A further improvement in the drag coefficient comes courtesy of optimised trim and airflow-channelling elements fitted across the whole of the underbody these provide a considerable degree of underbody sealing. The Air Curtains in the front apron team up with Air Breathers to cut air turbulence in the wheel arches significantly and channel the onrushing air effectively as the car pushes through it. This system opens the louvres in the kidney grille elements and lower air intakes when more cooling air is required, but otherwise keeps them closed to optimise aerodynamic efficiency. For example, all new BMW 5-Series models will now come with active air flap control for the radiator. The BMW engineers carried out a large number of detail optimisations to reduce the drag coefficient of the new BMW 5-Series Sedan by 10 per cent compared to its predecessor and set a new sedan benchmark of Cd = 0.22. Significantly lower drag coefficient sets the sedan benchmark
Depending on the engine and equipment package specified, the tailpipes will be circular, trapezoidal or rectangular and in a quartet. Other defining elements of the rear end include the exhaust tailpipes, which are now arranged symmetrically on both sides on all model variants. Cutting-edge LED bars enable a slim interpretation of the hallmark BMW "L" shape and underline the width of the new sedan. The rear lights reach deep into the sides of the car, creating a visual connection between its flanks and rear end. The low-slung, expressive and width-accentuating design of the rear end points to the dynamic, direct handling of the new BMW 5-Series Sedan. The rear: a visually lower centre of gravity This upwards motion lends the car a forward-surging character, and the expressive, swooping surface imbues it with an undeniable muscularity," explains Habib. The swage line turns up as it heads rearwards, moving from shadow to light and sweeping up the Hofmeister kink in its path rather than continuing into the rear. "For the first time, the new BMW 5-Series Sedan brings together two traditional BMW design elements which are normally separate from one another. The passenger cell is set back when viewed in relation to the long wheelbase and leads the eye over a flowing roofline to the rear end, while a short front overhang underscores the car's sporting appearance. The new BMW 5-Series Sedan cuts a dynamic figure before it has so much as turned a wheel.
The side view: short overhangs, elongated silhouette The LED tubes of the daytime driving lights are hexagonal and extend up to the kidney grille element, creating a stylistic connection which accentuates the wide, low-to-the-road appearance of the front end. Adaptive LED Headlights alter the light graphic and can be specified as an option with BMW Selective Beam anti-dazzle high beam with a range of up to 500 metres. The standard LED headlights already make the BMW 5-Series a captivating prospect, its concentrated gaze locked onto the road. The glass headlight covers now connect seamlessly with the kidney grille, emphasising the car's width. The familiar BMW kidney grille, flanked by twin circular headlights, lends the front of the new BMW 5-Series a more eye-catching appearance. The front end: a more striking face, LED headlights as standard Its wheelbase measures 2,975 millimetres (+7 millimetres).
The new BMW 5-Series Sedan is 36 millimetres longer than the outgoing model (at 4,935 millimetres), six millimetres wider (1,868 millimetres) and two millimetres taller (1,466 millimetres). The exterior dimensions of the new car are only slightly larger than those of its predecessor. The formal and precise design combines presence, aesthetic appeal and functionality in equal measure," says Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles. "The new BMW 5-Series will make a mature, confidently stylish and dynamic impression at every opportunity. The new model therefore remains the quintessential sporting business sedan. The design of the new BMW 5-Series Sedan exudes athletic prowess, elegance and stylistic assurance.