2011 BMW 5 Series Diesel Headed for America

Early rumors about a 5-Series diesel making it to US soil have finally been confirmed by a BMW official. According to the new report, the diesel-powered BMW 5-Series will debut in the United States for sure.

As stated by Inside Line, the BMW official has not provided any details about which engines will head for US shores, but it is speculated that the U.S. market will get the 3.0-liter diesel engine found on the 530d. The 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque seems quite ideal for the new 5 Series and has already been calibrated to pass U.S. 50 state emissions regulations. The engine gives 0-62 mph in 6.3 with a top speed of 155 mph.

2011 BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series amends much of its predecessor’s cutline-and-eyebrow styling. In my estimation, it looks as good as the beloved 1997-2003 E39 5 Series – all the reserved elegance of the 7 Series without that car’s pointlessly wide lower air dam. The taillights, in particular, are a job well done.

The cabin feels on the smaller side for a midsize sport sedan. The rear seats have long cushions and ample thigh support, but 6-footers will find legroom tight, particularly compared with the Mercedes E-Class’ voluminous backseat. Materials up front are good, though BMW’s penchant for businesslike austerity will distinguish the car from its Japanese luxury competition. (Even among the Germans, the 5 Series feels all business.)

Like in the 7 Series, the 5’s climate settings illuminate out of inky black surroundings that you’d otherwise mistake for some sort of trim piece. Behold, there are real cupholders below – not the sturdiest ones, but worlds better than the flip-out dashboard cupholders employed elsewhere in BMW’s lineup.

For some time now, the automaker’s electronic automatic shifter has never been my favorite. The new 5 feels more ergonomic, complete with a gathered boot at its base. Still, its operation imparts the same robotic sensation. God bless BMW for still offering a stick shift on the 535i and 550i, though. Here’s hoping it will be more like the short-throw unit in the Z4 and less like the rubbery manual in the outgoing 5 Series.

BMW unveils the 2011 BMW 5 Series

2011 BMW 5 Series
There's no doubt that in America at least the station wagon has been replaced by the SUV which has now been replaced by the CUV (crossover utility vehicle) as the family hauler of choice for most.

But that doesn't mean that the Europeans don't love their station wagons as you can tell by the new 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring.

Just the sixth-generation BMW 5 Series sedan goes on sale in Europe, BMW has released these photos and the video below of the wagon version of the car.