USA - BMW launches the 5-Series at the NAIAS in Detroit, with a starting price of $51,200

• Weight Reduction of up to 137 lbs through extensive use of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel.
• Improved Performance and Dynamics with improved steering feel, available Adaptive mode and all-new 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engines, with an output increase of 35 hp on the 6-cylinder.
• Standard equipment enhancements include Adaptive LED Headlights, Sport Seats, 18-inch Wheels and an Anthracite headliner.
• Latest iDrive 6.0 system and improved Driver Assistance Systems.

BMW announced pricing for the all-new BMW 5 Series, arriving in U.S. showrooms February 11, 2017, shortly after its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. 

The 2017 BMW 530i will be available for $51,200, the 530i xDrive model for $53,500, the BMW 540i will be available for $56,450 and the BMW 540i xDrive model for $58,750, plus $995 Destination and Handling.

Standard equipment now includes Adaptive LED Headlights, Sport Seats, Active Protection, Fatigue and Focus Alert as well as an 18-inch Double-Spoke Wheels and an Anthracite headliner enhancing the sporty character of the latest BMW Sport Sedan.

The all-new BMW 5 Series has been entirely newly developed allowing for a significant weight loss of up to 137 lbs with the use of aluminum, magnesium, and high-strength steel. 

Thanks to the available state of the art chassis systems including Dynamic Damper Control with Adaptive Mode and Integral Active Steering, now combinable with xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, Driver Assistance Systems and Parking Assistance Systems, the all-new BMW 5 Series once more defines the athletic and executive design of a true sport sedan. 

Featuring a new user interface (iDrive 6.0) including an 8.8” Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, available Gesture Control, the latest generation of Head-Up Display, Remote 3D View and an improved Voice Control with natural voice input, the 2017 BMW 5 Series marks a new era of personalized connectivity. 

The BMW 5 Series is the most innovative BMW 5 Series to date, with BMW’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems clearing the way towards semi-automated driving.

At launch, the 7^th generation BMW 5 Series will be available as a 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive models with the BMW M550i xDrive and BMW 530e and 530e xDrive iPerformance models arriving at dealers in spring.

USA - A new comparison showcases BMW's BHP growth from 1976 with three models to today's huge model range.

Infographic Shows BMW's Expansion in the US Since 1976

A new chart from EuroSportTuning.com compares the BMW line-up in 1976 with the line-up in 2016, showing BMW's explosive US growth over the last 40 years. In 1976, BMW offered three models: the 2002, 3.0i, and 530i. Today, BMW offers 21 distinct models.

"BMW's North America popularity has exploded over the last 40 years, and that's putting it mildly," says Frank Derks, manager at EuroSportTuning.com. 

"BMW's most popular car in 1976 was probably the 100hp 2002 model. Today, BMW offers seven times as many models, most with at least three times the power," says Derks.

The chart also compares the max horsepower of the models from 1976 to 2016, and the difference is substantial. The 1976 2002 was rated at 100hp. Today's most comparable model is the BMW 2-series, and that vehicle is available with as much as 320hp.

"Many people argue that the 60s and 70s were the golden age of BMW, and they point to the 2002 as proof. While I love the 2002 - and understand the sentiment - I wonder if we aren't living in BMW's golden age right now," says Derks. "Speaking as a performance enthusiast, most BMW models today are pushing 300 plus horsepower. We've got great BMW coupes and sedans that can carve up the track, as well as crossovers and SUVs that offer respectable performance considering their size. I think 2016 should also be considered a golden age for BMW enthusiasts," offers Derks