[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] BMW unveiled the new models of its best-selling 5 Series and 6 Series for the first time in the world in Korea. The event was simultaneously broadcast live worldwide through BMW's digital channels, reaffirming Korea's capability to host the world's first large-scale automobile event since the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the 27th, BMW Korea revealed the BMW New 5 Series and New 6 Series Gran Turismo for the first time globally at the BMW Driving Center in Yeongjongdo, Incheon. This event marked BMW Group's first official event since the COVID-19 outbreak and was the first-ever world premiere (global first reveal event) in the history of imported cars in Korea.
The reason BMW's flagship models were unveiled first worldwide in Korea lies in the BMW Group management's determination, Korea's excellent COVID-19 quarantine system, and the country's high market importance.
Reflecting this, the new car unveiling event was held in a 'drive-through' format to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Attendees boarded one of about 60 pre-prepared BMW vehicles and slowly drove at around 10 km/h to admire the newly revealed cars for the first time in the world.
The exterior of the New 5 Series is meticulously refined to highlight its distinctive strong presence and sporty style more clearly. In particular, the front kidney grille, integrated into a single frame, has grown larger vertically and horizontally, extending to the front apron, giving it a sophisticated transformation. The New 6 Series Gran Turismo emphasizes a more dynamic appearance. Its long bonnet, 3070mm wheelbase, and smoothly sloping roofline toward the rear complete the Gran Turismo's characteristic silhouette.
The New 5 Series offers three gasoline engines ranging from 184 horsepower to 340 horsepower and three diesel engines. The New 6 Series Gran Turismo is equipped with two gasoline engines producing between 190 and 340 horsepower and three diesel engines. All engines come with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and feature 48V mild hybrid technology.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, New 530e Touring and New 530e xDrive Touring, were also introduced. They combine a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a maximum output of 184 horsepower and an electric motor producing up to 109 horsepower, delivering a total output of 292 horsepower. The maximum pure electric driving range is up to 62 km for the BMW New 530e Touring and up to 56 km for the BMW New 530e xDrive Touring.
Convenience features have also been significantly enhanced. The New 5 Series Driving Assistant Professional package includes active navigation and improved steering and lane-keeping assist functions. This system uses navigation information to indicate in advance when a lane change is necessary. Additionally, a newly introduced 'Emergency Lane Formation' function moves the vehicle closer to the lane to create space for emergency vehicles such as ambulances in congested traffic.
The New 6 Series Gran Turismo features a new 3D visualization function added to the Driving Assistant Professional, which recognizes other cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more in adjacent lanes, including the current driving lane, and displays them on the central instrument cluster. Potential collision targets are highlighted.
BMW Group executives, who had initially planned to visit the Busan Motor Show, expressed their gratitude to Korean consumers through video messages due to Korea's quarantine guidelines requiring a two-week self-isolation. Peter Nota, Head of BMW Brand, Sales, and Aftersales, stated, “There is no better place than Korea to unveil the BMW New 5 Series and 6 Series for the first time worldwide.” He added, “Especially as Korea is one of the largest markets for the 5 Series, we express our respect to Korean customers, colleagues, and the Korean society as a whole.”
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