BMW said it modified the contour lines around the BMW "kidney" grille for 2014. Photo courtesy BMW.

BMW said it modified the contour lines around the BMW "kidney" grille for 2014. Photo courtesy BMW.

BMW said it is updating its 5 Series family of sedans for the 2014 model-year, with the availability of a new inline-six cylinder diesel engine, design improvements, and more available equipment.

The new diesel engine features the automaker’s TwinPower Turbo technology and can produce 255 hp at 4,000 rpm and 413 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 – 3,000 rpm, based on BMW’s preliminary figures. The automaker said it expects the new BMW 535d Sedan, which is equipped with this engine, to show improved fuel-efficiency over its gasoline sedan counterparts. The company said it will release U.S. EPA figures closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.

Next, the most powerful engine available for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan features an updated V-8 with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, capable of producing 445 hp and 480 lb.-ft. of torque. The automaker said its suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies (which include brake energy regeneration, auto start-stop, and the Eco Pro mode) feature a new coasting mode, which disengages the sedan’s powertrain while the vehicle is coasting. Also, the driver can select the Eco Pro Route feature via the navigation system.

On the outside, the 2014 BMW 5 Series feature updated contour lines for the BMW “kidney” grille’s surround and redesigned lower air intakes. The back of the vehicle features an extra crease in the apron and thinner, sharply contoured rear lights. For 2014, Adaptive LED Headlights are available.

The sedan's Comfort Access feature, which allows a user to open the trunk by waving their foot under the rear apron, now can close via the same method. Photo courtesy BMW.

The sedan's Comfort Access feature, which allows a user to open the trunk by waving their foot under the rear apron, now can close via the same method. Photo courtesy BMW.

In terms of features, the vehicle’s Comfort Access system, which allows a driver or passenger to open the tailgate or trunk hands-free, includes a closing mechanism for 2014, which means that when someone moves their foot under the vehicle’s rear apron, he or she can close the tailgate. The 2014 BMW 5 Series also offers a new rear-seat entertainment system with tablet-style displays, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system, and a new version of BMW’s ambient light option (a user can switch the light’s color between white and orange).

Inside, the automaker said the 2014 BMW 5 Series features a refined interior with more functionality. The automaker’s iDrive’s central display has a border made of chrome trim strips. The automaker increased the capacity of the storage compartments and cup holders.

Speaking of BMW’s iDrive system, the iDrive4.2 Navigation system is standard for MY-2014. It features an optimized menu display and provides access to real-time traffic information. BMW said a new Drive rotary controller with an integrated touchpad allows a user to input characters for destinations, phone numbers, and other functions when using the iDrive4.2 system. Users can operate the system with the standard iDrive controller or the touchpad. They can also activate the system’s voice command feature via the touchpad.

The iDrive control system features a new touchpad in addition to the traditional rotary controller. Photo courtesy BMW.

The iDrive control system features a new touchpad in addition to the traditional rotary controller. Photo courtesy BMW.

BMW said its 2014 5 Series Sedans will go on sale in August, 2013, nationwide. MSRP for the base model 528i Sedan starts at $50,425 and ranges up to $67,125 for the 550i xDrive Sedan. This range does not include the Gran Turismo 5 Series models. The 2014 ActiveHybrid 5 sedan will have an MSRP of $62,325, according to the company.

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