AUGUST 2017 FORBES INDONESIA | 75is capable of braking to
a standstill in stop-start
traffic, and automatically
moving off again when
the sensing system de-
tects that the vehicle in
front is pulling away.
The feature is acti-
vated with one button
push on the steering
wheel and the car will
tell the driver with a
green display whether it
is able to automatically
drive. When running at
100 kmh on the highway
from Odaiba to Chiba,
the car was able to main-
tain its lane and adjust
to the pace of the traf-
fic ahead. It can also handles corners by itself. It’s fully
hands and feet off— which could reduce driving stress in
heavy traffic, like the highway conditions in Jakarta.
However, when the car cannot continue the system
you have to immediately put your hands back to the wheel,
there are no warning sound when this happens and it
would be more convenient if there are. For now, this ad-
vanced feature is optionally available for the CBU model.
Overall, while the car continues many of the design cues
of the previous generation, it puts a major step forward. In
sum, the car is simply the most desirable executive sedan
available in the market right now. Fworld, is a natural habitat for the car. It is a perfect choice
for urban professionals taking daily commutes or spirited
drivers on the highway. On hand to sample were two ver-
sions: the 530d luxury model with a diesel engine, and the
540i M Sport model with a petrol engine. The latter has
a three-liter straight-six turbocharged petrol engine that
generates 335 horsepower with 450 Nm of torque. The
M Sport model is sportier inside and out, with upgraded
brakes.
Getting inside the car, the cabin is even more luxuri-
ous than the previous generation with a design similar
to the 7-Series. It comes with a high definition 10.2-inch
touch screen so that you can pinch to zoom a map during
navigation. The 5-Series uses the latest iDrive that is very
responsive, with all its signature knobs and buttons, mak-
ing it one of the most ergonomic and easiest systems to use
while driving.
Driving around Tokyo is effortless, as the speed limit
can be set directly and easily from the steering wheel.
Roaming around the city and highway, the car is quiet and
the suspension also felt slightly more comfortable than
the previous generation. For entertainment, the car is
equipped the optional surround sound system from Bow-
ers & Wilkins with diamond tweeters—available for the
first time in the new BMW 5 Series range. A 10-channel
amplifier with a total output of 1,400 watts feeds a total of
16 speakers with brushed stainless-steel grilles that illumi-
nate when the system is switched on.
The rear seats feature two optional rear-seat screens (one
for each seat) that are independently controlled, high-resolu-
tion 10.2-inch screens. Each come with a DVD player, a USB
port and a HDMI connector, which is the best features in its
class for connectivity while on the go. There’s also an option-
al massage feature for the rear seats that uses 20 air chambers
incorporated into the seat backrest and cushion.
The skid pad at BMW’s Tokyo Bay is a proving ground
for braking from various speeds, including under wet condi-
tions. As expected, the car delivered flawless performance.
Cornering and maneuvering through cones during the sla-
lom test, the car felt lighter, nimbler, and felt like a smaller
car despite it is 36 millimeters longer, 6 mm wider and 2
mm taller than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has also
been extended by 7 mm.
The agility comes from several suspension tweaks
and the optional active steering system. Another factor is
that the car is 100 kg lighter than the previous generation,
thanks to usage of aluminum, high-tensile steels and mag-
nesium in its chassis. Lighter weight also means more fuel
efficiency.
One of the most advanced features that differs from the
competitors is its extensive range of driver assistance sys-
tems. The optional Active Cruise Control uses radar that
can automatically makes the car adjust to traffic ahead, and
FORBES LIFE BMW 5-SERIES
THE CAR’S
BEAUTY IS NOT
JUST SKIN DEEP,
THE NEW BMW
5-SERIES IS ALSO
OUTSTANDING IN
PERFORMANCE,
COMFORT AND
CONVENIENCE.ENGINE TYPE
MAXIMUM OUTPUT
MAXIMUM TORQUE
TRANSMISSION
DRIVETRAIN
0-100 KM/H
TOP SPEED
LENGTH
WIDTH
WHEELBASE
CURB WEIGHT
TRUNK CAPACITY
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
FUEL CONSUMPTION
EMISSIONSix cylinder three-liter turbocharged
335 Horsepower @ 5,500 – 6,000 rpm
450Nm 1,380–5,200 rpm
Eight-speed automatic gearbox
Rear wheel drive
5.1 Seconds
250 kmh (electronically limited)
4.94 m
1.87 m
2.98 m
1595/1670 kg
530 liters
68 liters
6.9 – 6.5 l/100 km (combined)
159 – 149 g/kmThe Specs
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