BMW has released a seventh generation version of its popular 5 Series for the first time since 2010 and the tech jump is one giant leap for mankind.
The new 5 Series has an ability to straddle the line between comfort, power and handling in a way that essentially means you don’t need to pick just one. Before you even get in the car you can use the smart remote key option to touchscreen control the car and drive it out of a tight space or garage before getting in - yes, you do feel like James Bond doing it.
Once inside, the car interacts with the driver using a 10.25-inch display console paired with a 12.3-inch digital cockpit screen, both of which come as standard with an optional colour heads up display available too. While you’ve got the classic click wheel option for control there is also now a gesture control option.
That means a swirl of your finger in the air controls music volume as if you were moving a virtual dial. Point two fingers forward and the music pauses. There are even plans to add more, like pointing at a landmark outside the car and it recognising what you’re marking out so it can bring up info on that place.
The 5 Series comes as standard with a SIM for connected driving, meaning you have a Wi-Fi hotspot right there. So while you’re enjoying the optional massage seats, as you breath in the ionic scent dispersed by the car, you can also be on your phone with strong connection. Or, if you’re driving, you can browse Deezer’s music selection for instant access to pretty much any song that comes to mind, anywhere.
Did we mention it’s semi-autonomous too? Yup, it has a copilot mode which will help steer you within your lane and keep your speed constant, braking for other cars in front. It’ll even detect cars swerving into your lane and dodge for you so you’re always safe.
The BMW 5 Series comes in the base 520d model with 190hp, 0-62mph time of 7.5s and £35,970 starting price. Or go for the xDrive four wheel drive version that intelligently moves power between the wheels to help in corners, on ice and more for a £37,970 starting price.
Then there is the 530d with 265hp and 0-62mph time of 5.7s at £43,780 or with xDrive a 5.4s 0-62mph time and £45,780 price. If you feel a need for speed there’s a 540i xDrive with petrol engine that offers 350hp for a 0-62mph time of just 4.8s and price of £46,405.
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