In order to continue its premium midsize sport sedan dominance BMW has improved almost every critical component. The suspension continues to be all-aluminum, but is now lighter. Aluminum weight savings have been paramount in subtracting body mass as well, resulting in an overall curb weight reduction. The new 5 also features active Dynamic Drive (Active Roll Stabilization) as well as the world's first production application of Active Steering.
What? Active front steering is a technology that adapts the steering ratio to vehicle speed. To be clear, when at parking speeds steering response to input will be quicker, needing less steering wheel movement than when at highway speeds. This effectually eliminates the need to spin the wheel around over and over when parking the car.
Other options will include Active Cruise Control (ACC), a radar-based system that makes it easy to maintain a safe and comfortable distance from the car in front, and adaptive bi-xenon headlights, which follow the bend of the road. Adaptive brake lights, currently available on the 7-Series, X5, Z4 and 3 Series Coupe and Cabriolet, get the nod for the new 5 as well. They enlarge the brake light area when the driver applies the brakes with force, with the purpose of reducing rear end collisions. Run-flat tires will also be a no-cost option.