6. The BMW 5 Series

Following the introduction of a new range of engines in September 2005, the BMW 5 Series model line-up has never offered such a broad range of choice to new car buyers. Customers can choose from a 2.0-litre diesel to a 200mph model! At the British International Motor Show, BMW is showcasing these two successful sales stories. The 520d Saloon is the best selling model in the range, whilst the 507hp V10-engined BMW M5 is the fastest executive saloon BMW has ever sold.

Powered by the same 1,995cc diesel engine as the benchmark compact executive BMW 320d, the 520d Saloon offers 163hp at 4,000rpm and 340Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. In the 520d this drives the car to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 139mph. The EU4-rated BMW 520d also delivers 47.9mpg on the combined cycle, while a CO2 emissions figure of 158g/km is a compelling proposition for the corporate and private buyer alike, contributing to the car's running costs.

Further up the scale, the BMW 550i is the fastest non-M 5 Series model ever produced and is offered in both Saloon and Touring variants. Powered by a 4,799cc 367hp engine using BMW's innovative VANOS and VALVETRONIC technology, the 550i sprints from zero to 62mph in 5.5 seconds before going on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. For those not requiring such rapid transport, the 4.0-litre BMW 540i, available only as a Saloon, is also offered for sale in the UK.
 
While the 540i and the 550i offer significant levels of performance, the acceleration and top speed of the M5 are justifiably described as sensational. The M5 name is legendary and the latest M5 has proved worthy of the badge. Its 507hp engine has recently won the coveted International Engine of the Year award for the second year in succession - a first for the awards. The BMW M5 is the fastest and most powerful production 5 Series ever produced and it also features the world's most advanced engine management system. It is capable of handling 200 million calculations a second and is a clear example of the principal of technology transfer between Formula One and road cars.

The 5 Series line-up is completed by a BMW 530i powered by the world's lightest production six-cylinder engine, a 530d with a 231hp 3.0-litre diesel powerplant and the 535d, currently the fastest diesel car BMW has ever sold in the UK.

The variety offered by the 5 Series model range has been born out in sales with 2005 seeing 18,140 Saloon and Touring cars sold, an increase of nine per cent on the previous year. Early indications show that 2006 looks set to build on this achievement.



Prices

Model Price OTR
BMW 520d to BMW 520d M Sport Pounds Sterling 27,925 to Pounds Sterling 31,345
BMW 523i SE to BMW 523i M Sport Pounds Sterling 29,480 to Pounds Sterling 32,640
BMW 525i SE to BMW 525i M Sport Pounds Sterling 31,110 to Pounds Sterling 34,270
BMW 525d SE to BMW 525d M Sport Pounds Sterling 31,635 to Pounds Sterling 34,795
BMW 530i SE to BMW 530i M Sport Pounds Sterling 35,065 to Pounds Sterling 37,915
BMW 530d SE to BMW 530d M Sport Pounds Sterling 35,620 to Pounds Sterling 38,470
BMW 535d SE to BMW 535d M Sport Pounds Sterling 39,815 to Pounds Sterling 42,440



7. The BMW 7 Series

The British International Motor Show marks the world premiere of the new BMW 7 Series Exclusive Edition. Only available on the BMW 730d SE and 730Ld SE models the new car differentiates itself from other 7 Series models with a selection of bespoke options unavailable to the rest of the range.

Buyers seeking a car that is the height of luxury with an individual touch can specify a 7 Series Exclusive Edition with a Carbon Black exterior colour, Gold Brown Merino leather interior complete with Gold Brown piped floor mats and Piano Black trim.

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