History Of The Bmw 5 Series: - BMW SEDAN 5 Product Manual

8. History of the BMW 5 Series:

BMW
Media
Information
11/2009
Page 55
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1972: debut of the BMW 5 Series succeeding the New Range.
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More than 5.5 million units of the 5 Series produced in five model
generations.
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Gaining increasing status as the most dynamic, active and
innovative car in its segment.
Sales of the BMW 5 Series already amount to more than 5.5 million units
in five model generations – and now a new chapter is starting in the highly
successful story of the BMW 5 Series Sedan.
While the sixth generation naturally follows the great heritage of its
predecessors, its roots go back much further. As early as in the 1960s,
BMW developed a strong and distinctive profile as a manufacturer of sporting
but elegant, powerful and technically innovative midrange four-door sedans.
Introducing a four-door notchback body, engines fitted lengthwise at the
front, rear-wheel drive and an elaborate suspension, BMW established a
classical principle at the time which remains highly attractive and fully
endorsed to this very day.
It was at that time that the BMW 1500, the BMW 1800 and the BMW 2000
entered the market as the "New Range", establishing the most successful
model series BMW had ever seen up to that point. The competence in the
development and production of saloons demonstrated by BMW with these
models gave the Company a worldwide breakthrough as a manufacturer of
modern and highly desirable automobiles with very individual characteristics.
Switching from the New Range to the BMW 5 Series in 1972, BMW
introduced not only new nomenclature, but also a new era in design.
Indeed, the number "5" immediately became the synonym for unmistakable
driving pleasure in this segment. Ever since, the BMW 5 Series has stood
for sedans which, through their design, offer particularly harmonious balance
of sportiness and elegance authentically reflecting a unique combination
of driving dynamics and motoring comfort ensured by superior drivetrain
and suspension technology. The BMW 5 Series therefore offers a particularly
concentrated rendition of the outstanding competence in development
of this leading car maker from Munich.
Fives Times Around.