The new BMW 5 Series has just been revealed and automobile publications around the world are starting to create comparisons between the F10 5 Series and its competitors. Automarket.ro places the 2011 BMW 5 Series against the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class, Lexus GS460, Infiniti G37, Volvo S80 and Jaguar XF.
Most of these cars have been traditionally considered direct competitors to the 5, with the exception of the G37 which goes against the popular 3 Series. To make it even more relevant and interesting, Automarket breaks down the comparison into several categories.
Exterior Design.
Based on their opinion, the “true elitists” are the new F10 5 Series, E-Class and Infiniti G37 sedan, shortly followed by the Audi A6 and Lexus GS. The Jaguar XF is being referenced as having an attractive exterior design, in contrast with the Volvo S80 which features a more conservative approach.
Interior Design.
We’re glad to see that the new interior design from the 5 Series is already being praised. The folks over at Automarket name the 5 Series and E-Class as having the most attractive and modern interior design in luxury sport sedan segment. Third place goes to Infiniti, closely followed by Audi and Lexus. The new F10 5 Series offers an extra 13 mm of space for its rear-seating passengers, having one of the biggest cabin spaces in this segment. Audi A6 is being rewarded as offering the most cargo space.
Engine offerings.
Initially, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series is being offered with three diesel powerplants and four petrol engines.Based on the two transmission offerings, 8 speed automatic and manual, BMW offers 13 different combination of motoring and transmission. The entry level model is the 520d, equipped with a 2.0 liter diesel engine that outputs 184 horsepower and 380Nm of torque. This is the most fuel efficient 5er ever built by BMW with only 5.0 liters per 100 km. At the top of 5 Series line-up, we have the BMW 550i powered by the 4.4 liter twin-turbo engine found in the 7 Series and the X6. The engine outputs 407 horsepower and 600Nm of torque.
The 550i remains most powerful sedan in its segment followed by the Mercedes-Benz E 500 powered by a 5.0 liter engine that outputs 388 horsepower and 530Nm. Third comes the Lexus GS 460 with its 347 horsepower out of a V8 engine.
Jaguar XF keeps close with its 5.0 liter V8 engine and 388 ponies.
Dimensions.
The new 5 Series not only put some more weight on, but it has also grown in size. It measures 4,899 mm in length, 1,86 mm in width and has a height of 1,464 mm. The high end 550i weighs 1,830 kg. The Audi A6 gets away with 30 kg less, but at a cost of smaller, less powerful engine.
Mercedes-BenzE500 has the following dimensions: 4,868 mm in lengths, 1,854 mm width and 1,471 mm height. The E500 weighs 1,735 kg, 95 kg less than the new 5er. Lexus GS 460 is 4,850 mm long, 1,820 mm wide and 1,430 tall. Overall weight? 1,735 kg. Jaguar XF and Volvo S80 are both heavier than the 5 Series.
Performance.
According to official manufacturer numbers, the 2011 BMW 550i is about 0.3 seconds faster than the E-Class. Both cars are limited to 250km/h (155mph) and run from 0 to 62mph in 5.0 seconds. The Lexus GS 460 is 0.8 seconds slower than the F10 5 Series. Audi A6 4.2 FSI quattro runs from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds. Jaguar XF barely misses the podium with its 5.7 seconds.
The last category mentioned by Automarket was pricing, but since it is mostly relevant to Europe, we’ll move forward. Interesting fact: BMW 5 Series impressed in four categories out of the six outlined by the auto publication.
Does BMW have a winner in their hands?
[Source: Automarket ]
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/11/25/new-b ... mpetitors/