On Saturday 20 March 2010 Frank Keane, originally the national importer of BMW, unveiled the all new BMW 5 Series Saloon to an exclusive group of BMW enthusiasts, diplomats and customers in their south Dublin showroom.

To mark the launch of the newest model in the BMW range Frank Keane displayed a model from each generation of BMW 5 Series dating back to the 1970s. The classic cars on display included a 1986 BMW 528i from Mr. Frank Keane’s personal collection and a 1978 BMW 5 Series E12 on loan from a member of the BMW Car Club Ireland.

 
Pictured above: Barbara Brodrick (Left) and His Excellency Mr Timoshkin, Russian Ambassador to Ireland, with Paula Fagan (Right)

Showcasing each generation of one of the most successful cars ever made* gave guests a unique opportunity to view Frank Keane’s private collection, the iconic features of each generation and to see how its predecessors contributed to the design of the latest BMW 5 Series.

The very first BMW 5 Series Saloon appeared in 1972 and every incarnation since then has raised the bar in terms of design, engineering or technology. BMW’s first diesel engine appeared in a BMW 5 Series, while other generations hailed the introduction of innovations such as all aluminium suspension, Head-up Display and Active Steering. The latest BMW 5 Series Saloon similarly sets new standards and is the first in its class to feature Auto Start-Stop, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a double-wishbone front suspension.

 
Pictured above: Interior of the new BMW 5 Series (Left) and Shauna, Martina and Aoife Sheehan (Right)

The new, sixth generation BMW 5 Series Saloon also offers customers the perfect blend of class-leading engine variants, unrivalled driving dynamics and a sporting yet elegant design to set a new benchmark in the executive class.

The new BMW 5 Series Saloon has been styled to reflect its almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution with beautifully balanced proportions with short overhangs, a coupé-like flowing roofline and a long, contoured engine compartment lid. The familiar BMW kidney grilles stand upright alluding to the car’s sporting pedigree. The latest BMW also has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,968mm, creating a greater feeling of space for those travelling inside.  This translates into an extra 13mm of knee room for rear passengers.

 
Pictured above: Karen Sloan and her daughter (Left) and Aedamair Gallagher (Right)

Innovative new optional equipment

The BMW 5 Series Saloon is the first BMW to be offered with Park Assist aimed at enhancing driver convenience. Once a button on the centre console is pressed ultrasound sensors located in the side indicator surrounds scan the road either side of the vehicle for an appropriate parking space. On location of a suitable free bay the driver then only need operate the accelerator and brake pedals while the Park Assist system swiftly slots the car into the space with ease.

BMW EfficientDynamics

Thanks to an array of EfficientDynamics technologies, the new BMW 5 Series is not only luxuriously comfortable it is economical too. The BMW 520d is the first in the range to come with Auto Start-Stop as standard, reducing the engine idle period when coming to a short stop.  All manual gearboxes will also come with an Optimum gearshift indicator to help drivers know when to change gear to optimise the car’s efficiency.  Brake Energy Regeneration, which recharges the vehicle’s battery during engine over-run, is part of the 5 Series Saloon’s standard specification. Active Aerodynamics also play a part in keeping emissions low and performance high by closing off the air cooling flaps behind the kidney grills to improve the aerodynamics of the car and performance on cold starts. Finally, the low rolling resistance tyres also feature.



The biggest seller in Ireland is predicted to be the 520d. This 1,995cc four-cylinder diesel features the latest generation common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, which increases power and efficiency.  Producing 184hp at 4,000rpm, the 520d accelerates from zero to 100kph in 8.1 seconds before going onto a top speed of 227kph (225mph for automatic transmission).  The peak torque of 380Nm from just 1,900rpm ensures that progress is smooth and swift in any gear.  Fuel economy is exceptional with a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.0 l/100km (5.2 l/100km)** and a CO2 rating of 132g/km (137g/km)**, making the BMW 520d the most efficient car in its segment.

The price of the new BMW 5 Series is very close to the outgoing model and includes significant additional specification. Leather upholstery, Bluetooth preparation, USB interface, and automatic air-conditioning are standard in all models (with the exception of the USB interface on the BMW 520d models).



The entry level will be the new BMW 520d priced at €41,750 (automatic version is €43,964). Next in the range is the 525d at €52,370 (automatic €54,793), while the 530d starts at €59,130 (automatic €61,553).

The BMW 523i heads up the petrol range starting at €51,750 and top of the range is the 550i (automatic only) at €93,560.

All models are now available to order from Frank Keane. Book a test drive now.

*(In the course of five model generations, overall sales of the BMW 5 Series amount to more than 5.5 million units.)
** Figures subject to confirmation
() Brackets denote automatic transmission