Tag Archives: 5 Series

SPIED: G60 BMW 5 Series Spy Photos and Details Revealed

The current G30 BMW 5 Series is getting a bit long in the tooth. While still a good car, its competition has passed it by, in terms of technology, style, and driving dynamics. So it needs a new model and the upcoming G60-generation 5 Series is going to be just that. Some new spy photos and some interesting new details have emerged, giving us some better insight into what the G60 5er is actually going to be like. (We don’t own the spy photos but they can be seen here)

According to a post on g80.bimmerpost, the next-gen G60 BMW 5 Series isn’t coming until 2023, so we still have quite a long ways to go before we actually see it. However, get the hype-train moving, as some of these new details are very exciting.

First, let’s address the question you’re likely already asking — will there be an electric model? Like with the 4 Series Gran Coupe and i4, the upcoming G60 BMW 5 Series will be based on the brand’s flexible CLAR architecture and will have both internal combustion and battery electric versions. From what we’re hearing, it’s likely that the ICE (internal combustion engines) models will mostly use smaller, more efficient engines. That would leave the more powerful models to the all-electric BMW i5.

Rendering by instagram.com/sugardesign_1

Though, there’s said to be a couple of powerful plug-in hybrid models in the works, too. For instance, the upcoming BMW 550e could come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, using a B58 inline-six engine, to make around 450 horsepower. However, there’s likely to be a BMW i5 M50 model, which would not only be the top-end electric model but the most powerful 5 Series model of them all.

BMW also seemingly wants to move the 5 Series’ interior a bit more upmarket, offering a more luxurious cabin, featuring more glass and metal trim. Apparently, BMW also wants to improve on its Iconic Glow grille lighting. Potentially the most interesting bit about the new 5 Series is its potential for Level 3 autonomy.

From the looks of it, in its heavy camouflage, it looks a 5 Series should. It’s a traditional three-boxy sedan with classic proportions and simple lights. That’s not to say it looks bad because it didn’t. But it’s not going to inspired a ton of outside customers.

[Source: Bimmerpost] [Rendering: instagram.com/sugardesign_1]

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BMW Will Fix Slow 0-60 MPH Times for M550i Models with Software

For any 2021 BMW M550i customers noticing that your car feels slower than it should, you’re not going crazy. In fact, your 2021 LCI facelifted M550i is quite a bit slower than it’s supposed to be. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds for the M550i but the fastest Car and Driver could get out of it was 3.9 seconds. According to BMW, it’s actually a software issue with the M550i and not C&D’s testing.

According to BMW of North America, the issue lies with the communication between the engine’s computer and the traction control system. For whatever reason, the miscommunication causes a drop in turbo boost pressure, resulting in a slower than claimed 0-60 mph time.

Admittedly, 3.9 seconds to 60 mph is still bonkers fast for such a big heavy car and, in reality, few are ever going to really notice the difference between 3.9 seconds and 3.6 seconds. However, for those Racebox-equipped owners out there that know their car isn’t making its claimed performance, the small gap becomes a chasm. BMW claims 3.6 seconds, so the car better do at least that, if not better.

BMW is fixing the issue, though, with a software rollout that will restore the M550i’s proper 0-60 time. Better yet, the fix is going to come via over-the-air update, so customers won’t even have to bring the car into the dealer for service. The update is said to come this Summer, though no date has been given.

The BMW M550i is a shockingly fast car when it’s working properly. The ability to nail 3.6 seconds from 0-60 from such a big car is incredibly impressive and it’s one of the reasons why the M550i is so attractive — it has M5-levels of performance but with far more comfort. So when it doesn’t meet its claimed mark, customers are understandably upset. Thankfully, BMW is fixing the issue soon.

[Source: Car and Driver]

BMW 520d Touring – The 5 Series To Own?

The U.S. market has been a stranger to BMW tourings for quite some time now. The last Sports Wagon offered on this side of the pond was the F31 BMW 330i Touring in the beautiful M Sport configuration. And while BMW wagons have always had a cult behind them, it was never large enough for BMW to keep them around.

