2011 BMW 5 Series: First Look

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• Competes with: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Infiniti M
• Looks like: The 5 Series and 3 Series are finally playing for the same team
• Drivetrain: 240-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder (528i); 300-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder (535i); or 400-hp, twin-turbo V-8 (550i) with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions; rear- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: 2010

Redesigned versions of the 7 Series sedan and Z4 roadster have left the 5 Series as one of the last relics of BMW’s chiseled, avant-garde styling. (OK, the 6 Series soldiers on, but that one came out of the oven better to start with.) The polarizing styling didn’t stop the 5 from topping its segment in sales — or at least sharing the perch with its perennial archrival, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is selling at a breakneck pace after a recent redesign of its own.
 
There’s no reason to doubt that the new 5 has similar potential. It’s more aerodynamic than its eyebrow-adorned predecessor — effectively taking on a lot of the styling themes from the 3 Series and 7 Series. Frankly, we’re glad BMW went with this face instead of the 550i Gran Turismo hatchback’s stubby mug.
 
BMW says the 5 and 7 share the same platform. That’s apparent on the inside where the two cars have similar dashboard contours, complete with a massive 10.2-inch navigation display and the backlit Black Panel gauges BMW has adopted of late. Alas, the automatic transmission still uses BMW’s less-than-ergonomic electronic shifter.
The 5 Series will initially be available in 535i and 550i guise, packing a 300-horsepower six-cylinder or a 400-hp V-8, respectively. Both engines have twin turbochargers, and the six now sports BMW’s Valvetronic technology for lower-end power delivery than last year’s 535i. Later on next year, a 528i will arrive with a 240-hp, non-turbo six-cylinder to slot in at the bottom of the lineup. BMW says it will also offer versions of all three sedans with its xDrive all-wheel drive. There’s no word on a Griswold-ready 5 Series wagon; even if one is made it might not be imported into the U.S.
 
BMW will pair all three 5 Series engines with its new eight-speed automatic, which is also installed on the 5 Series Gran Turismo hatchback and the V-12 760Li. The automaker will also offer a proper six-speed manual on the 535i and 550i.
 
High-tech features include the usual raft we’d expect for a car in this age and of this league, including blind spot and lane departure warning systems, an adaptive suspension and adaptive cruise control with full-stop technology. Like Infiniti’s Around View Monitor, BMW’s Top View system creates a top-down view of the car using cameras positioned in the rear bumper and side mirrors. Like various Toyota and Ford products, the 5 Series will also offer a self-parking feature.

We haven’t heard word yet on when the 2011 5 Series will be available, but we presume it will be sometime after the Gran Turismo — which is technically a 2010 model — hits dealerships at the end of this year. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but expect the 535i to start around the current model’s $51,100.