The All-New 2011 BMW 5 Series Sedan IIHS Crash Test Results
5 Series Receives Highest Rating of "Good" for Frontal Offset, Roof Strength, Side Impact and Rear Crash Protection in IIHS Tests
Press Release: BMW of North America today announced that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) declared the 2011 BMW 5 Series Sedan a 2010 Top Safety Pick. The new 5 Series earned the top rating of "Good" based on its performance in each of the Institute's crash tests.
Receiving the 2010 Top Safety Pick for the 2011 BMW 5 Series Sedan is one of numerous awards BMW has earned from the IIHS over the years. In fact, as a result of tests conducted in 2008, the 2009 BMW 3 Series Sedan as well as the X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles(r) earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick.
"Safety has long been a priority for BMW, so earning a Top Safety Pick from IIHS means a great deal," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "The press has praised the car and our consumers have eagerly awaited its arrival in showrooms. This award demonstrates that we left no stone unturned in the development of the all-new 2011 5 Series Sedan."
"The new 5 Series integrates the latest crash avoidance technology with outstanding crashworthiness in a beautiful package that inspires confidence and peace of mind," added Tom Baloga, Vice-President of Engineer US for BMW. "Advanced materials, sophisticated design techniques, and state-of-the-art testing succeeded in delivering a fantastic new 5 Series that will become the benchmark for every premium model in this segment."
The Institute rates vehicles "Good," "Acceptable," "Marginal" or "Poor" based on performance in high-speed Frontal Offset and Side Impact crash tests as well as an evaluation of the vehicle's Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraints, which protect against neck injuries in rear impact crashes. A stringent new Roof Strength test was added in 2009. In order for a vehicle to become a Top Safety Pick, it must earn "Good" ratings in all four Institute tests. Additionally, as of 2007, winning vehicles must also offer electronic stability control - a standard feature on all BMW vehicles since model year 2000, known as Dynamic Stability Control. The IIHS requires this feature based on Institute research indicating that stability control significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.
After much anticipation, the All-New 2011 BMW 5 Series Sedan is here and available to drive. Not only that but BMW has announced the US pricing
for the 2011 BMW 5-Series cars, the 535i and
550i sedans. While the car gets a horde of new features, the
pricing remains significantly cheaper than the former models.
Starting with the new 535i model, it is priced $1,650 lower than the 2010
predecessor that sums up to a starting price of $50,475. The 550i version on the
other hand is $900 lower, and starts at $60,575. Both details include the $875
destination & handling charges. The cars get complete benefit from the BMW
Ultimate Service - $0 maintenance for the first 4 years or 50,000 miles.
The 5-series models get an all new eight-speed automatic transmission that may be swapped with a 6-speed
manual as desired. The 535i is fitted with a 300 hp 3.0-liter twin-scroll
turbocharged inline, while the 550i hides a 400 hp 4.4-liter Twin Power turbo V8
engine under the hood.
A number of updated features and options include
EfficientDynamics technologies like brake energy regeneration
and electric power steering. Also available are various driver assistance
equipments like the parking assistant, top view cameras and frontal collision
warning systems.
BMW 5 Series orders exceed expectations
The all-new BMW 5 Series has exceeded its maker's own sales forecasts by a mile, according to a report by Bloomberg. Unveiled in November last year, the F10 5-Series was launched in Europe this past March and is apparently selling like the proverbial hot cakes.
After losing money in 2009 the world's biggest maker of premium cars aims to improve its lot considerably in 2010. Cars like the X1 and 5-Series will help it achieve its target operating margin in the "lower one-digit percentage range." CEO Norbert Reithofer said his team is pushing for at least 1.3 million unit sales this year. However, challenges such as the lingering recession as well as Greece's financial problems and its effect on the euro currency could affect these plans.
BMW took the top premium automaker crown from the Mercedes-Benz brand in 2005 and has not looked back since.