A six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic (which allows pseudo-manual shifting) is available as an option and would presumably deliver slower launch times.
Marcotte says customers benefit from BMW's new straight-six power units in two ways: ''First, from the significant increase in output and torque, with excellent high-speed running qualities and turbine-like running smoothness. Second, from a further improvement of fuel economy. ''
On the issue of fuel economy, Marcotte was not able to quote any Transport Canada numbers for these new models, but he does claim that BMW's engineers ''have succeeded in reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent on each model, the average improvement of fuel economy versus the former models adding up to a significant figure of approximately seven per cent.''
As for the xDrive system, Marcotte says that it ''gives the driver all the benefits of four-wheel drive whenever required without having to suffer many of the disadvantages of four-wheel drive the rest of the time. For even in everyday traffic, the new 5-Series models with xDrive are just as agile and dynamic as their rear-wheel drive sister models, thus setting a new standard in the four-wheel drive segment.''
With the exception of its specific all-wheel-drive functions, the chassis and suspension of the 5-Series is the same as on the ''regular'' rear-wheel-drive models.
However, for reasons of the car's packaging and various space limitations, two further options -- Active Steering and/or Dynamic Drive -- cannot be combined with xDrive.
For the many consumers who dislike the styling of the 5-Series, there are unfortunately no exterior changes in the new models.
photo:BMW
Marcotte says customers benefit from BMW's new straight-six power units in two ways: ''First, from the significant increase in output and torque, with excellent high-speed running qualities and turbine-like running smoothness. Second, from a further improvement of fuel economy. ''
On the issue of fuel economy, Marcotte was not able to quote any Transport Canada numbers for these new models, but he does claim that BMW's engineers ''have succeeded in reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent on each model, the average improvement of fuel economy versus the former models adding up to a significant figure of approximately seven per cent.''
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With the exception of its specific all-wheel-drive functions, the chassis and suspension of the 5-Series is the same as on the ''regular'' rear-wheel-drive models.
However, for reasons of the car's packaging and various space limitations, two further options -- Active Steering and/or Dynamic Drive -- cannot be combined with xDrive.
For the many consumers who dislike the styling of the 5-Series, there are unfortunately no exterior changes in the new models.
photo:BMW
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