BMW’s mid-sized executive saloon and estate, the 5 Series, has received some minor updates.
The stand-out addition is the introduction of mild-hybrid technology. Consisting of an ‘extremely powerful’ 48v starter-generator and a second battery, the system enhances the functionality of brake energy and gives extra drive power.
BMW state the technology allows for ‘not just superior efficiency but sharper performance’. It also has an electric overboost boost function that activates when accelerating under full throttle, injecting an ‘extra dose of dynamism’.
Another quirk of the system is the ability to completely shut off the engine in coasting mode. Furthermore, the motor can switch off with little vibration and restarted more smoothly when using the automatic start stop feature.
The German firm says mild-hybrid technology will ‘debut’ on the 5 Series, suggesting there’s more to come. As of November 2019, the tech will be fitted as standard to 520d models.
With regards to the entire 5 Series range, other enhancements to note include the introduction of BMW Laserlight on further variants. The lighting package increases high-beam range to a maximum of 650 metres and will available on M550d xDrive saloon and estate models from November 2019.
