As one of the nameplates that helped shape the automotive landscape into what we now know today, the BMW 5 Series is not only one of BMW’s most important models, but one of the industry’s most important, as well. Now in its seventh generation, the BMW 5 Series is ready to continue that legacy and be the most dynamic and most innovative 5 Series yet.

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Codenamed G30, this new BMW 5 Series is built using the same scalable architecture (CLAR in BMW speak) as the new G11 7 Series. This new chassis provides the new 5 Series with BMW’s new EfficientLightweight designs. This means an extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel in both the chassis and body of the new 5er. All of that adds up to a not-insignificant 100 kilograms (220 lbs) drop in weight. F10 5 Series owners will appreciate that weight loss, as its weight was its most maligned attribute. Torsional rigidity is also up significantly and the center of gravity has been lowered. That, along with BMW’s trademark near 50/50 weight distribution, makes this new seventh-gen 5 Series the most dynamic yet.

The design of the new BMW 5 Series isn’t a massive departure from the previous generation. It’s far more evolutionary than revolutionary. However, underneath the skin, the new 5er couldn’t be more different. All of the aforementioned chassis changes, as well as new optional Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering), advanced driver assistance systems and a suite of new engines make this new 5 Series the most advanced yet, as well.

The new 5 Series will launch with four model variants when it goes on sale in February 2017. Replacing the current and aging BMW 528i will be the new 530i, which will use an updated version of its B48 2.0 liter TwinPower four-cylinder engine, making 252 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. For the 530i, 0-60 mph will happen in 6.2 seconds while also returning a combined 5.4 litres/100 km (43 mph US). The other petrol variant available at launch will be the 540i. That will use BMW’s new, and excellent, B58 3.0 liter TwinPower I6 engine, developing 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 540i, with xDrive, will sprint to 60 mph in a rapid 4.8 seconds, all while being able to return 6.5 l/100 km (36 mpg US) of fuel consumption.

In every other market aside from North America, two diesel variants will be available as well. The 520d and 530d will use a 2.0 liter turbo-four and 3.0 liter turbo-six diesel, respectively. For the 520d, that means 190 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and 4.0 l/100 km (58 mph US) with the eight-speed automatic (expect the economy and performance to drop a bit with the six-speed manual). For the 530d, this means 265 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and 4.5 l/100 km (52 mpg US).

Soon after launch, BMW will be launching three new model variants. An EfficientDynamics Edition of the 520d, with lower emissions, and a 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid variant will headline the more efficient variants. The 530e iPerformance will use BMW’s typical eDrive powertrain, comprised of a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor, to develop a combined 252 hp.

The third variant to debut following the launch will be the BMW M550i xDrive, taking over the 5 Series’ flagship position. Sporting a revised version of BMW’s 4.4 liter V8, the M550i xDive will develop 462 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, making it good for 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat. It also returns decent fuel economy for a V8, consuming 8.9 l/100 km (26 mpg US).

BMW will also be giving the new G30 5 Series all of the brand’s best technologies. The latest-generation iDrive, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen will be available. Much like the 7 Series, the 5er’s iDrive can be controlled with either the iDrive controller, touchscreen or with Gesture Control.

It will also feature the latest-generation full-color Head-Up Display, with a 70 percent larger display. Rear comfort seats with massage capability will also be available, as well as four-zone climate control with ionized and fragranced air. It will also use touch-sensitive seat controls, Special Synergy Thermoacoustic Capsule (SYNTAK) engine encapsulation technology and acoustic glazing for the windscreen and the acoustic headliner.

All BMW 5 Series’ will feature LED headlights as standard, with optional Adaptive LED Headlights, which feature variable light distribution, including adaptive roundabout lights and BMW Selective Beam anti-dazzle high beam with a range of up to 500 meters.

Two non-metallic and 11 metallic color shades are available for the new BMW 5 Series, and six BMW Individual paint finishes and two BMW Individual Frozen paint finishes will join the selection over the course of 2017. Customers can choose from a total of 17 different light-alloy wheels (17-inch to 20-inch). And the Original BMW Accessories range offers another three complete wheel sets in 20-inch format.

The new BMW 5 Series will go on sale worldwide in February of 2017. With its new lightweight chassis, fantastic new engines and all of its new technology, the G30 BMW 5 Series should be another successful generation in the 5 Series’ legacy.

Model variants at market launch on 11 February 2017.

BMW 530i/BMW 530i xDrive: Four-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

Capacity: 1,998cc.

Output: 185 kW/252 hp at 5,200 – 6,500 rpm.

Maximum torque: 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) at 1,450 – 4,800 rpm.

Acceleration (0–100 km/h [62 mph]): 6.2 s (6.0 s).

Fuel consumption, combined: 5.4 l/100 km [52.3 mpg imp] (5.7 l/100 km [49.6 mpg imp])*.

CO2 emissions, combined: 126 g/km (133 g/km).

BMW 540i/BMW 540i xDrive: Six-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

Capacity: 2,998cc.

Output: 250 kW/340 hp at 5,500 – 6,500 rpm.

Maximum torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at 1,380 – 5,200 rpm.

Acceleration (0–100 km/h [62 mph]): 5.1 s (4.8 s).

Fuel consumption, combined: 6.5 l/100 km [43.5 mpg imp] (6.7 l/100 km [42.2 mpg imp])*.

CO2 emissions, combined: 150 g/km (156 g/km).

BMW 520d/BMW 520d xDrive: Four-cylinder diesel engine, six-speed manual gearbox/eight-speed Steptronic transmission (xDrive: eight-speed Steptronic transmission).

Capacity: 1,995cc.

Output: 140 kW/190 hp at 4,000 rpm.

Maximum torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm.

Acceleration (0–100 km/h [62 mph]): 7.7 s/7.6 s (7.6 s).

Fuel consumption, combined: 4.1 l/100 km [68.9 mpg imp] / 4.0 l/100 km [70.6 mpg imp] (4.2 l/100 km [67.3 mpg imp])*.

CO2 emissions, combined: 108 g/km / 107 g/km (112 g/km).