BimmerMania.com

The world badly needs the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series, which got its U.S. introduction at the New York International Auto Show. Without the new BMW 5 Series, competitors wouldn't be able to run ads saying "brakes faster than a BMW 5 Series" ... "more shoulder room in back than a 5 Series" ... "tighter turning radius" and so forth. Everybody's better than BMW in one facet. The BMW 5 Series is the benchmark for mid-size luxury-sports sedans and the 2011 model continues the sporty handling flair of a BMW 3 Series, while picking up as much room inside of the last-generation BMW 7 Series, especially in the formerly cramped rear seat.[keep reading] BMW worked out some of the design quirks on the 2003-2009 model and it may be the handsomest BMW sedan you can buy today. With prices starting in the low 50s (most likely decreasing compared to 2009s with similar content), this is not the car for everyone. But it will be the benchmark. The car initially arrives with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine (BMW 535i) and ferocious twin-turbo V8 (BMW 550i). BMW keeps adding fuel-saving tricks (BMW calls them EfficientDynamics) such as battery regeneration; automatic stop-start, even though this car is not a hybrid; and an eight-speed automatic transmission. At some point in the next year, BMW will return with an entry-level 528i with a non-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that would be pretty quick for any other car. If you like technology and driver aids, BMW says the 5 Series will now offer every technology that's on the 7 Series: heads-up display, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, night vision with pedestrian detection, surround-view camera vision (one camera on each side of the car, moved to a God's eye view on the LCD), and active suspension controls. Plus one the 7 Series doesn't have yet: automatic parking into a space just four feet longer than the BMW's 192 inches.