2013 BMW 5 Series Updated With Customizable Instrument Panel
BMW is pleased with its revamped 5 Series design, and for the 2013 model year will be offering an optional customizable instrument panel along with revised engines for its Gran Turismo model.
In select markets, the German automaker will now offer a 520d Gran Turismo equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel with 181 hp while the 530d Gran Turismo engine has been bumped up to 255 hp from 242. The revised 530d powerplant offers better fuel efficiency and buyers can now opt for the BluePerformance technology package for reduced emissions starting in July.
The top-of-the-line 550i Gran Turismo also saw a boost in performance, with the V8 turbocharged powerplant now with 443 hp, a boost of 40 hp from the former model. Fuel consumption has also been reduced in the 550i, despite the increase in power.
Much of the increased fuel economy is attributed to the auto start-stop system that is now standard on all Gran Turismo models. The Gran Turismo also gets a new electric power steering system and Driving Experience Control with “Eco Pro” mode as standard.
As for the optional customizable instrument panel, the German automaker now offers a multifunction instrument display as an option to all 5 Series models except for the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition ActiveHybrid. The instrument panel is a fancy 10.25-inch display with ‘Black Panel’ technology and now allows the driver to choose between Comfort, Eco Pro, and Sport driving modes. The modes can be customized to display certain colors and information relevant to the driver.
Also starting in July, BMW will offer a Bang & Olufsen high end surround-sound system as an option, while a hands-free system to pop open the trunk by moving your foot below the rear bumper will become standard on all 5 Series models.
GALLERY: 2013 BMW 5 Series
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Is the instrument display available on the US version of the 5 series? The dealers are saying no and I can't find any other data to support that they are.