The 2011 BMW 5 series is the 6th generation of this successful series of executive saloons. Codenamed the F10, it possessed a more traditional BMW design penned by Adrian van Hooydonk, a far cry from the very controversial look of the 5th generation E60 5 Series. As it is the first year of the new 5 series platform, is the F10 really worth the hype?
Performance
Two engines are currently being offered for the 5 Series. The 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder turbocharged engine that is capable of producing 300 horsepower is standard equipment for the 535i. The other engine, a 4.4 liter V8 twin turbocharged engine capable of producing 400 horsepower, is to be equipped to the 550i. 2 transmission options are available: a 6-speed manual and the 8-speed automatic transmission. It must be noted that this car is the only one remaining in this class to offer a manual transmission. For safety, it possesses a range of safety technologies such as front and side airbags and active head restraints. In addition, new technologies such as night vision and blind spot detection system are going to be offered as optional equipment.
Interior & Exterior
The controversial styling (what BMW car lately didn’t had some sort of controversial styling?) is still great. While it is not as radical as the past generations of the 5 Series, it has a design that is both simple and stylish. The detailing is impressive and keeps the styling well balanced. Also, while safety figures are not yet being published, expect it to be just as safe as the car it replaces. With mainstay safety features and some new innovations, it is still a good place to be. The interior is also well adorned, and is well worthy of the price tag. The components are craftily made and placed, and the seats and luggage space just might be the best in the business.
The BMW 5 series has only been in the market for a few months, and reception from the public are pretty mixed about it. It is a totally new design, with the exterior now resembling a more conservative look. Not only that, it incorporates some styling cues from previous 5 series models. It is conservative yet stately, and conveys the image the typical BMW image. While the exterior leaves a lot of people confused, there is no denying that the interior is great. Its interior designing was simply incredible, with the materials used to construct the interior parts a major improvement over the past 5 Series. The seats are very accommodating and offer a lot of support, especially the front seats. It also offers a huge trunk space: 18.4 cubic feet to be exact.
Pros & Cons
Of course, it still has its share of faux pas. The glaring one is in the performance category. BMW cars are known to produce driver’s cars. And while the new 5 Series still handles better than most cars, some enthusiasts find that it lacks the typical BMW edge. Also, the exterior, perhaps weaned by the extreme design of the 5th generation 5 series, find it too conservative. And lastly (and perhaps it’s important to note), some people say that outward visibility for this car is bad and can even lead to accidents.
The 2011 BMW 5 Series is a bold step moving forward. And while opinions about this car is still pretty mixed, perhaps it can grow on people too the way the equally criticized 5th generation 5 Series did. It is still an excellent car worthy of the BMW badge, and it excels in just about every department. The 2011 Audi A6 (MSRP $45,200; 18 city / 28 hwy) and the Mercedes Benz E-Class Sport Sedan (MSRP $49,400; 17 city / 24 hwy) are comparable to the BMW 5 series.
Overall Rating
79 out of 100
What others say:
“The new 2011 BMW 5-Series might be a conservative evolution in terms of styling and design, but it’s a quite radical one with regard to how BMW’s most important model drives.”Car Connection
“The base 528i has fine thrust overall, but it has touchy throttle response that makes it difficult to drive smoothly at times.”Consumer Guide
“Strong turbocharged engines; capable handling; clean interior design with high-quality materials; plenty of high-tech features; respectable fuel economy.”Edmunds
“Engineers have added electrically assisted power steering and planted more power under the hood.”KBB
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $45,050.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters) | Miles Per Gallon: 22 city / 32 hwy |
| Length: 193.1 in. (490 cm) | Width: 73.2 in. (185.9 cm) |
| Height: 57.6 in. (146 cm) | Curb Weight: 3814 lbs (1730 kg) |
| Wheel Base: 116.9 in. (297 cm) | Interior Capacity: 116 cu ft |
| Luggage Capacity: 14 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.0L DOHC24-valve inline-6 | Displacement: 2996 cc |
| Horsepower: 240 HP | Max RPM: 6600 RPM |
| Torque: 230 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | Transmission: 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds | 1/4 Mile: NA |
| Option:535i | MSRP: $50,100; MPG: 20 city / 30 hwy |
| Option:535i xDrive | MSRP: $52,400; MPG: 19 city / 29 hwy |
| Option:550i | MSRP: $60,200; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy |
