Only a handful of car manufacturers can truly associate their name with both luxury and performance, and BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) is one of them.
Established as Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik in 1910 with its current name adopted in 1922, BMW started as an aircraft engine manufacturer and only started making vehicles in 1928.
Since its inception, the company thrives in making classic performance cars with luxurious designs while pushing forward on innovations.
Who Owns BMW
BMW is a German multinational corporation that is publicly traded, so it is owned by its shareholders.
The Quandt family is a major shareholder. Their investment in the company dates back to 1959 when two Quandt brothers Herbert and Harald, invested in BMW when the company was facing financial difficulties which helped save the company from bankruptcy.
BMW Top of the Line Models
For nearly 100 years, BMW has been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing different types and models of vehicles. Even in today's cut-throat car culture, a couple of models have stood out to represent the classic and modern BMWs:
- BMW 3 Series
- BMW M Series
- BMW i Series
- BMW 5 Series
Each model represents what BMW is all about while providing a glimpse into their future plans.
BMW 5 Series - Pushing the Next Level with Every Generation
In today's line of modern BMWs, one the most recognizable is the BMW 5 Series. This line of vehicles has successfully presented itself to the public as an instant classic with engines that match its reputation. The sizes of these beautiful sedans also ensure comfort as they only get bigger and bigger.
The BMW E12 - The Original 5 Series
In 1972, BMW introduced its first ever BMW 5 - the E12. Designed by Paul Bracq, this classic vehicle came with either four or six cylinder engines with its fastest model reaching up to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds.
As the first of its series, it is also the smallest in the group. The E12 measures at 179.9 inches in length and 66.3 inches in width. Compared to today's vehicles, the E12 is relatively small. In fact, the first BMW 5 Series is smaller compared to today's BMW 3 Series which comes in at 185.4 inches and 71.9 inches in length and width respectively.
The BMW E34 - The First Station Wagon in the Series
The E34 or the 3rd generation of BMW 5 series is easily considered a significant step forward in the history of BMW 5 series. The 3rd generation of BMW 5 series introduced its first Station Wagon model and was marketed as their Touring model. With its bigger back compartment, this generation of 5 Series received a significant bump in size.
The third generation of BMW 5 series measured at 185.8 inches in length with 68.5 inches in width. The v8 engine was first introduced in this generation. The fastest model (M5) can reach 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
The BMW E39 - Lightweight and Powerful
The E39 or fourth generation of BMW 5 series was produced from 1995 to 2003 and following its tradition of improving their vehicles under the hood, has also made significant changes to make it faster. The fourth generation made the V8 engine a default engine for its standard vehicles and it has also introduced the use of aluminum for its front suspension and some parts of its chassis - which made it lighter and faster.
Size has also increased - 188.0 in/70.9 in for its width and length. The M5 model with its 4.9L V8 Engine can reach 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds. Notably, the E39 is also a very popular vehicle among car enthusiasts because of its reputation of reliability and simplicity of use.
The BMW F10/F11 - Away from Es and Into the Future
The 6th generation of the BMW 5 Series deviated from the traditional 'E' naming convention, adopting the 'F' designation to signify its generation. Notably, this generation marked a significant leap forward for BMW, as it introduced hybrid models for the first time. Additionally, the M5 model received a substantial upgrade under the hood, featuring a V8 Twin-Turbo engine.
There was a size upgrade - measuring 193.1 inches in length and 73.2 inches in width. Also the M5 Competition model got a speed upgrade, accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds."
The BMW G60 - To the Future and Beyond
With the introduction of the G60 in 2024, the current 8th generation of the series is simply next level.
The G60 now has a fully electric model - the i5. It also comes with a Level 2 Autonomous Driving capacity that is also found in Tesla vehicles. Aside from full electric models, the G60 also comes with standard gas models. However, its fastest model today is the fully electric i5 M60 xDrive with 0-60 mph acceleration in only 3.7 seconds. The latest series is also the biggest measuring 199.2 inches in length and 74.8 inches in width.
Conclusion
Over the years, cars in the BMW 5 Series have become bigger to accommodate tech advances, consumer preferences, environmental regulations and safety demands.
BMW's future vision for their cars is focused on 3 things - sustainability, innovation, and luxury. They aim to become the most sustainable car manufacturer with a focus on luxurious environmental friendly vehicles.
