Volvo in the UK have announced prices and specifications for what is without doubt the best thing to come out of Sweden since Abba.
Volvo's S60 is the car that could take the fight to the Germans, if looks are anything to go by.
There are three specification levels – ES, SE and SE Lux and all are armed with some groundbreaking Pedestrian Detection technology including ACC with Distance Alert, Queue Assist and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake available as an option.
The S60 will begin arriving in showrooms from July and that's good timing given that Volvo Car UK is seeing its best sales in eighteen years with close to 12,000 registrations so far this quarter.
Prices range from 23,295 Pounds for the D3 ES to 36,745 Pounds for the highly specced and top-of-the-range T6 AWD SE Lux Geartronic Premium.
Billed as a four-door coupe, the S60 is more distinct than any previous Volvo and promises to offer driving dynamics and characteristics not yet seen from the marque.
S60 buyers will have the choice of two diesels and one petrol powerplant. The 2.0-litre D3 is a newly developed five-cylinder and produces 163hp (121.55kW) and 400Nm of torque. If you choose the manual gearbox, fuel consumption is said to be no less than a staggering 54mpg (4.3l/100km).
Graduating upwards is the familiar twin turbo D5, which develops 205hp (152kW) and 420Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds while not blistering is at least adequate. Fuel consumption is the big winner here though, with a stunning 53.3mpg (4.4l/100km).
The high-performance T6 variant, which is powered by the current 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol driven engine is good for 304hp (226kW) and 440Nm of torque. Top speed is 250km/h and the 0-100km/h sprint will take just 6.5 seconds will fuel consumption at 28.5mpg (8.2l/100kms)
While the T6 is a reasonably quick, it's no M3. If the Volvo board is listening, then I implore them to consider a bona fide performance 'R" version of the S60 and I'll guarantee the first sale in Australia, providing the car has some real 'go'.
Volvo already builds the world's safest cars but with technology such as Pedestrian technology with Full Auto Brake System, safety takes on a whole new meaning.
A radar unit located in the car's grille, a camera in front of the rear view mirror and a central control unit, make up the Pedestrian Detection system, which detects any object in front of the car as well as the actual distance to it.
The camera is there to determine what type of an object it is, while the full auto brake function responds to vehicles in front of the S60, which are either moving in the same direction or are at standstill.
The system is smart too as the higher definition camera can determine the pattern of a pedestrian's movements as well as detecting those about to step from the sidewalk on to the road.
Faced with an emergency situation, the driver of the S60 receives an audible warning and a flashing light in the head-up display, which resembles a brake light. At that same moment, the car's brakes are pre-charged. Should the driver not react in time to avoid a collision then full brake power is activated. If you've opted for the Full Auto Brake function with Pedestrian Detection you can also avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 33km/h.
Call it science fiction, but as far as Volvo is concerned, this technology is for the here and now.
All new Volvo S60s come with an arsenal of standard safety features including City Safety, DTSC, WHIPS, SIPS and inflatable Curtain Airbags for the driver and passengers.
Standard equipment on the S60 includes Cruise Control, Electronic Climate Control, a new infotainment system, which includes a 5-inch screen, Information Centre, leather steering wheel and gear stick, alloy wheels and a Performance Sound Audio System.
While the entry-level ES trim makes do with Textile upholstery, 16-inch alloys and Charcoal trim, the 25,295 Pound SE spec, adds Shimmer Graphite aluminium trim, watch dials, Auto Dimming rear view mirror, rain sensor, Rear Park Assist, Bluetooth, Autofolding Power Door Mirrors with Puddle Lights and 17-inch alloys wheels.
For less than two grand more, you can choose the top spec SE Lux, and include additional features such as Leather upholstery, Active Bending headlights with headlamp cleaning and Power Driver's Seat and Memory.
There are of course a host of optional features available which are sensible grouped in various packages including the Driver Support Pack, which features; Pedestrian Detection combined with ACC (adaptive Cruise Control) with Distance Alert, Queue Assist and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, Lane Departure Warning with Driver Alert, Autofolding Power Door Mirrors with Puddle Lights and BLISS (Blind Spot Information System)
Volvo Australia expects to have the first shipments of S60 cars here in December this year.
An avid reader has sent in a photo of what appears to be an Vauxhall Insignia snapped on the freeway leading up to the Westgate Bridge in Melbourne.
With the Holden Epica and Vauxhall Insignia vying for the same position in the Holden line-up, any hope of the Insignia arriving down under had been largely lost – until now.
