New 2008 BMW 5 Series to debut this spring

2008 BMW 5-series. Click image to enlarge

Photo Gallery: 2008 BMW 5-series

Whitby, Ontario – BMW Group Canada has announced that the 2008 BMW 5 Series will arrive at Canadian showrooms this spring, with greater performance, updated styling, interior refinements and new options.

The 2008 line-up will include the 535i, 535xi and 535xi Touring models, which replace the 530i, 530xi and 530xi Touring; they use BMW’s newest inline 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The engines will use a six-speed automatic transmission; a six-speed manual transmission will be available later in 2007.

The line-up will also include the 528i and 528xi models, with the latest-generation inline six-cylinder engine, making 230 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque; and the 550i, using the current 4.8-litre V8 engine. The 500-hp, V10-powered M5 continues into the 2008 model year.

New standard or optional equipment will include a lane departure warning system, USB Audio Integration for digital audio file playback, an enhanced iDrive system, a new electronic gear selector, and a new daytime running light system.