But, if you live in Europe, the BMW wagon options are quite diversified and intriguing, the least. Of course, at the top of Sports Wagon list you will always find the M340i or M550d models, but there is one model that offers a better proposition. That’s the BMW 520d Touring.

Offering both the M Sport Package and Luxury Line configurations, the BMW 520d Touring features sleek design lines with elegant shapes, adorned with enough aggressiveness for a balanced and understated design. Naturally, interior and cargo space is plentiful, and that makes the 5 Series Touring the ideal family car.

The interior has not been forgotten either by the BMW design team. The 5 Series Touring sports high-quality leather options and trims, and when specced with the M Sport Package, some additional sporty elements are included. The thick M Sports Steering Wheel being one of them.

And while of those things can be found in most, if not all, 5 Series Touring models, it’s the 520d Touring that wins our heart. Powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder diesel, the 520d makes 190 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at 1750-2500 rpm.

The power is transmitted to the wheels by means of an 8 speed automatic transmission. The BMW 520d Touring weighs a claimed 1855 kg at the kerb. The BMW 520d Touring attains a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). But of course, it’s the fuel consumption that impresses most.

In a recent test we recorded under 7 l/100 km (over 33.6 mpg US, 40.3 mpg UK). Get it outside the city limits and you’ll see even better numbers. Keeping a steady 50 mph average speed, we saw a fuel consumption of 5 l/100 km (56.4 mpg UK, 47 mpg US) while on the highway, at an average speed of 75 mph the on-board computer showed an average of 5.8 l/100 km (40.5 mpg US, 48.7 mpg UK).

That means you can do a lot of highway cruising at the top of the speed limit with a full tank of diesel. And that means the 520d has a seriously big chance of remaining a crowd favorite, especially in Europe, where long commutes are rather common and people are looking for the best combo for longer trips.

Since diesels are on their last leg, the BMW 520d Touring will soon be a unicorn in the world of automobiles. So if you have a chance to get your hands on one, it will likely be one of the best choices you’ve ever made.

Going Green — Which BMW Hybrid Cars Are For Sale in 2021?

The electric future is no longer a future — it’s quickly becoming the present, as more and more automakers are offering large portfolios of electrified vehicles. BMW has even increased its hybrid offering quite a bit over the years. However, the vast majority of customers are are a bit slower to adapt than enthusiasts, so knowing what’s actually available can be tricky for many potential buyers. Which is why we’ve put together a list of which hybrid BMWs are currently on sale, both in North America and Europe.

BMW X1 xDrive25e (EU)

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The X1 xDrive25e is the smallest crossover you can get from BMW with a hybrid powertrain. It comes with a 1.5 liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, which combine to make 162 kW (217 horsepower) and can achieve a claimed 1.9 liter/100 km (123 mpg) combined between EV driving and the gas engine. It can also drive 49-52 km (30 miles-ish) on just electric power.

BMW X2 xDrive25e (EU)

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It goes without saying, the X2 xDrive25e is just a more stylish version of its X1 sibling. The hybrid powertrain is identical and so is its fuel efficiency. Though, the X2 can get an extra kilometer or two of electric range, likely due to its superior aerodynamics.

BMW X3 xDrive30e (NA/EU)

This is one of the few hybrids that’s available in both North America and Europe. The BMW X3 xDrive30e uses a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to make a combined 215 kW (288 horsepower in NA) and use only 2.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (98 mpg US). So it’s not as efficient as its smaller siblings, due to its weight. It can also drive 43-51 km (26-30 miles) on pure electricity.

BMW X5 xDrive45e (NA/EU)

While most of BMW’s hybrid lineup uses small displacement engines, for efficiency purposes, the BMW X5 xDrive45e didn’t get the memo. Instead of little turbo three and four-pots, the X5 xDrive45e gets a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6. When combined with an electric motor, it makes 290 kW (389 horsepower NA). It can also achieve 2.1-1.6 liters per 100 km (112-147 mpg US) combined and 77-88 (47-54 miles) in EV mode.

