BMW’s new 5 Series is here, and it promises to build on the rock-solid reputation of its driver-focused forebears, while improving elsewhere as well.

The seventh-generation 5 Series has a lot to live up to. Known for its excellent driving dynamics and strong performance, the 5 Series has always been the driver’s executive saloon of choice. But now it also has to be safer and more environmentally conscious than ever, and have technology to satisfy the evermore tech-hungry public. By the looks of it, it might well pull off that triple act. Weighing up to 100kg less than its predecessor, and still benefiting from that hallowed 50:50 weight distribution, the new 5 looks set to be every bit the driver’s machine it always was – particularly with models like the 462hp M550i on offer. In the 520d ED, the new 5 Series is capable of up to an amazing 72.4mpg combined. And the wealth of driver assist systems, using stereo cameras, radar and ultrasound sensors, basically means the new 5 Series can drive itself, leading to a safer 5 Series with technology to satisfy the geeks in all of us. The official launch is 11 February 2017, with the 520d ED, 530e and M550i coming about a month later.

New BMW 5 Series Dynamics

BMW has really focused on the construction of the new 5 Series to make it as light as possible, while still increasing its torsional strength and safety performance. Using its EfficientLightweight design philosophy, BMW has managed to slash as much as 100kg from the 5 Series, depending on the model. Retaining the Munich marque’s trademark 50:50 weight distribution, the new 5 Series also benefits from ‘a low centre of gravity’ and ‘exceptional torsional stiffness’. Various chassis options look to improve the driving experience further still, such as integral active steering, which can now be had with BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system. The drag coefficient of the new 5 Series (0.22 Cd at its most efficient) sets a new benchmark in its class as well.

New BMW M550i xDrive

That’ll be the M550i, with its 462hp, 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. In xDrive form, it’s good for 0-62mph in just 4 seconds. It certainly makes us wonder just how fast and effective the new M5 is going to be. However, even the rear-wheel drive, 340hp, 3.0 straight-six 540i can do 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. And the 265hp 530d does it, barely any slower, managing it in 5.7 seconds.

New BMW 530e iPerformance Hybrid

While we’re on the subject of engines, the 5 Series is going to be incredibly clean and efficient. The best performer will be the 530e iPerformance. Using a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and an electric motor, the hybrid will be capable of up to 141.2mpg combined. However, in the real world, the 520d ED will probably be the better performer, capable of up to a still remarkable 72.4mpg combined. Even the petrol 5s are respectably frugal, with the 252hp 530i still capable of up to 52.3mpg combined.

New BMW 5 Series interior

The new 5 Series boasts more rear-passenger legroom, as well as having comfort seats with a massage function. There’s also a new seat-operation mechanism that uses touch sensors, as well as four-zone climate control, complete with ionisation and air fragrancing, no less. Something called ‘Special Synergy Thermoacoustic Capsule’ (SYNTAK) minimises engine noise, while acoustic glazing for the windscreen and an acoustic headliner improve cabin refinement. In other words, this is going to be a very comfortable car to drive and to be driven around in.

New BMW 5 Series Technology

The next generation iDrive system now operates through a high-resolution 10.25-inch screen, on top-spec models, and can be controlled on the touchscreen, iDrive controller or with voice command or gestures. BMW’s head-up display projects over a 70 per cent larger area, and displays traffic signs, telephone listings, radio stations, music tracks, navigation instructions and warnings from the assistance systems.

BMW Connected Drive will again feature, now with some cool new features. Remote 3D view allows drivers to call up three-dimensional views of the area around their car on a smartphone, no matter where they are, so they can always locate their car. And you can also sync programs like Microsoft Office 365 to your 5 Series, so you can access the calendar and emails on the move.

The new 5 Series comes as standard with LED headlight technology. Available as an option are adaptive LED headlights with variable light distribution, which incorporates adaptive roundabout lights and BMW selective beam, anti-dazzle high beam, which has a range of up to 500 metres.

New BMW 5 Series Autonomy

As standard, the new 5 comes with a stereo camera, which can work with optional radar and ultrasound sensors to monitor the area around the car. New features, joining evasion aid and crossing traffic warning, are lane change assistant and lane keeping assistant, which has active side collision protection. The latter keeps an eye on everything around the car, and actively helps the driver to avoid collisions by applying corrective steering inputs.

Active cruise control and the steering and lane keeping assistant now include speed restriction functionality, which, working with the optional intelligent speed assist, can take away all acceleration, braking and steering duties from the driver from standstill up to 130mph – within reason, we suppose. And the 5 Series’ intelligent auto start stop function now adjusts its responses to the route and traffic conditions, to make its autonomous actions even slicker and more efficient. So yes, the 5 Series can drive itself just fine, thank you very much.

New BMW 5 Series Release Date

February 11 2017 launch:

520d 2.0-litre 4-cyl diesel: 190hp, 0-62mph 7.6, 400Nm, 108g/km, up to 68.9mpg combined
530d 3.0-litre 6-cyl diesel: 265hp, 0-62mph 5.7, 620Nm, 118g/km, up to 62.8mpg combined
530i 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol: 252hp, 0-62mph 6.2, 350Nm, 126g/km, up to 52.3mpg combined
540i 3.0-litre 6-cyl petrol: 340hp, 0-62mph 5.1, 450Nm, 150g/km, up to 43.5mpg combined

March 2017 launch:

520d ED 2.0-litre 4-cyl diesel: 190hp, 400Nm, 0-62mph 7.5, 102g/km, up to 72.4mpg combined
530e 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol + electric motor: 252hp, 420Nm, 0-62mph 6.2, 46g/km, up to 141.2mpg combined
M550i xDrive 4.4-litre V8: 462hp, 0-62mph 4.0, 650Nm, 204g/km, up to 31.7mpg combined