We are told that the Insignia badge on the boot had been taped over, although the Vauxhall crest can still be seen along with a discreet black ‘turbo’ badge on the bottom right of the boot lid.
This could allude to any of three turbocharged engine options available in the Vauxhall Insignia internationally, including two four-cylinder engines (1.6-litre and 2.0-litre) and the flagship 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine found in the Opel Insignia VXR.
The latter is obviously the most appealing prospect for the Australian market – and surprisingly the most likely – with HSV Managing Director Phil Harding telling CarAdvice that Vauxhall Insignia VXR was one of the cars he was seriously considering as an addition to the HSV range.
Renault-Nissan have today announced a comprehensive partnership with the Irish Government and Ireland’s largest electricity supplier, ESB, that will see the emerald isle become a European leader in Electric Vehicle (EV) transport.
The Definitive Agreement includes government policies and incentives to support the widespread adoption of EVs, the development of nationwide EV charging infrastructure, and the supply of EVs by the Renault-Nissan Alliance from as early as next year.
To further demonstrate its support of EV technology, the Irish Government announced a €5,000 (AUD$7326) grant to motorists purchasing an electric vehicle, as well as making the cars be exempt from Vehicle Registration Tax.
Irish Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan said the announcement is a big step forward for the country as it moves to adopt a 10 per cent EV ratio by 2020.
“The Programme for Government announced our intention to transform the Irish energy and transport sectors. We have made great strides in renewable energy, energy efficiency and now we begin the electrification of our transport fleet,” said Mr Ryan.
“The Irish Government's target is for 10 per cent of Ireland's vehicles to be electric by 2020. Today's Agreement with Nissan-Renault will see 2000 cars on Irish roads by 2011. This keeps us firmly on track to achieve, if not exceed, our goals,
“Those purchasing an electric vehicle will be grant aided by the Government to the tune of €5,000 and exempt from VRT. The ESB will provide the charging infrastructure in the homes of the new owners of electric cars,
“Irish motorists can look forward to the cash, cars and charging points that will make the electric car the smart choice for the Irish motorist.”
The agreement will see ESB introduce 3500 EV charging stations across the country by December next year. The infrastructure has already been introduced in Dublin with the cities of Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick to follow shortly.
The power company will also install 30 fast-charge stations across Ireland by the end of 2011, with nine of the high speed charging points in operation by the end of 2010.
ESB Chief Executive, Padraig McManus said today's announcement was another important milestone in Ireland’s bid to adopt an emissions-free transport system.
“ESB is currently rolling out a nationwide infrastructure to support the widespread use of electric cars,” said Mr McManus.
“Ireland will be one of the first countries in the world to have a nationwide electric charging network which will offer opportunities for enterprise and job creation, as well as the obvious environmental benefits of ultimately having a de-carbonised transport fleet.”
Renault-Nissan will supply the four-wheeled solution to the plan with the Nissan Leaf and Renault Kangoo ZE to be sold there from early next year. By the end of 2011, Renault will also introduce 100 pre-production examples of its Fluence ZE model to Ireland as part of a pilot program. The Fluence ZE will commence retail sales there in 2012. The Nissan Leaf will be available in Australia from 2012.
Each of the vehicles are equipped with the latest lithium-ion battery technology. The batteries are produced by Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), a joint venture between Nissan, NEC and NEC Tonkin.
Executive vice president of planning and control at Renault, Philippe Klein said the group’s commitment to EVs is being supported by announcements such as the one made today.
“The Renault-Nissan Alliance's commitment to the global mass marketing of electric vehicles requires the close cooperation of many partners around the world,” said Mr Klein.
“Thanks to Ireland's determination to be a leader in electric mobility transport, the necessary conditions – including incentives and infrastructure – are being put in place in this country to allow for the successful adoption of electric vehicles in the near future.”
Vice president of product strategy and planning of Nissan International and head of the company's zero emission business unit in Europe, Pierre Loing said EVs will give Irish customers a lot to look forward to.
“Renault and Nissan look forward to providing Irish customers with affordable, all-electric vehicles that are built to the same high standards in terms of performance, roominess, comfort and quality that customers expect from both brands,” said Mr Loing.
The charging infrastructure, which will be designed by ESB, will ensure open access to all electricity suppliers and vehicle manufacturers. The company will begin trialing the charging stations over the coming months to ensure it meets the driving trends and usage patterns of EV customers.
