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Published on September 5, 2007

The headlights are redesigned with clear glass, while the design of the fog lights and the front air dam is sportier, and the additional light contour along the side-sills gives the body an even sleeker, more stretched look from the side.

The rear lights also come in a new, sophisticated clear-glass look and now feature LED direction indicators.

The interior has slight improvements, with twin-tone finish on the door panels being the highlight.

The buttons that open the windows and adjust the mirrors have been integrated in the armrests, the same as the door handles have been redesigned ergonomically.

The door pockets, by being integrated even more effectively in the door panels, provide greater storage capacity.

There is also a new electrical shift lever for the six-speed automatic transmission. While following the usual gearshift pattern, the new selector moves back to its initial position once the gear selected is in mesh.

There are also new "favourite" buttons, eight of which allow the driver and front passenger to access important functions of their choice conveniently.

There are three engine choices for the improved 5-Series.

The 520d comes with a 2-litre commonrail diesel with VTG turbocharger capable of pumping out 163hp and 340Nm of torque from 2,000rpm-2,750rpm. The 520d accelerates from 0-100kph in only 8.6 seconds, and fuel economy is 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres. The 520d also now comes with Comfort Access as well as run-flat tyres (including spare wheel).

The 523i is powered by a straight-six 2.4-litre engine producing 190hp and 230Nm from 3,250rpm to 5,000rpm. Fuel economy is 8.7 litres per 100km.

The 525i comes with a 2.5-litre straight-six producing 218hp and 250Nm from 2,750rpm-4,250rpm. The 525i accelerates from 0-100kph in 7.1 seconds and can reach a top speed of 248kph. Fuel consumption is 8.9 litres per 100km.

The 525i also comes with Comfort Access as well as the new six-speed transmission, plus cruise control with brake function.

Unlike conventional cruise control, this intelligent new system is able to control the road speed of the car not only via the drag force generated by the engine and by shifting down on models with automatic transmission, but also by activating the brakes, thus keeping the car at a consistent speed when driving downhill.

The 520d is priced at Bt3.6 million, the 523i at Bt3.9 million and the 525i at Bt4.4 million.

The Nation

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.