BMW 5-series (2010) photos and video of new F10

Let’s start with the tech: BMW claims the new 5-series is the first car in its class to feature start-stop tech, an eight-speed automatic transmission and double wishbone front suspension.

The new 5-series is also the first BMW to get the company's new Park Assist tech, slotting the car into a space by twiddling the wheel, leaving the driver to operate on the accelerator and brake pedals. A bit like a VW Touran, then.

The double wishbone front suspension is mated to a rear multilink set-up, and BMW's optional Drive Dynamic Control chassis system offers Comfort, Sport and Sport+ damper settings. Four-wheel active steering can also be specced, along with a Surround View camera system, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian recognition, lane departure and lane change warning systems, plus speed limit detection.  

Unfortunately, start-stop tech is only available on the manual 520d, and won't be available on the new eight-speed auto until later. Although the electric power steering will reduce fuel consumption, we don't expect it to endow the new 5-series' steering with exceptional feel.

And whereas the current-gen Five features an aluminium front end mated to a steel rear, the new car is all steel. Nevertheless, BMW still claims the new car achieves a 50:50 weight distribution.

By Ben Pulman