BMW 5 Series Extends Electrification Plus 7 Series Diesel Boost

BMW has extended its electrified powertrain offerings with the unveiling of the new 5 Series Sedan and Touring station wagon while also announcing enhanced 7 Series diesel options.

The German automaker also pledged that a PHEV powertrain option for the cars will be offered from November 2020. Also the use of mild hybrid technology with a 48V starter-generator will be rolled out to all models with a four- or six-cylinder engine, except PHEV and M550i xDrive models.

The mild-hybrid technology, first introduced in the BMW 520d and BMW 520d xDrive models in autumn 2019, claims enhanced performance combined with lower fuel consumption and improved driving comfort. Fitting a 48V starter-generator and a second battery enables a significant increase in the amount of brake energy that can be regenerated and stored. This energy is used not just to supply the electrical system but also to lighten the combustion engine’s workload and boost its power.

The starter-generator produces an electric boost that instantly makes an additional 9bhp available, aiding overtaking and off-the-line acceleration. The starter-generator also increases efficiency by assisting the engine when driving at constant speeds and improves comfort when the Auto Start-Stop and coasting functions are in use.

Claimed power outputs for these models range from 180bhp and 213ft-lbs torque for the 520i gasoline with a standing start sprint to 62mph in 8.3 seconds to 283bhp and 479ft-lbs from the diesel 530d xDrive claiming a sprint time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.

Alongside the 526bhp V8 found in the range-topping BMW M550i xDrive Saloon, the other models include a choice of three additional gasoline and three diesel engines. The direct injection system in the gasoline units operates at increased pressure, for greater efficiency, while the two-stage turbo-charging technology now fitted in all diesel variants claims sharper power delivery. All the engines are complemented with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is also offered on select variants including the 520d, 530d, 530e, 540i, 545e and M550i models.

Inside, new interior features include a larger 12.3” Central Information Display powered by the latest Operating System 7.0, including BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant and Smartphone Integration. Camera- and radar-based driving assistant systems, including features like steering and lane-control assistant and active cruise control to name just a few. Cars will start shipping in July and prices start from £37,480 ($46,081) for the 520i SE to £67,595 ($83,107) for the M550i xDrive M Performance model.

BMW has also announced two new 3.0-liter diesel engines for its flagship 7 Series. These feature exhaust gas treatment with engine-related components consisting of a diesel oxidation catalytic converter and an SCR coating on the diesel particulate filter.

For improved reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions, a second dosage unit is additionally integrated at the outlet of the engine-related SCR system. As a result, the models powered by the new in-line six-cylinder diesel engines now meet the Euro 6d emissions standard.

The 730d claims 283bhp and a combined fuel economy of 60mpg (50mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 128g/km while the heavier all-wheel drive 730d xDrive sees 56mpg (47mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 138g/km.

Multi-stage turbo-charging used for the first time in this version of the in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, along with variable turbine geometry for the low-pressure stage of the system. Maximum torque of 479ft-lbs goes on stream at between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm allowing a claimed zero to 62mph of each to 5.9 and 5.6 seconds respectively.

The second unit fitted to the 740d xDrive models claims 52mpg (43mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 142g/km. Using multi-stage turbo-charging plus a high-pressure and a low-pressure turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, it claims a maximum torque of 516ft-lbs delivered between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm. Together with a peak output of 336bhp at 4,400 rpm, the car claims the 0-62mph sprint in 5 seconds.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_