Chairman of Nissan Ireland, Gerard O’Toole says the occasion marks a new datum point for EV technology in Ireland.
“Nissan Ireland is delighted to be part of such an historic occasion for the motor industry in Ireland and Europe,” said Mr O’Toole.
“We look forward to delivering a new and emission-free driving experience to Irish customers with Nissan's electric vehicles starting with LEAF in early 2011.”
Renault’s managing director, Eric Basset said Ireland’s size made it the ideal test bed for EV technology.
“Due to its relatively small size, Ireland is ideally suited for the introduction of electric vehicles and as a pilot for the rest of Europe,” said Mr Basset.
“As the population of Ireland is predominantly centered around the major urban areas of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford, and with the average vehicle covering approximately 75 km per day, electric vehicles are ideally suited to address the every day needs of both private and business use.”
Both Renault and Nissan are among the leaders in EV development and together have announced a target capacity of 500,000 units per year. To date, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has entered into more than 50 partnerships worldwide with countries, cities, organisations and other key stakeholders to prepare the markets and infrastructure for the successful adoption of electric vehicles.
CarAdviceis keen to hear you thoughts on EV technology. Would you buy an electric car if the appropriate infrastructure and incentives were available? Let us know your thoughts, leave a comment now.
There’s not too many cars that still look fresh after five years of production, but the Mercedes-Benz CLS is one of them. No Botox needed here.
Mercedes-Benz is working on a new CLS, as these spy photos show, but rather than a quick remodel, most of the changes are technical.
The existing CLS is based on the old E-Class, but with a new E-Class now available, the changes to the CLS will reflect those found in the new platform.
Its believed the new Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG will be powered by the new 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Developing between 405 and 426kW, the new engine is bound to make Mercedes-Benz’s rivals in Ingolstadt and Munich sit up and take notice.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG will likely be released later this year as a 2011 model year. Pricing and full specification details will no doubt be released closer to the launch.
Toyota Australia has embarked on a renewed effort at bolstering its quality and customer service initiatives after the recent global recall crisis saw some 8.5 million vehicles recalled across the US, Europe and China.
The Melbourne-based engineering team, which will represent Australia as part of a newly developed Asia-Oceania regional taskforce (centred in Thailand), will establish new measures aimed at improving engineering quality and response times in customer communications.
The regional taskforce, represented by three senior executives, will form part of a global safety committee that will collect information through its R&D divisions to ensure reforms in Toyota’s quality control and safety are reported directly to Toyota Motor Corporation’s president, Akio Toyoda at the firm’s Japanese headquarters. The news comes just two weeks after Toyota’s North American operations announced its own version of a similar plan.
Toyota Australia senior executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner told CarAdvice yesterday that the measures are part of the brand’s plans to tackle any future problems head-on, as Toyota vows to renew its commitment to customers.
“Toyota is doing everything we can to beef up quality controls, to better respond to customer needs and to ensure we continue placing customer safety first,” explained Mr Buttner.
“The global quality committee means Australia’s existing respected voice with Japan is being supplemented with the added strength of a regional voice,
“The committee’s charter is to ensure all Toyota companies do better in listening to customers by operating with a Customer First mindset in every aspect of our operations,
“It will strengthen global communication and transparency; it will spearhead comprehensive improvements to the company’s operations; and it will promote quality improvements around the world.”
Toyota’s new safety committee will also focus heavily on gathering information quickly and more accurately, as well as presenting any relevant recall or safety information to its customers in a more timely manner. Regional meetings will also be adjudicated by independent authorities to ensure a transparent and more balanced approach.
As well, Toyota Motor Corporation will form new “customer first” training centres in each region, including Asia-Oceania. The centres will allow staff greater access to regionally relevant quality, safety and communications training.
Toyota says the new centres highlight its customer-centric attitude and commitment to customer satisfaction, and that although Australia had not been directly affected by the unintended acceleration recall so prolifically covered in the media in recent times, its recent Toyota Prius ‘brake feel’ issue demonstrates how on a local level, the manufacturer moved quickly to address customer concerns, despite only two complaints.
As part of the Prius recall, local Toyota dealer principals took a proactive approach to customer service, telephoning all new Prius owners to arrange for their car’s ECU to be reprogrammed. The simple adjustment, which took around ten minutes per vehicle, was carried out by Toyota technicians at Prius owner’s homes or offices, often with the owner present.
