Available from February next year in markets across the globe, the 5 Series will also bring enhanced dynamics, an increased number of assistance systems, new connectivity technology and a new and innovative operating system.

All the engines in the 5 Series Sedan line-up belong to the newly developed, modular BMW EfficientDynamics family of power units. Two petrol and two diesels will be available from launch.

Diesel engine line-up covers new 520d and BMW 530d variants. The four-cylinder diesel engine powering the BMW 520d develops 190hp and peak torque of 400Nm. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 4.1l/100 km and 108g/km with the manual gearbox specified or 4.0l/100 km and 107g/km with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The sedan accelerates from 0-100kph in 7.6 seconds with the Steptronic and top speed is 237kph.

The new BMW 530d produces 265hp and peak torque of 620Nm, with average fuel consumption of 4.5l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 118g/km – up around 13% on its predecessor. The 0-100kph time is 5.7 seconds with an electronically governed top speed of 250kph.

BMW 530i and BMW 540i models will also be offered. The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW 530i develops peak torque of 350 Nm and maximum output of 252hp with combined fuel consumption at 5.4 litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 126 g/km – down more than 11%. The BMW 530i accelerates from 0-100kph in 6.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250kph.

The flagship engine at launch will be the 340hp unit BMW 540i. This three-litre straight-six produces torque of 450Nm with average fuel consumption at 6.5l/100km and CO2 emissions at 150g/km. In xDrive guise, the BMW 540i powers from 0 – 100kph in 4.8 seconds.

Next year, the range will grow to include the 530e iPerformance, a petrol-powered plug-in hybrid with a 45km electric range and 252hp, likely to be an important corporate car with its 49g/km CO2 emissions.

Much of the on-board technology was previewed on the 7 Series, this includes adaptive cruise control with steering assistance at up to 210kph, remote parking via the key, and the new touchscreen iDrive system with gesture control, as well as live on-street parking, a WiFi hotspot and real-time traffic information.