin-turbo V8 will make about 400 horsepower in the 5-series — which would put it in the same neighborhood as BMW’s E39 M5.
It is also believed that the base 5-Series will be available with the same twin-turbo six found in the BMW 335i and 135i.(3.0l straight six twin-turbo with 305bhp)
The next-generation 5-series is expected to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel drive option being available. The new 5 will also have Park Distance Control and an around view monitor system, similar to Infiniti’s Around View Monitor.
Also in the works is a more powerful version of the M5’s 5.0-liter V10, possibly sporting turbo technology to deal with the likes of the all-new Cadillac CTS-V and the RS6. Expect power to hover around 550-570bhp with more focus turned towards handling.
IAB
Source : Left Lane News
