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Configuration options for the next generation BMW 5 Series have been drastically reduced to reduce consumer confusion and maintain residuals.

> More pictures at the bottom of this article

Set to go on sale from February 2017, the number of configuration combinations has been reduced from 60 including gearboxes, to 12. An automatic transmission is now standard.

The brand has chosen to include ‘professional nav’ as standard on all models in this country, as well as the digital dashboard.

The UK is the second largest market for the 5 Series after Germany.

X-Drive is available across the range for the first time, which has seen trim levels simplified to SE and M-Sport.

Technical highlights include an expanded Connected Drive system, with streaming service integration, and wire-free Apple CarPlay.

The multimedia system can link to Outlook calendars, and schedule journey times in sync with meeting start dates.

A head-up display is available to specify, as is the 'display key' first seen on the 7 Series.

Autonomous assistance improves on the 7 Series, with intelligent speed assist that can steer the vehicle for a longer period of time. New features include crossing traffic assist. Much of this technology is standard fit.

CO2 emissions for the 520d start from 107g/km, while a lower-emission EfficientDynamics model is set to follow from March. 

Launching soon after that is a plug-in hybrid model, the 530e, with sub 50g/km emissions, and will be roughly similar in price to the 530d.

Video: BMW 5 Series trailer