BMW 5 Series pricing announced ahead of March launch

The BMW 5 Series will soon launch in Australia, with four models initially kicking off the seventh generation of BMW’s executive express.

The range will start with the $93,900 diesel-engined BMW 520d, the lowest-priced model until a petrol-engined 520i – it was the model designation for the previous entry-level 5 Series – arrives late this year.

However, while the price of the 520d the car it replaces – the previous 520d started from $84,755 – BMW says it gets a much richer level of equipment to offset the extra spend.

As well as the 520d, BMW will introduce the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol-engined 530i ($108,900), the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel 530d ($119,900) and the inline 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol 540i ($136,900).

“The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is a showcase of the latest automotive technologies,” BMW Australia chief executive Marc Werner said. “It incorporates advanced semi-autonomous capabilities, driving assistants and ground-breaking connectivity while remaining dynamic and engaging to drive.”

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The entry-level 520d produces 140kW and 400Nm, but using only an average of 4.7 litres of fuel for every 100 kilometres it travels. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

As with all the 5 Series models on offer, buyers can choose between either the Luxury Line or M Sport package to further individualise the look of their car.

Standard equipment runs to LED headlights and 18-inch alloys, leather seats with electric adjust for both driver and front passenger, an electrically adjustable steering column, wireless smartphone charging, a heads-up display, a 12-speaker audio system with digital radio, active cruise control that can bring the car to a complete stop, and semi-autonomous parking.

Each car also sells with a speed limiter, and technology that can read speed signs and display them to the driver. According to BMW, the extra gear it has added to the new 5 Series adds up to about $15,500 compared with the car it replaces.

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The 530i uses a new turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 185kW and 350Nm, but is still economical enough to use just 5.8L/100km.

It gets the M Sport package as standard, and sits in 19-inch wheels wrapped around branded M Sport brake calipers. Over the 520d, it adds a powered bootlid, adaptive LED headlights, suspension that can become tauter at the press of a button, a 16-speaker audio system, sports front seats with heating and lumbar adjust, and an M-branded leather steering wheel.

Once again, BMW claims the added equipment adds up to about $16,000 of extra value for about a $9000 increase in price.

The 530d’s engine produces 195kW and a turbocharged V8-like 620Nm, but officially only uses 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

As well as the M Sport package, it also gains an M-branded aerodynamics kit over the 530i. Once again BMW claims it equates to about $16,000 in extra value compared with the 535d it replaces. It’s good value; the 535d was priced about $4000 more than the car that replaces it.

The flagship – at least until the arrival of the performance-honed M5 arrives – will be the 540i. It produces 250kW and 450Nm from its six-cylinder engine, using an average 6.7 litres of petrol for every 100km it travels.

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It will initially be the most driver-oriented car of the BMW 5 Series range, featuring BMW’s Adaptive Drive system with active anti-roll bars, and fitted with 20-inch alloys.

As the flagship, it will add a sunroof, metallic paint, a rear-window and rear-side blinds, Nappa leather upholstery, and comfort-oriented seats with active air ventilation.

BMW says all the extra gear adds up to $34,000 over the outgoing 535i – handy when it costs $19,000-odd more than the car it replaces.

BMW 5 Series pricing

520d $93,900
530i $108,900
530d $119,900
540i $136,900
*Before on-road costs