( Worldcarfans ) - The new BMW 5 Series made its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show today. A carefully refined exterior is combined with a striking enhancement of style and sophistication in the interior that underscores the sporting yet elegant and refined character of the BMW 5 Series. The interior reflects the premium character of the vehicle. High quality new materials and colors, ergonomic door panels with an optimized design, padded armrests, additional storage options and newly designed control elements all create an exceptionally refined ambience.
The diverse line-up of powerplants in the BMW 5 Series has now been enhanced by newly developed straight-six engines which offer superior power, while taking the lead in terms of fuel economy in all performance classes. The engines are mated to a choice of superb transmissions, including a six-speed manual as well as a quick and precise six-speed automatic transmission and BMW's new and unique Sport Automatic Transmission with shift paddles. The six-cylinder engine variants of the new BMW 5 Series are available with BMW xDrive permanent and variable all-wheel-drive technology.
The new BMW 5 Series also offers a wide range of innovations in driver assistance and comfort features. It is the only car in its segment available with Active Steering, BMW Night Vision, a Head-Up Display and, from now on, Active Cruise Control featuring a Stop
New highlights in design and continuing refinement have created a perfected synthesis of sporting character, elegance and lightness in both the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon. In the cleanly engineered front air dam, the edging of the double kidney grille is now flush with the adjacent surfaces. The characteristically molded headlamps come with brilliant clear glass technology. Chrome edging highlights the technically sophisticated round headlamps. Another distinguishing feature is the air intake, sweeping up at the side and provided with a horizontal trim bar, highlighting the wide sporty track of the car.
The 5 Series has a sleeker, more stretched appearance on the side, an effect produced by an additional light contour along the side-sills. The rear is dominated by horizontal lines highlighting the look of superior power. Like the headlamps at the front, the rear lights also come in a new, sophisticated clear glass design and now feature LED direction indicators.