[8] New Bmw | [+] MANTIS TILLER

BMW is updating its popular midsize sedan, the 5-Series, with what the German automaker says are improved performance and dynamics, better steering feel, new four- and six-cylinder engines, and the latest iDrive system, now including optional gesture control. The car carries a fairly heavy load: More than 7.6 million 5-Series have been sold worldwide since 1972 -- since 1975 more than a million in the U.S. alone. The ‘17 model is on sale next February, with prices coming closer to launch. We’re guessing a starting price in the $53,000 range.

BMW calls the new design “mature” and “confidently stylish.” It’s 1.2 inches longer than the outgoing model, 0.3 inch wider and 0.6 inch taller. The 117.1-inch wheelbase is 0.2 inch longer. Rear-seat passengers can enjoy 1.2 inches more legroom.

LED adaptive headlights are standard, their housings now connecting more smoothly with the kidney grille. Adaptive full LEDs, able to adjust the lights’ graphics, are optional. The kidney grille is active, opening the slats when more air is needed.

BMW design chief Karim Habib says the passenger cell has been moved back slightly and he wanted the roofline to flow more smoothly to the back end. Meanwhile the swage line sweeps the Hofmeister Kink upwards rather than continuing straight into the rear. He thinks the upward motion lends the car a forward-surging character and makes it look more muscular.

The new 5-Series rear has a lower center of gravity than the outgoing car and is designed to look wider, with rear lights extending deeper into the sides of the car. The tailpipes are now arranged symmetrically, and the Sport design model is now standard with chrome window surrounds and a chrome kidney grille. The optional M Sport package has larger front air intakes, side skirt trim, a diffuser-style rear apron and an exhaust system with two rectangular tailpipes.

The new interior boasts massaging seats (eight massage programs with three intensity modes) as optional, with 16-way electric buckets standard.

Models separate by engine: The 530i has BMW’s new 2.0-liter turbo-four developing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, good enough to hit 60 mph in six seconds. The 540i’s 3.0-liter inline-six produces 335 hp and 332 lb-ft. Sixty mph arrives in 4.9 seconds. Both models are available at launch with xDrive. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that uses nav system data to change settings depending on upcoming corners, intersections and different kinds of roads.

The new car is 137 pounds lighter thanks to more high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium. The hood, roof, doors and trunklid are aluminum. Front suspension is double wishbone with a five-link rear, and all-season runflats are standard.

Options include driver assistance, able to change lanes at up to 140 mph; blind-spot detection; and adaptive cruise control.

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