2012 BMW 5-Series Preview

Although it was redesigned for the 2011 model year, the improvements will continue for the 2012 BMW 5-series. Downsizing the basis of an atmospheric engine inline six-cylinder in small, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, BMW was able to not only the basic car faster, but also to provide an EPA highway fuel economy of 32 mpg. A turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder and 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 standard-issue rounds of the 5-series' engine options before you to the exotic M5 range-topper.

If you're a fan of the drive BMW cars, the unfortunate news that the automaker no longer the 5-series wagon in the U.S. However, its role to complete offers, BMW created a high-roof hatchback version of the 2012 BMW 5 - series called the Gran Turismo. Practical and state, the bulky, somewhat controversial styling separates it from the more conventional 5-series range.

Each model has four-wheel drive and can be loaded with a seemingly endless list of options. Although no longer available in the base BMW 528i and the all-wheel-drive 528i models, a unique feature that the 2012 BMW 5-series much of its class apart is the availability of a six-speed gearbox in the 535i and 550i sedans. All other non-M 5-Series features BMW's new eight-speed automatic. In the spring of 2012, BMW plans to offer a 5 Series ActiveHybrid with the 535i's turbocharged engine and an electric motor 335 hp grids and deliver significantly better fuel economy.

2012 BMW 5-Series The Range
Body Styles: Sedan, four-door hatchback
Engines: 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 ​​with electric motor, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8
Transmissions: eight-speed automatic, six-speed manual
Models: 528i, 535i, ActiveHybrid 5, 550i, 535i Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo 550i

2012 BMW 5-Series What's new
For the 2012 BMW 5-Series, BMW introduced its TwinPower turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine of the atmospheric 3.0-liter inline-six used to represent the name 528i replaced. While paying upwards of $ 46,000 for a mid-sized luxury sedan with a four-cylinder engine may seem a big leap to take the new engine delivers the same power as the outgoing engine has more power lower down the rev range quicker to accelerate and reach 32 mpg on the highway - a 5 mpg improvement over the old engine. An automatic start-stop function for the engine is now standard on all models 528i and 535i to save fuel at traffic lights, and all-wheel drive is now available for the 528i sedan.

In addition, the ActiveHybrid 5 start spring 2012 with a 55 horsepower electric motor coupled with turbocharged 3.0-liter BMW inline-6. Together, the net effect is improved fuel economy, acceleration and a host of innovative technical solutions for everyone who need environmentally friendly gadgets.

2012 BMW 5-Series Outside
The 2012 BMW 5-Series' styling is a more conservative direction than the 2004-2010 models to replace. That's not a bad thing, though. With a very traditional, upright look with the wheels pushed to the corners, the 5-Series has an elegant, unmistakable BMW look to it. It's a welcome sight after years of off-putting lines, "flame surface" (BMW speak for folding into the body), and one largely designed incohesive that defined BMW in the mid 2000s.

2012 BMW 5-Series Interior
Rebuilt around the driver, the 2012 BMW 5-series has a simple, elegant layout for ease of use. Although it is more intuitive with each iteration, can with BMW's iDrive control unit for the stereo, navigation system (if any), and climate control system still think its fair share of critics for its interface. It is standard on all 5 Series models. Otherwise, the interior is still on the stricter side of the midsize five-passenger sedan spectrum, but it is able to seat adult-sized man in any position without much hassle. In the redesign, BMW gave an inch more rear-passenger knee room.

2012 BMW 5-Series Performance & Handling
No engine in the 2012 BMW 5-series can be regarded as a slow, even when charged with moving more than two tons of car but the 535i and 550i are the real gems of the 5-Series lineup. Coupled with either a manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic, both cars seem relatively quick and agile for their size. There is no escaping the gravity of each car, despite the suspension electric BMWs AIDS, but that does not mean they do not handle their class. Though the feel of the electric power steering is a bit numb, still gives a responsive and rewarding experience for the driver on twisty roads.

2012 BMW 5-Series Key Safety
All 2012 BMW 5-Series come standard with dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and curtain airbags that stretch front to rear for head protection. The power tilt and telescoping steering column has a deformation section, improving the driver's ability to protect against structural intrusion into the cabin.

2012 BMW 5-Series EPA Fuel Economy
528i: 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway, all-wheel drive model was not tested
535i: 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway (automatic), 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway (manual), 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway (all-wheel drive)
5 ActiveHybrid: Not yet rated
550i: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway (automatic), 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway (manual), 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway (all-wheel drive)
535i GT: 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway (all-wheel drive)
550i GT: 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway (rear wheel drive and four wheel drive)