BMW PH launches new 5 Series sedan

MANILA: The new BMW 520i and the first-ever i5 eDrive40 have landed in the Philippines.

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation — the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the country — has rolled out the eight-generation five-series models, which offer a commanding road presence paired with refined interior detailing.

“These two vehicles redefine the premium end of the executive class, while also embracing the efficiency-enhancing influence of electrification. Cutting-edge innovations in driver assistance, control, and connectivity elevate the driving experience, ensuring a particularly sporty, efficient, and progressive journey for discerning drivers,” SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. said in a press release.

New design language

Both the BMW 520i and i5 eDrive40 don a new design language, allowing the two models to enjoy sporty elegance and a striking presence.

At the front is a modern interpretation of the BMW kidney grille. It now projects far forward and features a wide surround with BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.

To each of its sides are the latest iteration of the twin headlights, with LED elements arranged almost vertically to serve as turn indicators and daytime driving lights.

Per SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the vehicles feature a “high shoulder line, powerfully designed surfaces, and two precisely traced character lines.” As a result, the said design cues give the cars a much-desired athletic stance.

Adding to that are black side skirts, flush-mounted door openers, and an embossed number 5 at the base of the C-pillar.

The BMW 520i is fitted with silver 19-inch Triplex spoke 933 light alloy wheels, while the BMW i5 eDrive40 comes with bi-color grey 19-inch aerodynamic wheels.

The said design language also gives the vehicles flat rear lights divided by a chrome strip. They — the company pointed out — interpret the hallmark L-shape expressively.

Posh, fully vegan interior

Inside, the all-new BMW 520i and first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40 offer “high-quality, precisely processed materials, fine workmanship, and advanced digital services.”

They — boasted SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. — are the brand’s first models model to feature a fully vegan material called Veganza, which is used on the newly designed sports seats, the dashboard, and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel.

The aforementioned steering wheel has a flattened lower section. Past it is a 12.3-inch Information Display, complemented by a 14.9-inch Control Display.

With the inclusion of the HiFi loudspeaker system from Harman Kardon, all passengers inside the vehicle will even get the best audio treatment.

Impressive powertrain

The new BMW 5 Series is offered locally with both gasoline and all-electric powertrains.

Clients choosing the BMW 520i can benefit from its internal combustion engine (ICE), which generates as much as 208 horsepower with 330 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Its 2.0-liter inline, four-cylinder engine can dish out speeds that top at 230 kilometers per hour (kph). The said setup can zoom from a standstill to 100kph in just 7.5 seconds.

The BMW 520i’s ICE is also linked with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission with the use of mild hybrid technology with a 48V starter-generator.

On the other hand, those eyeing the all-electric BMW i5 eDrive40 can expect its emissions-free power system to produce approximately 340 horses with 430 Nm of pulling power. Estimated driving range is at 582 kilometers with a top speed of 193kph. Acceleration goes from zero to 100kph in 6.0 seconds.

Retail price, warranty

The BMW 520i has a sticker price of P4.990 million. Meanwhile, the all-electric i5 eDrive40 gets a P5.790 million price tag.

According to the BMW distributor, both models come with a five-year comprehensive BMW Warranty. The i5 eDrive40 also comes with a six-year BMW Service Inclusive package, an eight-year high-voltage battery warranty, and a BMW Wallbox charger that will be installed by a BMW partner in the customer’s home.

Photos from BMW Philippines

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