Mr Buttner said that although he believes Toyota Australia’s reputation was not adversely tarnished by the global recall crisis, measures such as those taken to ensure the prompt and thorough rectification of the Prius issue, and those planned for the near future, will ease the minds of local Toyota customers, restoring their faith in the brand’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Having previously brought you four sets of Mercedes-Benz ML-Class spy photos, today we were handed some photos of the AMG variant undergoing testing near the Nürburgring.
The new ML-Class most likely won't get any longer front and rear overhangs and more importantly from a quick glance it appears the wheelbase doesn't appear to be stretched either.
We suspect the reverse may be in order, with Mercedes likely to slightly downsize the M-Class' dimensions in order to reduce weight to make the new model more efficient.
The AMG factor of this beast can be easily noticed thanks to its rather large disc brakes brakes.
Although it may still use the 6.2-litre V8 found in the current model, it may in fact have a big upgrade to the brand-new 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 which puts out 400kW and 800Nm of torque.
If it's a reliable supercar you want, then you might want to take a test drive in an Aston Martin DBS, DB9, or perhaps the more manic V12 Vantage, as the same engine that powers these magnificent looking cars, also lies at the heart of their ferociously quick Le Mans Series 009 car, which crossed the line in second place at last weekend's 8 Heures du Castellet.
It's the Team's second successive podium finish in this brutally competitive series and lead up to the world's most greatest motor race, 24 Heures du Mans in June.
It's a tremendous result when you consider that this car is a production based Aston Martin and was consistently the second fastest car on the track behind the blisteringly quick diesel powered Audi R15 TDI, which looks more Alien than a man made machine.
The 009 Lola-Aston Martin completed 261 laps or 1,511 kilometres in eight hours and maintained its second position, despite no less than two punctures, with one of those occurring just 40 minutes before the chequered flag.
The other Aston Martin entry 008 also ran a faultless race coming home in sixth place, in what was their debut Series race.
Chairman of Aston Martin, Dave Richards said: "Yet another faultless performance by the team consolidating Aston Martin as the leading petrol car in the Le Mans Series"
Opening to a full-house of over 500 people two weeks ago, Toyota’s newest dealership — the $25 million CMI Toyota facility on Adelaide’s West Terrace — demonstrates just where the future of the brand’s showrooms, servicing, and indeed its new car customer experience, is headed.
A subsidiary of the Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) group, founded in 1934, Commercial Motor Industries (CMI) is one of the oldest Toyota dealerships in the country, itself selling Toyota commercial vehicles in South Australia since 1963. CMI added passenger cars to its portfolio in 1988.
Now operated by CMV founder, Sidney Crawford’s two sons, Paul and Michael, the successful franchise sells more than 3800 Toyota cars and light commercial vehicles annually.
Covering over 500,000 square metres across four levels, the new state-of-the-art building is one of 50 dealership projects planned by Toyota Australia this year. Before the end of the year, the company will invest a total of $107 million across its national dealer network.
The new Adelaide facility houses up to 265 staff (in administration, sales, service and parts), took over 18 months to build, and was the 11th submitted design to win planning approval. The new building consumed an adjoining street and warehouse in its construction, such is its size.
The large roof acts as a catchment area for rainfall which is channeled into six 125,000-litre tanks housed beneath the service department’s undercover driveway. The water is used to supply two automated car wash bays (on the third floor) and all of the building’s toilets. The roof also plays host to a number of solar hot water heaters that supply the needs of the building’s showers and bathrooms. Due to the service department’s thirst for 3-phase power, solar electricity cells could not be used.
The top two levels of the building, which are fronted by a glass display case for even more showroom space, also offer parking space for all of the dealership’s new stock, customer and staff cars. The dealership is pleased its facility can fully protect vehicles from the elements. No hail damage here. Carbon-monoxide sensors placed throughout the upper levels that activate a series of ducted suction fans to vent the area when levels get too high.
To ensure absolute transparency to its customers — and to those passing by on the street — the surgery-like service department is completely enclosed in glass. Customers can even watch their car being service from an overhead gantry.
“Increasingly it is important that our customers, and potential customers, can see our service activities in action,” explains Toyota senior executive director, David Buttner.
“It is an important component of the interaction between the company and its customers.”
Comprising 33 bays, the service department also offers two one-hour Express Service bays for while-you-wait service. The Express Service bays each use a team of two technicians who work simultaneously on the one car in a carefully choreographed sequence. The process ensures work is done by the book with all parts made available to the technicians ahead of time.
