2017 BMW 5 Series Sedan

BMW has unveiled the new 5 Series sedan and it is a very good looking luxury car. The new 5 Series is up to 137 pounds lighter than the previous model, which should equate to better fuel economy and performance. The car is also more aerodynamic than before.

The models on sale in the US will include the 530i and 540i, in both RWD and AWD xDrive variants. New engines include a 2.0-liter 4 with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque in the 530i, and a 335 hp 3.0-liter inline 6 with 335 hp and 332 lb-ft. of torque in the 540i. The xDrive 540i can do 0-to-60 in just 4.7 seconds, when equipped with the M Sport Package. An M550i is also on the way, packing a 455 hp 4.4-liter V8, and a 4-second 0-to-60 time to go with. An iPerformance plug-in hybrid is also slated for release.

BMW equips the new 530i and 540i with a steering and lane-keeping system that can help drivers stay in their lanes at speeds up to 130 mph. It also works with the blind spot detection system to steer the car back into its lane before being sideswiped. Another safety feature is the car’s ability to steer around obstacles at speeds up to 100 mph.

With these features as well as optional active cruise control, the car is just steps away from being fully autonomous. The car also offers a full color head-up display that has a 70% larger projection surface and displays traffic signs, telephone listings, radio stations, music, nav instructions, and warnings.

Inside, there’s a new 10.25 inch touchscreen, which supports gesture control like the one that debuted in the 7-series, improved voice recognition, and wireless smartphone charging and integration. Trunk space has been significantly improved to 18.7 cubic feet, and the rear seat offers 40/20/40 split folding for increased cargo flexibility.

An upgraded 10-channel, 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system stainless steel grilles with built-in illumination, and there’s even a microphone in the car to allow the sound to be individually calibrated to the vehicle. Rear seat passengers can now enjoy dual 10.2 inch screens with Blu-ray players and HDMI inputs.

Expect the 2017 BMW 5 Series in dealerships early next year. Pricing has yet to be announced.