I was invited to the all new BMW 5series media launch in George, Western Cape, on arrival we were treated to a fabulous lunch at the whale viewing deck at Oubaai resort and spa, possibly one of the most breath-taking views in South Africa.
And the the fun began, driving through George in the luxurious beast reminded me of BMW’s pay off sheer driving pleasure. Everyone know I’m a convertible kinda girl but this sedan ticks all the right boxes, a little big for me but I can’t fault it on how well it handled the roads, especially the bends! Superior driving pleasure and unsurpassed aerodynamics.
As our trip starts I connect my Bluetooth twirl my right index finger in small clockwise circles and my Beyonce- Diva cranks up yaaaaaaasss so fitting! This feature seen on the 7series is now available on the 5series, I’m obsessed with convenience – the gesture recognition system makes playing music so much easier, but not just for music, the gesture controls on the new iDrive interface let you control everything from the navigation and radio to climate controls with hand movements. Basically ladies full time Queening, they say it’s the business athlete but i feel like this car was made for us riiiight?
i test drove the 520d and the grunt-happy 540i, I love how much this one sounds as I accelerate, cutting through the curvy roads of George I’m impressed by the way this handles of. Both cars deliver excellent road holding, satisfying acceleration, and an intuitive sense of weight transfer.
My other absolute fave optional extra is the parking assist, I feel like trips to the mall are about to get easier, you know when there’s one tiiiiiiny parking spot left eeeeeeeek! fear not fashionista’s this beauty will do the work for you
The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan will cut a sporty, elegant and stylish figure when it hits the roads in South Africa in February and March 2017. Further enhanced dynamics, an unbeatable line-up of assistance systems, an unmatched degree of connectivity and a new and innovative operating system are the most important new features. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan therefore has all the tools it needs to continue the remarkable success recorded by its predecessors; around 7.9 million BMW 5 Series cars were sold across its first six generations. “The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series points the way into the future, as we have defined it with our NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy. We see technological leadership, emotionally rich products and digitalisation as essential factors in achieving success. With the expansion of our model portfolio in the large-vehicle classes, we are satisfying the wishes of many customers. I’m in no doubt that the new BMW 5 Series will set new benchmarks technologically, but also have huge emotional appeal. It remains the epitome of the business sedan,” says Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG.
Superior driving pleasure and unsurpassed aerodynamics. Rigorous application of the BMW Efficient Lightweight lightweight design concept, with increased use of aluminum and high-strength steels, reduces the weight of the 5 Series Sedan by up to 100 kilograms from that of its predecessor. The newly designed chassis, a low centre of gravity, BMW’s hallmark even weight distribution and a lightweight body offering exceptional torsional stiffness combine a wonderfully dynamic driving experience with the long-distance comfort for which the BMW 5 Series is renowned. Various chassis options such as Integral Active Steering add further talents to a dynamics-focused overall package designed to ensure the BMW 5 Series once again stands at the top of its class. The drag coefficient of the new, 4,935 millimetre-long BMW 5 Series Sedan (Cd = 0.22 at its most efficient) sets the benchmark in its class.
Intuitive usability and extensive comfort. With even greater user-friendliness as its goal, the new BMW 5 Series is equipped with the latest-generation iDrive system. In top specification, it displays navigation, telephone and entertainment features, plus vehicle functions, on a high-resolution 10.25-inch screen. The system can be operated using the iDrive Controller, by voice command or gestures, or by touching the display controls directly, as the driver wishes. The large, tile-style panels can be arranged as desired and show the content of the underlying menus in constantly updated form. The latest-generation full-colour BMW Head-Up Display has a projection surface that is 70 per cent larger than before and displays traffic signs, telephone listings, radio stations, music tracks, navigation instructions and warnings from the assistance systems.
Maximising the levels of on-board comfort are extended storage options, greater legroom for rear-seat passengers and comfort seats with massage function, not to mention innovative seat operation using touch sensors and four-zone climate control complete with ionisation and discreet air fragrancing. Special Synergy Thermoacoustic Capsule (SYNTAK) engine encapsulation technology, the acoustic glazing for the windscreen and the acoustic headliner bring about another noticeable reduction in noise levels inside the car. All headlight variants specified for the BMW 5 Series Sedan come as standard with LED technology. Available as an option are Adaptive LED Headlights with variable light distribution including adaptive roundabout lights and BMW Selective Beam anti-dazzle high beam with a range of up to 500 metres.
Photography: Mpumi Ngwenya