The wraps have been taken off the stage for the unveiling of the facelifted BMW 5 Series in Thailand. Our neighbour up north is the second market after Singapore to launch the refreshed model in Asean.
The new 5 Series is represented by three variants- the 520d M Sport, 530e M Sport and the 530e Elite. Thanks to CO2 emission-based taxation, as well as high incentives for hybrid vehicles, a petrol-only option is not available.
The look of the facelifted 5 Series is highlighted by a better-proportioned, larger kidney grille with slimmer L-shaped LED headlamps in front and the rear features 3D-LED tail lamps with smoked surround.
The M Aerodynamics package on the 530e M Sport is matched with dark-coloured specific wheel designs that are 19 inches in size with a staggered arrangement, while the diesel variant are 18 inches. The 530e Elite also runs on 18-inch wheels but an equal-width arrangement.
Being the highest-specification variant, the facelifted BMW 530e M Sport is designed for better dynamic performance thanks to the fitment of rear-wheel steering, adaptive suspension and M sport brakes.
Both the 530e variants are fitted with the updated eDrive plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (184 hp/300 Nm) paired to an electric motor with 80 kW (109 hp)/265 Nm giving a combined system output of 292 hp and 420 Nm of thrust. With the 8-speed automatic, the 530e M Sport makes the century sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The all-electric driving range for the 530e variants is rated at 52 kilometres courtesy of a larger 12.0 kWh lithium-ion battery placed under the rear seat. The capacity of the fuel tank is listed as 46 litres.
As for the BMW 520d, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivers outputs of 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm. The century sprint is completed in 7.5 seconds.
The BMW Digital Key that turns an Apple iPhone into the car key is being made a standard feature to all three variants of the facelifted BMW 5 Series. The four doors also come with the soft-close feature as standard.
The M Sport variants are equipped with Harman Kardon surround sound system, wireless charger, and a head-up display.
Advanced Driving Assists System (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking and rear collision prevention are found in both the M Sport variants, while the adaptive cruise control with stop and go function is only found in the 530e M Sport.
Pricing for the facelifted BMW 5 Series in Thailand starts with the 530e Elite at 2.999 million Baht, the 520d M Sport at 3.539 million Baht and the 530e M Sport is another 200,000 Baht dearer.
All three variants are locally-assembled in Rayong, Thailand.
