BMW 5-series facelift (2013) first official pictures

The BMW 5-series has been facelifted, although you’d be hard pressed to tell on the outside. The most significant changes are under the tweaked skin...

The biggest news is that there’s a new model – the BMW 518d – powered by a 143bhp/265lb ftversion of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel. It’s offered in the saloon and Touring models, with a best claimed fuel economy of 62.8mpg.

There’s subtle styling changes, with a new front bumper and tweaks around the grille’s surrounds, while there’s xenon headlamps as standard, with adaptive LEDs an option.

There are LEDs in the wing mirrors, which incorporate indicators, while at the rear the redesigned taillight clusters feature LED strips, which – along with a new crease in the bumper – help the 5-series look a little wider and more muscular. 

The Gran Turismo’s bootlid had been redesigned for a smoother look, which has also pushed boot space up from 440 to 500 litres. The Comfort Access System can now close as well as open the boot with sweep of the foot below the new rear bumper.

There’s more chrome detailing, but the best part is the iDrive touch controller that allows your finger to write commands for inputting phone numbers and addresses into the sat-nav. The controller is part of the optional Professional Media Package.

You’ll get a better nav system regardless, as the higher spec Business Navigation is now standard on the saloon and Touring models. The Gran Turismo now comes with the Professional Nav in six-cylinder models. This means all 5-series are capable of making an ‘e-call’ in an emergency, automatically calling the emergency services if an accident is detected.

With the new 518d, the range starts at a lower starting price of £29,030, but there’s a slight increase across the range. The 520d is up £970 to £32,595, the 520d Touring jumping £805 to £34,925, while the entry level GT goes up £600 to £37,605

By Damion Smy