MANILA, Philippines - Can you create joy? Can you improve on perfection? These are the questions asked by BMW each time a new 5 Series comes out. The latest one – the sixth-generation model – is no different, as it was finally unveiled to the public at a lavish ceremony by Philippine BMW distributor, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC). Set amidst the country’s ultimate symbol of status and wealth, ACC transformed the open fountain area of the Makati Stock Exchange Building into a cozy cocktail lounge to showcase the BMW 5 Series – the yardstick by which all premium sedans are measured.
Simplifying the available choices, ACC is initially offering the all-new BMW 5 Series with a single engine: the 2.5-liter inline-6, which designates this particular model as the 523i. This 6-cylinder engine features all of BMW’s key engine technologies such as VALVETRONIC, Double VANOS, a magnesium/aluminum cylinder block construction and an aluminum cylinder head. And for the first time, the Philippine market 5 Series will receive direct gasoline injection. All in all, this powerplant produces 204 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque – more than enough power to guarantee exhilarating performance. Outfitted by the segment’s first 8-speed automatic transmission, the BMW 5 Series promises an even smoother driving experience while returning excellent fuel economy.
The BMW 5 Series’s advanced aluminum chassis with independent multi-link suspension for both front and rear axle ensure supreme sportiness and an even higher level of motoring comfort. At the same time, the optional Dynamic Driving Control (standard on the Executive model) enables the driver to set the suspension individually to his personal requirements.
Additionally, BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies make the 5 Series the greenest car in its class. With features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, gearshift point indicator, on-demand operation of ancillary units and intelligent lightweight construction, the BMW 523i has the lowest carbon emissions in its segment, without sacrificing performance and efficiency.
With the longest wheelbase and short overhangs, the new 5 Series literally dwarfs the competition. Yet, despite its size, the 5 Series looks aesthetically balanced with its long, powerful hood and graceful roofline. At the front, the trademark BMW kidney grille has been enlarged and inclined slightly forward and out, creating a very dynamic appearance. At the sides, the 5 Series’s short overhangs and simple lines are satisfyingly fresh. And at the back, the distinctive L-shaped rear light clusters glow like molten lava, hinting at the 5 Series’s sporting pretensions.
The powerful, yet subtle approach of the BMW 5 Series is continued well into the cabin, where the car’s high-tech functions have been greatly uncluttered and simplified thanks to the use of multi-function buttons as well as the latest version of the iDrive controller. The resulting design is timelessly modern, especially with the 5 Series’s use of a highlight bar finished in Pearl Gloss Chrome to compartmentalize the different functions of the cabin. The cockpit design itself is interesting: it’s inclined 7 degrees towards the driver for easier operation. The use of Black Panel technology on the instrument panel further ensures optimal readability no matter the lighting condition.
As expected from any BMW 5 Series, joy comes in the form of customizing each one to your preference. In the case of the 523i, it’s available with a choice of 7 paintwork colors and 6 different leather options. Asian Carmakers Corporation is offering the BMW 523i in two trim levels: the 523i retailing for P5.39-million and the 523i Executive which sells for P5.59-million. Find out how the BMW 5 Series has become the new luxury sedan standard by seeing it in person at any of the five BMW showrooms nationwide.