Despite being bigger, the base Five will weigh less than the outgoing model, thanks to the use of more exotic, lighter materials. But the rear-drive chassis can be loaded up with clever (and heavy) gadgets.
The 5-series will pioneer active rear suspension kinematics capable of coping with higher g-forces, stability-enhancing active yaw control and the next-generation electronic damper control (EDC) which acts on each wheel individually. Active steering and Dynamic Drive (adjustable anti-roll bars) are familiar options.
The base model will be shod with 17-inch wheels, with fatter 18 and 19in rims optional.
BMW hasn't forgotten about environmental initiatives, though. The diesel engines should get urea injection – as Mercedes is pioneering – to cut nitrogen oxide emissions. A stop/start system and upshift indicator for six-speed manual versions will help reduce fuel consumption, and the engines should be biofuel- and synfuel-compatible. Brake energy-regeneration, in combination with adaptive alternator control, should also save up to 10 percent more fuel too.
Inside, BMW returns to the driver-oriented cockpit. The centre console is angled towards the person in charge, while the new X5's handsome new joystick gear selector should figure. Instead of a conventional handbrake, F10 features an electro-hydraulic parking brake.
Major changes include a brand-new instrument panel with optional head-up display, improved iDrive with a more intuitive feel and a more logical menu structure. A new draught-free four-zone air conditioning system, dubbed Airwave, is standard on all models, sources say.
Model Engine
520i 218bhp 2.5-litre
525i 238bhp 3.0-litre
530i 272bhp 3.0-litre
535i 306bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo
540i 367bhp 4.8-litre V8
550i 408bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
520d 175bhp 2.0-litre four
530d 204bhp 2.5-litre six
535d 300bhp 3.0-litre six