Get more, pay more …. pricing for a key BMW, the 5-Series sedan, has been announced.

ACCESSING BMW’s medium sedan in its entry format will now set a purchaser back more than $100,000 once on-road costs are taken into account.

The entry price of $99,990 announced for the seventh generation of the 5 Series luxury sedan on sale in March next year is a new high point for the Five Series.

That sticker also attaches to a fresh kind of base model, a 520d, featuring a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder. There is no entry equivalent in a petrol format.

Indeed, two of the three variants that kick start the 5-Series onslaught are diesel, the other being a 530d at $133,900. This packs a 195kW/620Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder.

It’s an intriguing approach given that diesel luxury cars have abdicated significant sales ground in recent years.

However, a strategy that doesn’t wholly leverage consumer interest is also potentially unavoidable because these models are at the pointy end of a factory schedule that favours the tastes of its primary European markets – where diesel still ranks above petrol.

The sole petrol available in March is the 540i, also the most expensive offer at $142,900. It’s also a 3.0-litre six-cylinder, making 250kW and 450Nm.

The diesel dominance could carry for much of the first year.

Potentially, BMW New Zealand could yet provide a 530i and it has also previously committed to a plug-in hybrid version that marries a small petrol with an electric drivetrain. Somewhere down line, too, is the iconic M5.

All the versions so far announced carry a price premium over outgoing equivalents, but BMW has downplayed this by suggesting the additional equipment they carry easily offsets the increases on the showroom floor.

That enhancement does not include four-wheel-drive – a feature that now accommodates through most of the range is coming, though it will potentially only be standard with the M5 and an option for lesser grades. For now everything being offered here maintains the tradition rear-drive format, all running with an eight-speed automatic.

Standard fare here is the Driving Assistant Plus package as standard which utilises a suite of radar and camera sensor systems.

BMW might also point out that their pricing is in range of that attaching to the car’s primary competitor, the new Mercedes E-Class, the latest winner of the New Zealand Car of the Year.

Although the 5-Series emphatically plays second-fiddle to the X5 sports utility wagon in terms of sales volume, it is still considered a key contributor to the 2017 retail effort.

BMW Group New Zealand Managing Director Florian Renndorfer is enthusiastic about the car’s impending placement. 

“The 5 Series has long been the standard in its class for driving pleasure and innovation. This is further improved with an unbelievably high level of connectivity, driver assistance technology and comfort while still delivering a car which offers an unparalleled driving experience”.

The 520d has LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and start and electric adjustable front seats. BMW ConnectedDrive services and applications are available through the 10.3-inch Touch Control screen, along with Professional navigation, wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker sound system.

The base car now also has a head-up display, speed limiter, active cruise control that operates down to stop-start traffic, front and rear cross-traffic warning, 360-degree camera, lane keeping assistant, parking assistant with radar and full-length curtain airbags.

Zero to 100kh takes 7.5 seconds and fuel consumption is rated at 4.3 litres per 100km on the combined cycle. By comparison the 530d clocks 0-100kmh in 5.7s while returning an optimum 4.7L/100km and the 540i rates at 5.1 seconds and 6.7L/100km.

The 540i alone has Adaptive Drive which includes bodyroll-cancelling active anti-roll bars, sets the standard for largest rim size (20-inches) and has the swankiest interior, with Nappa leather and Comfort seats that have ventilation in the front row. A sunroof, rear window blinds and Ambient Air – a choice of fragrances for the air-conditioning – are all included as standard.