Orders for BMW new 5-Series top 1,000 in a week

By Jhoo Dong-chan

BMW Korea, the German carmaker’s local sales unit here, received more than 1,000 orders for the all-new 5-Series sedan models in a week. This raises expectations that BMW could reclaim the top position this year among imported brands over fierce rival Mercedes-Benz.

BMW Korea said Tuesday, it started to receive orders for the models earlier this month and more than 1,000 customers had ordered the sedan models in a week. BMW Korea is expected to introduce the 2017 5-Series sedans officially here next month.

“We hope the models will help us retake the top position among imported car brands this year,” said a BMW Korea official.

A total of 7.6 million of the BMW 5-Series sedans have been sold globally since the series was released in 1972.

The German automaker’s best-selling sedan model has remained highly popular.

The new 5-Series sedan has been extended to 4.94 meters long, 1.87 meters wide, 1.47 meters high and a wheelbase of 2.97 meters.

The previous model was often criticized for its small interior space, but the official said the 2017 5-Series now had sizable legroom in the rear, because of the extended body frame.

The all-new 5-Series model is also 100 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.

The model features an advanced driving assistance system including lane control assistance and intelligent speed assistance.

A camera with ultrasonic radar sensor monitors surroundings to prevent possible collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles in general.

The sedan models also feature an iDrive rotary controller with a 10.3-inch full-color display panel. The panel is now a touch screen that also recognizes the driver’s voice and gestures.

The sedans offer a choice of four engines ― two gasoline and two diesel In March, BMW Korea will also introduce the 530e iPerformance hybrid vehicle and the 550i xDrive M Performance model.