2005 BMW 5-Series Xi Preview

Enter the new all-wheel drive 5-Series, scheduled to arrive in BMW dealerships across the nation towards the end of next month,

The 525xi will feature a new 210-horsepower 3.0-liter engine with 185 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

according to a spokesperson at Canada's number one BMW dealership, Brian Jessel BMW in Vancouver. North American models will be dubbed 525xi and 530xi, plus there will be a 530xi Touring, or sport wagon, a model that will also be featured in Detroit.

While no V8 or V10 powered car's will feature all-wheel drive, at least at first, the new family of six-cylinder engines will go a long way to make up for the driveline lag of an AWD system.

The 525xi, like its 525i sibling, will feature a new 210-horsepower 3.0-liter engine with 185 lb-ft of torque. It's been years since a 525 model has been offered in the 5-Series lineup (I purchased a 1989 525i after falling in love with the design), and despite its engine

The 530i and 530xi, will feature BMW's new 255-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6. (Photo: BMW Canada)

displacement not mirroring its model designation, something BMW usually remains faithful to, its reduced power should resultantly lower the price of an entry-level 5.

The top six-cylinder models, the 530i and 530xi, will feature BMW's new 255-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6, which produces 220 lb-ft of torque.

BMW has made no mention of whether all-wheel drive will be forthcoming on its V8-powered 545, so that it can compete directly with the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class which feature the driveline in V8-equipped models.