2011 BMW 5-Series has received ‘considerably’ more orders than planned

2011 BMW 5-Series

We’ll be bringing you some BMW Group updates throughout the day as we dig through CEO Norbert Reithofer’s 90th Annual General Meeting speech, so stay tuned.

Speaking to shareholders and employees at the annual gathering, Reithofer said that the redesigned 2011 BMW 5-Series has received “considerably” more orders than the company originally planned.

“In my opinion, the highlight of the year is most definitely the new BMW 5 Series,” Reithofer said. “The new BMW 5 Series Sedan has received extremely positive feedback from the media. And our customers have obviously been waiting for it. We have received considerably more orders than planned.”

Reithofer said BMW has achieved a significant sales increase in the first three months of 2010 with over 315,000 cars sold, up almost 14 percent from the same period last year. He said that the positive trend has continued all through April as well.

Refresher: The 2011 BMW 5-Series is currently available in the U.S. with just two variants including the 535i and the 550i. The 2011 BMW 535i, which starts at $50,475, is powered by 3.0L twin-scroll turbocharged inline that makes 300-hp and 300 lb-ft. The 2011 BMW 550i, which starts at $60,575, is powered by a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 making 400-hp. Both models are available with a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission, BMW”s new 8-speed automatic transmission or new Sport Automatic 8-speed. The 2011 BMW 528i carries a starting MSRP of $45,425 and will join the lineup in July. Power for the 2011 528i comes from 3.0L inline-6 making 240-hp and a peak torque of 230 lb-ft.

2011 BMW 5-Series:

2011 BMW 5-Series 2011 BMW 5-Series 2011 BMW 5-Series 2011 BMW 5-Series

– By: Omar Rana