Currently, Express Service is only offered on passenger vehicles, but CMI Toyota General Manager, Roy Marando says the quick turnaround service will be extended to its commercial clients by next year, and that CMI may even add an additional two bays if the need arises.
In full flight, the service department will handle up to 500 cars a day. It currently processes 250.
While the idea of waiting for your car to be serviced may sound as exciting as a trip to the dentist, the comfortable Qantas Club-styled business lounge offers wireless internet access, modern business facilities, newspapers and magazines, big screen TV, a children’s play area and espresso machine – all of which are freely available.
Alternatively, those customers wishing to drop their vehicles off in the morning and collect them at night are met by a valet at both ends of the service for that Lexus-esque personal touch. A shuttle bus service operates every 15 minutes to the CBD and loan cars are also available – they even wash your car free of charge.
Toyota hopes to extend this level of service to all its customers across the country within the next few years.
The large, open showroom is designed to be engaging to the customer – or ‘customercentric’, as Toyota puts it – and integrates the sales, fleet, service and parts departments in the one, transparent area.
The bright, airy space is naturally lit thanks to acres of glass (the eight-metre-high panels were imported from China, the only country in the world to make glass in this size) and can offer a large variety of cars for customer viewing, a far cry from CMI Toyota’s previous three-car showroom.
“This new dealership is an impressive commitment to the future – a clear message that customers will receive the best possible experience when buying or servicing their vehicles,” Mr Buttner said.
Taking on the gruelling Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit at race speed has become a right of passage for many new performance cars, and the latest all-electric flagship from MINI is no exception.
The MINI E Race – a modified version of the standard MINI E – completed a lap of the legendary “Green Hell” in a time of 9:51.45 minutes, making the BMW Group the first manufacturer to race the circuit in an all-electric vehicle.
To put it into perspective, anything better than the ten minute mark is considered a good time for most cars to cover the 20.8km circuit, let alone in a front-wheel-drive electric car which topped out at 187km/h.
"The length and profile of the Nordschleife place extreme demands on the technology of our electric car. But the MINI E Race met this considerable challenge with great authority," said the BMW Group's Peter Krams, who headed up the project.
"The aim of this unique undertaking was to provide an impressive showcase of the great potential of the MINI E and its environment-friendly drive concept."
The MINI E Race was not quite standard, featuring a special lightweight body (225kg lighter to be exact), full roll cage, KW Variant 3 coilover suspension, Recaro bucket seat, upgraded brakes and race tyres.
The drivetrain comprised a 150kW electric motor powered by 5,088 lithium-ion battery cells which red lines at an astonishing 13,000rpm.
BMW Australia has just announced pricing for the new generation 5 Series Sedan expected to arrive in Australia in June.
Prices start from $83,300 for the 520d and go up to $178,900 for the 550i which will sit at the top of the range until the new BMW M5 arrives. You can read our review of the new BMW 5 Series.
The first variants to arrive will be the 550i, 535i and 528i. BMW Australia will introduce the 520d in September.
The sixth generation BMW 5 Series will take on Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class and Audi’s A5 range. BMW believes the new 5 Series offers significantly more value than the outgoing model. Despite prices starting in the mid $80,000s, standard luxury features and advanced technology are expected to be a vast improvement over the current model.
Having a simple look at the specifications for the new 520d over its outgoing equivalent model gives a good indication of what we can expect from the new 5 Series.
An ultra-efficient 2.0-litre turbo diesel mated to an eight-speed automatic plus additional standard features such as Head-Up display, 17-inch alloys, parking sensors front and rear, 8.1 seconds from 0-100km/h compared to 8.4 and fuel economy of 5.2l/100km compared to 5.6l/100km, make up just a portion of upgrades.
“The new BMW 5 Series Sedan represents a dramatic advancement in the evolution of the world’s best luxury executive sedan, with its stunning contemporary design, trademark BMW driving dynamics, powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines an extensive array of luxury features and advanced technologies, the new 5 Series Sedan has moved forward in every way. In keeping with our objective to consistently increase value for our customers, BMW Group Australia has been able to maintain the price of the new model at levels that are comparable to the previous generation on a specification adjusted comparison and more than competitive with our major rivals.” said BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Stavros Yallouridis
From the outside the new 5 Series is a great evolution of the model, now making use of BMW’s trademark design characteristics of wide kidney grille, chiselled bonnet and muscular rear end.
