Among a number of new features being introduced, the new BMW 5 Series continues with the technology it brought to market with its Australian introduction in 2003.

This includes the standard-equipment variable-ratio Active Steering system.

Coupled to the electronic control systems employed in the BMW 5 Series, such as ABS anti-lock brakes, DBC Dynamic Brake Control, DSC Dynamic Stability Control and ASC+T Automatic Stability Control plus Traction, has helped the not-so-attractive BMW 5 Series compete in a segment which includes attractive cars from BMW's competitors.

Now, the 5 Series offers refinements of existing systems and, finally, long-overdue styling improvements (which may not be noticed by many).

New features include Active Cruise Control incorporating a Stop and Go function, Lane Change Warning, High-Beam Assist, Night Vision and Head-Up Display.

The new BMW 5 Series models include the 523i, 525i, 530i, 530i Touring, 530d, 540i and 550i, with power outputs ranging from 140 kW in the 523i to 270 kW for the 550i.

All models benefit from an updated six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that almost halves gearshift times and brings improvements not just to performance across the range, but also adds to fuel efficiency.

The volume-selling BMW 530i Sedan and Touring models also gain 10 kW of power and 15 Nm of torque, with 200 kW and 315 Nm produced by the aluminium-magnesium 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine.

The styling of the BMW 5 Series, a sore point with many people, has also been updated inside and out, with modifications to the double kidney grille bringing the surrounds flush with the air dam surfaces and an upward-sweeping air intake with a horizontal trim bar continuing the line of the headlight contours.

Headlights of the BMW 5 Series now come with new clear glass technology, transparent glass panels covering the direction indicators along with chrome surrounds that highlight the character of the round ‘corona ring’ headlights.

The side profile is made sleeker with an additional light contour on the sills while clear-glass taillights with LED direction indicators combine with a more defined trim bar around the number plate to give definition to the rear.

Inside the new BMW 5 Series, attention to detail has been given to improving functionality.

This is achieved through the use of Pearl Gloss Chrome finish on the controls, comfortable padding on the door armrests and twin-tone panels, as well as the centre console, black trim bars at the top of the doors and sweeping decal bars.

New, integrated power window and mirror-adjustment buttons, ergonomically optimised door handles and larger capacity door pockets add to convenience and functionality.

The iDrive vehicle management system in the new BMW 5 Series now gains menu guidance and eight “favourite” buttons to allow faster access to important functions.

The new BMW 5 Series also lifts active safety with the latest version of DSC Dynamic Stability Control adding new functions to the braking system such as Fading Compensation, Start-Off Assistant, Regular Dry Braking - which helps to ensure stopping power in wet weather - and pre-loading of the brake pads to enhance the brake standby function when the driver requires a particularly short stopping distance.

Cruise control with brake function, which allows the set speed to be maintained even when driving on long downhill gradients, is finally standard on the new BMW 5 Series, while Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle travelling in front, right down to standstill and back to the predetermined speed, is optional.

Also optional is the BMW Lane Change Warning assistance system that advises the driver via a tactile signal on the steering wheel of any deviation from the chosen lane.

High-Beam Assist is another option unique to the segment, automatically switching between high-beam and low-beam depending of on-coming traffic or the illumination level of the road ahead.

BMW Night Vision is also available in the new 5 Series, using a thermal imaging camera to display on the navigation system’s Control Display objects that may not be visible in the normal lights up to a distance of 300 metres away.