2005 BMW 545i E60

For seven model years, the 4th-generation BMW 5-Series – BMW internal code E39 – won virtually universal praise from critics and customers alike. Remarkably, even during its final calendar year, BMW’s “middle Series” defied convention by achieving higher U.S. sales than in the previous year. This doesn’t “just happen” with a car line approaching the end of its production life; instead, it reflects the soundness of this Series’ concept and the excellence of its execution.

Thus the 5-Series, as we’ve known it in recent years, was truly a tough act to follow. But BMW knows how to follow tough acts; the new 5-Series – internal code E60 – proves this once again. Launched as a 2004 model, the new Series broke new ground while remaining faithful to the tradition it has built since the first 5-Series models made their debut in 1972.

Excitingly new, yet true to the 5-Series tradition

Following the ’02 debut of the new 7-Series and ’03 launch of the Z4 Roadster, the new 5 takes BMW’s “new look” to another vehicle category; yet upon the very first glance one knows that this is a BMW 5-Series.

Also in the BMW tradition, this is not merely a new look. For one thing, the new 5 is a roomier car: Riding on a wheelbase 2.3 inches longer than before, these new Sedans are 2.6 in. longer and 1.8 in. wider than their predecessors, as well as 1.3 in. taller. These dimensional gains result in greater rear seating space and comfort; entry into the rear seating compartment is easier, and there’s fully 26% more trunk space.

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