The 2018 BMW 5 Series Grows Larger and Gains Power

2018 BMW 5 Series (Credit: © BMW )

BMW has been spreading its new design language across its lineup like wildfire as of late, but a few models are still hanging onto the old look. One such model is the 2016 5 Series, which stands out like a polka dot rooster in Bimmer’s lineup. This stale look won’t be around much longer as, after a leaked image made its way to the interwebz, BMW decided to pull the veil from its fully redesigned 2018 5 Series.

The look of the 5 Series takes on all the design cues of the latest-generation BMWs, including the to-the-grille headlights, upright and bolder grille, wider taillights with BMW’s L-design graphics, and completely reworked body lines. Additionally, this new 5er is 1.2 inches longer, 0.3 inches wider, and 0.6 inches taller than the current model. It also rides on a 0.2-inch longer wheelbase.

Inside, the redesign is equally comprehensive, including standard sport seats, an available massage function, BMW’s new Gesture Control, Intelligent Voice Control, iDrive 6.0, a 10.25-inch screen, and an available Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system with diamond tweeters. Buyers will also enjoy a larger 18.7 cubic-foot trunk (4.7 cubes larger than the current model).

2018 BMW 5 Series (Credit: © BMW )

The 5 Series lineup will also gain a slew of new powerplants from BMW’s EfficientDynamics line. The entry-level model will be the 530i, which will feature a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that will produce 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque – an improvement of 8 horsepower over the 528i, but torque is down 2 pound-feet. The loss of torque will have no impact on acceleration numbers, as the 530i will hit 60 mph in just six seconds (5.8 seconds with xDrive). Top speed is limited to 130 mph, but the M Sport Package lifts this to 155 mph.

Topping the range – initially, at least – will be the 540i. It will boast a 3.0-liter inline-six with 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, which are 35-horsepower and 32-pound-feet over the 335i it replaces. This version of the 5er races to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.7 seconds with xDrive – improvements of 0.8 and 0.7 seconds, respectively.

Power is just one part of the BMW 5 Series’ equation; handling is the other part. BMW will enhance the rigidity if the new sedan with an improved chassis and a torsion-resistant body, keeping things firm in the corners. Also chiming in is its revised dual-wishbone suspension with lighter components, the new Integral Active Steering, and the new electromechanical anti-roll stabilization.

BMW expects to have the 2018 5 Series in showrooms in February 2017.