BMW5 Series (F10) 2009 - 2013

　　In late 2009, BMW launched the sixth generation of its 5 Series sedan, the F10, on the German market, followed by other countries in 2010, and changes above its predecessor were massive.

　　In 2006, Jacek Fröhlich penned the final shapes of the seventh generation of the 5 Series while the American Chris Bangle was still leading the automaker’s styling department. However, the new vehicle was considered miles ahead of its predecessor, the polarizing 5 Series E60. BMW didn’t want to risk being blamed for a too-bold design. It also created the new generation of this nameplate on the same CLAR platform used by the carmaker’s flagship, the 7 Series. And the end result was highly appreciated. But Chris Bangle was already on its way out when the car was revealed to the press.

　　With its smooth, swept-back headlights, the 2009 5 Series tried to look sportier. Between them, integrated into the bumper’s upper area, BMW placed its famous kidney grille with vertical slats adorned by a chromed rim. Lower, on the bumper, the car manufacturer placed an apron that sported a broad air intake that helped to cool the engine. The available fog lamps were installed on the outer side, sporting a triangular shape.

　　From its profile, the low-slung greenhouse, the long wheelbase, and the smooth sculptured lines from the door panels made the 2009 5 Series look elegant. Furthermore, the car was available with a long wheelbase for specific markets and sold as a luxury sedan. BMW installed standard 17-inch alloy wheels on the seventh generation of the 5 Series. However, customers could get an 18- or a 19-inch set, depending on the engine version. Out back, the elegant vehicle sported twin pipes.

　　Inside, the automaker created an elegant cabin. All versions were fitted with an infotainment system neatly integrated into the dashboard atop the center stack. Between the front seats on the center console, BMW installed the gear selector or the manual transmission gear stick, depending on the options. All versions featured a few specific buttons that controlled drive modes between Economic, Normal, and Sport. Fronting the driver was an analog dashboard with an integrated LCD at its bottom, showing data from the car’s onboard computer. At the same time, atop the center stack, BMW installed a small-sized, 4:3 aspect ratio screen for the infotainment system or a wider, 19:6 one. In the back, there was plenty of room for two adult-sized passengers, with enough legroom for a middle-seated one.

　　Under the hood, BMW introduced the F10 5 Series with a wide choice of engines, both gasoline and turbodiesel. Depending on the version, a six-speed manual was the first choice. An eight-speed automatic provided by ZF was available, regardless of the powerplant version. All the oomph went to the rear wheels, with available all-wheel drive versions.

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