BMW 5 Series Sedan

The 5 Series got its name by being the fifth of the "new series" cars after the V-8 and Isetta era. The preceding models were the 700, the "New Class", the "New Six" 2500/2800/Bavaria and the CS. The 5 Series was intended to replace the older New Six sedans.

The first generation's body was styled by Marcello Gandini, based on the Bertone 1970 BMW Garmisch 2002ti Geneva show car. Gandini also did the Fiat 132 and Alfa Romeo Alfetta, two other cars that have a similar design.

There have been six generations of the 5 Series to date. To differentiate between them, they are referred to by their unique chassis numbers (EXX or FXX)
The 5 Series began the BMW tradition of being named with a three-digit number. The first digit (5 in this case) represents the model, and the following two digits (usually) represent the size of the engine in decilitres, which is the main distinguishing difference. Additional letters or words may be added to the end of the three-digit number to define the fuel type (petrol or diesel), engine or transmission details, and the body style. The 'i' originally stood for (fuel) 'injection'.

BMW E60 was the fifth-generation of the 5 Series. Its styling (designed by late BMW designer Davide Arcangeli) and many of its advanced features received mixed reviews. It is noted for its non traditional BMW design, the most controversial being the "Bangle butt" rear-end, though since then critics have said that the design has aged well as of 2010. Despite criticism over its exterior design and interior electronics, this became the best-selling 5 Series. Considered the heart of the BMW brand, it generates 20 percent of the companys profits and accounts for between 25 and 30 percent of sales in the key U.S. market (but just 2 percent in Canada). Since 2005, the 5 Series has been the segment leader, out-selling the Mercedes-Benz E-Class among others

The E60 represents a significant step forward in technology over the previous generation. The controversial iDrive interface has electronic control over all aspects of the vehicle from the suspension, to brightness of interior lights, to different temperature zones within the cabin. The vehicle is also equipped with an array of safety features from adaptive headlamps to Hill start assist, and is also equipped with a Trailer Stability Program to aid when towing a large trailer or caravan. Other major options include Active Cruise Control and Active Steering. Two new features became available in September 2005, BMW Night Vision and High-Beam Assist.

xDrive Four-wheel drive system is now an option on the 5 Series for the first time since the E34 in 1996, available on six cylinder models. This system is shared with the X3 and X5. 2006-2008 models were badged as the 525xi, 528xi, 530xi and 535xi. For the 2009 model year and onwards, these will be badged as the 528i