BMW 225xe Active Tourer (EU)

For the 225xe Active Tourer’s powertrain, see: BMW X1 and X2 xDrive25e. It uses the same hybrid powertrain combo as both of those cars, just with slightly different economy and range figures. The hybrid 2AT can use 1.8 liters per 100 km and do 52-55 kms on electricity alone.

BMW 320e Sedan/Touring (EU)

For the lesser 3 Series hybrid model, customers will get a 2.0 liter turbo-four, paired with an electric motor, that makes 150 kW and can achieve 1.5-1.6 liters per 100 km. It can also drive on EV power alone for 56-61 km. It’s also available as either a sedan or a Touring (wagon) model and with either rear or all-wheel drive.

BMW 330e Sedan/Touring (NA/EU)

Spending a bit more will get you the more powerful BMW 330e. While it uses essentially the same engine and electric motor, the engine’s been tuned for more power in the 330e. It makes a punchier 215 kW (288 horsepower) and uses 1.6-1.5 liters per 100 km (147-156 mph combined, US). It can also go 56-60 km (34-37 miles) under EV power. So it’s more powerful but less efficient.

BMW 520e (EU)

The least powerful hybrid 5 Series uses a 2.0 liter turbo-four with an electric motor to make 150 kW and uses 1.9-1.7 liters per 100 km. As for all-electric range, it can go 55-61 km and only uses rear-wheel drive. It also can only be offered as a sedan.

BMW 530e (NA/EU)

This one’s available for both North America and the European market and packs a bit more power than the 520e. It also uses a turbo-four and electric motor pairing but it’s setup has been tuned to makes 215 kW (288 horsepower US). The BMW 530e is available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and the car’s efficiency and economy are affected by the choice. The rear-drive 530e is surprisingly rated at the same efficiency as the 520e but the xDrive model is a bit less efficient, with 2.1-2 liters per 100 km (112-117 mpg US)

BMW 545e (EU)

Just like the BMW X5 xDrive45e, the BMW 545e also uses a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 with an electric motor. It makes a combined 290 kW (389 horsepower NA) and achieves 2.3-2.2 liters per 100 km. It also can drive 49-57 km (30-35 miles) o EV power.

BMW 745e xDrive (NA/EU)

The BMW 745e is available in both Europe and North America and uses the same powertrain as the 545e, only with worse economy. It does around 1.8 liters per 100 km (122 mpg WLTP) and has around the same electric range.

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Top Gear Tests ALPINA B5 Biturbo Touring — Best Family Car Ever?

For most BMW enthusiasts, the lack of a proper M5 Touring in the current lineup is a constant thorn in the side. However, European enthusiasts have the benefit of something even better, something that us American enthusiasts are denied — the ALPINA B5 Biturbo Touring.

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What is the ALPINA B5 Biturbo Touring? Well, it starts out life as a sort of BMW M550i Touring but becomes so much more. ALPINA takes the N63 engine under the hood, slaps two all-new (see: larger) twin-scroll turbochargers to it, a new intercooler, a new radiator, intake manifold and ECU tune, to name just a few. We’ve said it before, an ALPINA engine is so different from the standard BMW engine, that it shouldn’t even be considered a BMW engine anymore.

It also gets a suite of ALPINA-specific tuning, including tuning to the transmission, suspension, all-wheel drive system an braking. If you’ve driven any ALPINA, you’d know that they feel drastically different from the BMWs on which they’re based. While the BMWs themselves are great, there’s something truly special about the way any ALPINA feels.

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According to this new Top Gear review, the ALPINA B5 Biturbo is among the brand’s best and could be the ultimate family vehicle. There’s just something so wonderful about being able to drive at triple-digit speeds (only on the un-restricted Autobahn, of course), for hours on end with ease and the ability to do so with five people and a dog on board is remarkable. Obviously, we’re not condoning triple-digit speed with your family on board but knowing that it can do that makes it extra cool.

While BMW doesn’t make an M5 Touring, the ALPINA B5 Biturbo Touring is probably a better alternative anyway. Not that it’s better to drive, because they’re apples and oranges, the M5 and B5, but because it’s probably the better family car, which is really what buying a wagon is all about.

[Source: Top Gear]

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