BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size luxury car / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its fifth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles. On January 29, 2008, the 5 millionth 5 series, a 530d sedan in Carbon Black Metallic, was manufactured.

Competitors to the BMW 5 Series include the Infiniti G, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Cadillac STS.[citation needed]

History

The 5 Series got its name by being the fifth of the "new series" cars after the V-8 and Isetta era. The preceding models were the 700, the "New Class", the "New Six" 2500/2800/Bavaria and the CS. The 5 Series was intended to replace the older New Six sedans.

The body was styled by Marcello Gandini, based on the Bertone 1970 BMW Garmisch 2002ti Geneva show car. Gandini also did the Fiat 132 and Alfa Romeo Alfetta, two other cars that have a similar design.

There have been five generations of the 5 Series to date. To differentiate between them, they are referred to by their unique chassis numbers (EXX).