BMW 5-Series to Take Center Stage

Against the often-wicked winter backdrop of Detroit’s North American International Auto Show, BMW of North America LLC will roll out its all-wheel-drive 5-Series.

In addition, BMW’s Detroit stand will be home for the world debut of the all-new 5-Series sport wagon.

BMW also plans to show off its line of all-new 6-cyl. engines, which will bow first in the 5-Series.

The new 525xi and 530xi models, as well as the 530xi sport wagon, feature BMW’s xDrive AWD system. Unlike conventional AWD systems, which respond only when the wheels begin to lose traction, xDrive use an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch to redistributed power within milliseconds between the two axles before the wheels begin to spin, BMW says.

BMW’s ’05 530xi sport wagon is 1.5-ins. (3.8 cm.) longer, 1.81-ins. (4.6 cm.) wider and 0.9-ins. (2.3 cm.) higher than the last-generation 5-Series wagon and features a power operated liftgate.

The long-awaited new inline 6-cyl. engines are said to provide better power and fuel economy and weigh less than their predecessors, thanks to the extensive use of composite magnesium and aluminum in the construction of the crankcase. The engines also feature lightweight camshafts, an electric water pump, fully controlled oil pump, single-belt drive and a magnesium cylinder head cover, BMW says.

The base 3.0L in-line 6-cyl., which will debut on the 525i and 525xi, will produce 210 hp and 185 lb.-ft. (251 Nm) of torque. The 530i and 530xi models will feature the higher-output 3.0L engine, producing 255 hp and 220 lb.-ft. (298 Nm) of torque.

The engines eventually will be installed under the hood of several other BMW models, including the upcoming 3-Series line.

BMW also plans to provide U.S. customers with their first look at the new M5 in Detroit. Powered by a 5L 10-cyl. engine producing 500 hp and mated to a 7-speed sequential manual gearbox, the M5 is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds.

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