Engine Automotive

In a presentation that combined the elements of pageant and business meeting, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, paid tribute to the importance of the 2011 BMW 5 Series to his company, as it represents the sixth generation of a nameplate that has sold more than 5.5 million examples over the years.

The new car is larger and more luxurious than the car it replaces, notably in its longer, 116.9-inch wheelbase, a stretch of 3.2 inches. The 2011 BMW 550i measures 192.9 inches from tip to tail (2.3 inches longer), 73.2 inches wide (0.5 inches wider) and 57.6 inches high (0.2 inches shorter). The new 550i also weighs 4,035 pounds, some 375 pounds more than before.

The new chassis is a derivative of the 7 Series platform, and it features both a double-wishbone front suspension with cast-aluminum control arms as well as BMW's Integral-V multilink rear suspension, which is compatible with all-wheel drive. Electronic-assist power steering is standard equipment across all 5 Series variants.

The 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan also looks like the 7 Series thanks to its new sculpted hood and its twin, forward-leaning kidney-shape grilles. Meanwhile a low, sleek coupe-style roof has been adapted to the faintly wedge-shaped car, and the traditional Hofmeister Kick at the bottom of the C-pillar, a signature of BMW design, is much more compact than ever before.

In Europe, the full range of BMW 5 Series sedans will include seven different powertrain choices — one V8, three inline-6s, two inline-6 diesels and one inline-4 diesel. The U.S. models will likely feature the 407-horsepower, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, 306-hp, single-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6, 258-hp 3.0-liter inline-6 and 245-hp, turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-6 diesel. BMW's new eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard equipment for the V8-powered 2011 BMW 550i and optional for all other models.