Moving inside, BMW has worked extensively to offer a more spacious and luxurious cabin. The German company says the new 5 Series interior “provides the perfect environment in which to enjoy the car’s ultimate driving pleasure“.
Across the range all BMW 5 Series models will get:
17-inch alloy wheels
multi-zone climate control,
fine Dakota leather upholstery, wood trim,
keyless start,
cruise control with brake function,
front and rear Park Distance Control,
Head-Up Display,
anti-dazzle interior mirror,
four-way electric adjustment for the driver and front passenger seats,
automatic lights and windscreen wipers,
satellite navigation system,
Bluetooth connectivity and a premium CD audio system with USB interface and through-loading across the range.
Six airbags,
Antilock Braking System incorporating Cornering Brake Control, Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control active front headrests and active bonnet pedestrian protection
Moving up from the 520d, the 528i adds Bi-Xenon headlights, 18 inch alloy wheels and ambient lighting.
BMW 535i adds:
adaptive headlights (turn into corners) for superior night vision in corners,
high beam assist,
a rear view camera,
full electric front seat adjustment with lumbar support,
sports leather steering wheel,
comfort access system,
extended air-conditioning,
premium HiFi audio system with 12 speakers
metallic paint.
The 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 range topping BMW 550i also receives:
comfort seats with ventilation and heating,
alarm,
electric glass sunroof,
electric sunblind for the rear window,
exterior mirrors with antidazzle function,
4 zone automatic air-conditioning,
professional navigation,
voice recognition
DVD Changer
19 inch alloy wheels
The options list allows for further personalisation with Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go available. The feature allows the driver to set the speed and have the vehicle automatically slow down and speed up depending on traffic.
BMW will also offer Night Vision which is best used for detecting wildlife at night. If you want more, BMW’s innovative Parking Assistant and Surround View are also available.
This means the new 5 Series is capable of parking it self. Interestingly the Surround View system makes use of a number of digital cameras to display a bird’s eye view of the car on the large 7.0 inch (or 10.2-inch 550i) screen on the dash.
Features aside, it wouldn’t be a BMW if engines were not part of the highlights. Until such time as the new BMW M5 arrives, the new 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 (already in use in the BMW X6 and BMW 7 Series) used in the 550i can generate 300kW and maximum torque of 600Nm.
Couple the V8 to BMW’s new 8-speed Sports Automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles and you’ll get a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5 seconds flat. Best of all it does it all whilst using just 10.4 litres of fuel per 100km. Both the 550i and 535i come standard with Dynamic Driving Control which offers three modes of operation to enable the driver to adjust steering, throttle, transmission and DSC response (optional on the 520d and 528i).
The BMW 535i makes use of BMW’s 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo straight six cylinder engine which we first saw in the BMW 535i Gran Turismo. The engine, mated to the same transmission as the 55oi, achieves 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque using just 8.4 litres of fuel per 100km. Best of all it can catapult the 535i from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The peculiar 528i will fill the gap left by the 525i. It will sport a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre straight six cylinder engine developing 190kW of power and 310Nm of torque. Using an 8-speed Automatic transmission has led to reduction in fuel consumption to 8L/100km. 0-100km/h times are quoted at a very reasonable 6.7 seconds.
Alas, the real highlight of the 5 Series range for those looking at environmentally friendly premium cars is the BMW 520d. Making use of a 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine the new 520d puts out 135kW and 380Nm of torque, goes from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds and uses just 5.2 litres of diesel per 100km. All of that without a hybrid system? We can’t wait to see what BMW will do when it’s hybrids hit the market.
The new 2011 BMW 5 Series range is built at BMW Plant Dingolfing in Germany alongside the BMW 7 Series with which it shares its basic architecture.
Standard equipment features of the new 5 Series Sedan over the E60 5 Series Sedan.
The new (F10) 520d over the (E60) 520d gains: -
Head-Up display
17-inch alloys
Through loading
Park distance control front and rear
8-speed automatic transmission
Additional 5 kW - Additional 30 Newton-metres
8.1 seconds from 0-100km/h compared to 8.4
5.2l/100km consumption, compared to 5.6 -
Active engine compartment lid to reduce risk of injury -
Reduced rolling resistance tyres -
Run-flat safety tyres -
Electric power steering with Servotronic -
Integrated owner's handbook accessible via iDrive -
Electro-mechanical parking brake with automatic hold function
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