To help increase sales of its mid-size sedan lineup, BMW Canada will be offering a new entry-level model, the 525i, for $58,200 at its 36 dealerships in April.
That is well under the company's current lineup of the 530i at $66,500 and the 545i at $77,700, and the least expensive model in the 5-Series family since the 1999 528, which carried a sticker of $57,200.
Lindsay Duffield, the president and CEO of BMW Group Canada says ''The new 525i offers the Canadian consumer exceptional value, while at the same time maintaining the long established tradition of driving dynamics. ''BMW is committed to delivering the Ultimate Driving Experience throughout our broadening portfolio.''
Duffield says a key highlight of the 525i is the ''innovative'' inline-six engine with a magnesium crankcase and Valvetronic engine technology ''for even greater efficiency and dynamics.'' A horsepower peak of 215 at 6500 rpm and a torque peak of 184 lb-ft at 2750-4250 rpm are sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that also allows pseudo-manual shifting to suit the driver's taste.
''Through the use of magnesium/aluminum technology,'' says Duffield, ''the new 525i has the lightest production six-cylinder in its class. For the first time in modern engine construction, BMW is using magnesium in large-scale production of a water-cooled crankcase. The revolutionary composite aluminum crankcase weighs just 57 per cent of a comparable iron block, with a reduction in weight versus a crankcase made entirely of aluminum by 24 per cent.''
As a result, Duffield explains, at 161 kg BMW's new inline-six is the lightest six-cylinder in its class, ''greatly complementing the lightweight construction of the BMW 5-Series with its front end made of aluminum all the way back to the A-pillar. With aluminum being two-thirds lighter than steel, customers benefit from the reduction in weight through greater economy, enhanced dynamics, and outstanding agility.'' Less weight also means a comparable drop in mass, which means it would be slightly less safe in a crash.
Duffield also says that, ''In its looks and appearance, the 5-Series combines the sporting flair of the 3-Series with the presence of the BMW 7-Series. Through its design alone, the new 5 forms the powerful centrepoint within the BMW model range. The muscular front end with its unmistakable, curved headlight clusters featuring dual headlights and the coupé-like 'greenhouse' clearly bear testimony to the car's sporting and dynamic character.''
Of course, the famous ''Bangle-butt'' is also there to admire or loath, as your taste degrees.
Duffield says that by ''building upon the finely tuned all-aluminum suspension through active driving systems, a safe and comfortable driving pleasure is further enhanced. And it is precisely here that the 5-Series, featuring the world's first example of active steering, provides the driver with an unprecedented combination of handling, safety and driving comfort.''
Standard features on the 525i include such features as a heated steering wheel, a glass sunroof, BMW Assist, and integrated Bluetooth telephone technology.
''As with all BMW offerings,'' says Duffield, ''there is an extremely wide variety of packages and stand-alone features to tailor the car to individual choice.''
To that end, the 525i is available with the following packages:
photo:BMW Canada
That is well under the company's current lineup of the 530i at $66,500 and the 545i at $77,700, and the least expensive model in the 5-Series family since the 1999 528, which carried a sticker of $57,200.
Lindsay Duffield, the president and CEO of BMW Group Canada says ''The new 525i offers the Canadian consumer exceptional value, while at the same time maintaining the long established tradition of driving dynamics. ''BMW is committed to delivering the Ultimate Driving Experience throughout our broadening portfolio.''
Duffield says a key highlight of the 525i is the ''innovative'' inline-six engine with a magnesium crankcase and Valvetronic engine technology ''for even greater efficiency and dynamics.'' A horsepower peak of 215 at 6500 rpm and a torque peak of 184 lb-ft at 2750-4250 rpm are sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that also allows pseudo-manual shifting to suit the driver's taste.
''Through the use of magnesium/aluminum technology,'' says Duffield, ''the new 525i has the lightest production six-cylinder in its class. For the first time in modern engine construction, BMW is using magnesium in large-scale production of a water-cooled crankcase. The revolutionary composite aluminum crankcase weighs just 57 per cent of a comparable iron block, with a reduction in weight versus a crankcase made entirely of aluminum by 24 per cent.''
As a result, Duffield explains, at 161 kg BMW's new inline-six is the lightest six-cylinder in its class, ''greatly complementing the lightweight construction of the BMW 5-Series with its front end made of aluminum all the way back to the A-pillar. With aluminum being two-thirds lighter than steel, customers benefit from the reduction in weight through greater economy, enhanced dynamics, and outstanding agility.'' Less weight also means a comparable drop in mass, which means it would be slightly less safe in a crash.
Duffield also says that, ''In its looks and appearance, the 5-Series combines the sporting flair of the 3-Series with the presence of the BMW 7-Series. Through its design alone, the new 5 forms the powerful centrepoint within the BMW model range. The muscular front end with its unmistakable, curved headlight clusters featuring dual headlights and the coupé-like 'greenhouse' clearly bear testimony to the car's sporting and dynamic character.''
Of course, the famous ''Bangle-butt'' is also there to admire or loath, as your taste degrees.
Duffield says that by ''building upon the finely tuned all-aluminum suspension through active driving systems, a safe and comfortable driving pleasure is further enhanced. And it is precisely here that the 5-Series, featuring the world's first example of active steering, provides the driver with an unprecedented combination of handling, safety and driving comfort.''
Standard features on the 525i include such features as a heated steering wheel, a glass sunroof, BMW Assist, and integrated Bluetooth telephone technology.
''As with all BMW offerings,'' says Duffield, ''there is an extremely wide variety of packages and stand-alone features to tailor the car to individual choice.''
To that end, the 525i is available with the following packages:
- a Navigation Package for $2,900 that includes BMW onboard navigation with voice control and a Canada-US navigation DVD
- a Premium Package at $2,800 that includes auto dimming mirror and Dakota leather, and
- a Sport Package for $2,500 that includes sport suspension, leather sport steering wheel, 17-inch star spoke alloy wheels, and high gloss shadow line.
photo:BMW Canada
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