Five times around: History of the BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series has been hugely successful, having sole over 5 million vehicles over five model generations. Now a new chapter is opening with the launch 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 the 1960s, BMW developed a strong and distinctive profile as a manufacturer of sporting but elegant, midrange four-door sedans. Introducing a four-door 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 day.