Asian Carmakers Corp., the authorized distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, has finally launched the all-new 5-Series sedan.
The BMW 5-Series' sheet metal abandons the controversial styling of its predecessor in favor of a more conservative, more restrained approach executed by BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk. Gone are the flame surfacing design and the polarizing Bangle butt rear end in favor of clean lines and perfectly balanced proportions. Of course, being a BMW, the all-new 5-Series bears the brand's kidney grille that's been inclined slightly forward while its greenhouse bears a sleek, coupe-like roofline that is highlighted by its signature Hofmeister kink.
Inside, the BMW 5-Series is both classy and sporty, thanks to the leather interior and the lacquered center console angled towards the driver.
The first of the all-new BMW 5-Series variants available in the Philippines is the 523i with a 2.5-liter straight-six engine that churns out 204hp and 250Nm of torque. That's enough power to propel the executive sedan from zero to 100kph in 8.2 seconds before it tops out at an electronically-limited 234kph.
Paired with the engine is an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, allowing the driver to shift gears using the high-tech, center console-mounted shifter or through the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a more sporty drive.
The new BMW 5-Series comes in two trims: the standard 523i at P5.790 million, and the 523i Executive at P6.009 million. From Monday, June 21, though, the 5-Series will be sold at an introductory price of P5.39 million for the standard 523i, and P5.59 million for the 523i Executive.
