BMW Group and Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive Co announce the arrival of the new BMW 5 Series

The new saloon features an elegant and sporty design, spacious comfort, and a host of innovative technologies such as Active Steering, Adaptive Headlights, Bluetooth technology and run-flat tyres.

Mohammed Alghanim, Deputy General Manager, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive Co, said: "The car has been designed taking into consideration the requirements of both families who want more space and safety, as well as young executives who want more style and performance. Forming a powerful central pillar within the BMW model range, this model will, undoubtedly, set the benchmark in the market and continue the successful tradition of the BMW 5 Series. "

The BMW 5 Series will be initially available in the 530i model and a few months later in the 520i, 525i and 545i models. Powered by a six-cylinder power unit, the 530i with a 3.0 litre engine produces 231 horsepower, and with a new six-speed automatic transmission, acceleration is exhilarating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The new BMW 5 Series combines the dynamism and sporting flair of the 3 Series with the supremacy and presence of the 7 Series. Larger and more spacious than its predecessor, the new saloon offers more comfort, particularly in the rear, and has a much larger luggage compartment.

"Now, families can enjoy more legroom, more headroom, and more shoulder room, especially in the rear. The luggage compartment can easily take two large and three small hard-shell suitcases," said Mr Alghanim.

Harmony and rhythm, together with a sophisticated range of exclusive colours and materials, characterize the design language of the interior. Featuring BMW's ingenious iDrive philosophy, the new BMW 5 Series is the first car combining the iDrive Controller, gearshift lever and handbrake in the centre console.

Mr Al Alghanim explained: "The iDrive Controller operates intuitively through a clear, simple menu."

Other standard features include the new automatic air conditioning with adaptive evaporation temperature control as well as personalised temperature settings for occupants in both the front and the rear.

In addition, the new 5 Series offers active seat ventilation that provides optimum seat climate and fatigue-free motoring. Due to micro-ventilators in the seat, the driver will no longer suffer from perspiration around his back due to high temperatures.

Featuring Active Front Steering and active Dynamic Drive stabilisation as optional equipment, the new 5 Series allows the driver to enjoy an unprecedented synthesis of agility, handling and driving comfort all in one.

"Active Front Steering is a world-first achievement; the benefits to the customers include increased comfort while parking, less effort while steering, better handling at low and medium speeds, and optimum control at high speeds," said Andreas Emmerich, Area Sales Manager, BMW Group Middle East.

Introducing adaptive headlights, BMW is offering yet another networked system in the new 5 Series as an option, thus providing a significant improvement of active safety on the road. With this system, the two bi-xenon headlights are controlled in real time as a function of the steering wheel angle, yaw rate and road speed, perfectly illuminating the road ahead in a bend.

In addition, BMW Group is the first car manufacturer to launch Bluetooth technology in the Middle East and the new 5 Series brings this innovation as standard.

"This universal mobile phone preparation kit with Bluetooth interface is able to connect specific Bluetooth-compatible mobile phones with the electronic system in the 5 Series, without any cables - this is a 100 per cent hands-free function," added Emmerich.

Providing a wide range of run-flat tyres, BMW is enhancing the leadership of the marque in the introduction of such safety tyres. "Run-flat tyres contribute to enhanced safety on the road. The driver can continue the journey up to 150 kms as no tyre change is required on the spot, therefore potentially dangerous situations are avoided," explained Emmerich.

Another innovation is the intelligent lightweight technology. BMW Group is the first car manufacturer to build cars in aluminium and steel hybrid style - the advantage is a significant reduction in weight which results in better handling due to optimum axle load distribution, low fuel consumption and increased driving comfort.

Head-up display is another pioneering highlight making its debut on a BMW for the first time, and it will feature on the 545i model. This technology makes a significant contribution to active safety by presenting information such as road speed and navigation instructions in the driver's direct line of vision.

"On all fronts, we believe that the new BMW 5 Series offers an unprecedented range of customer benefits and unparalleled driving pleasure, and we are looking forward to a successful launch," concluded Mr Alghanim.