2017 BMW 5-Series Receives Robotic 3D Mapping To Maintain Quality

In the latest set of the official teaser shots of the near-production prototype, the Bavarian automaker has revealed that the next generation 5-Series will be mapped by three-dimensional (3D) sensors to create a precise digital image which will help the company boost the sedan's overall quality.

By Sameer Contractor

1 mins read

Published on July 29, 2016

Highlights

The 3d mapping technology is used to identify the tiniest of deviations
The 2017 5-Series is the first car in the world to use this technology
3D mapping sensors come with an accuracy of less than 100 m

The 2017 BMW 5-Series (codenamed G30) won't be globally revealed this year, but that does not mean the Bavarian automaker is shying away from teasing us its most popular executive sedan. In the latest set of the official teaser shots of the near-production prototype, the Bavarian automaker has revealed that the next generation 5-Series will be mapped by three-dimensional (3D) sensors to create a precise digital image which will help the company boost the sedan's overall quality. As seen in the images, the camouflaged 2017 BMW 5-Series is surrounded by robotic arms. These arms are fitted with a number of sensors that are in charge of generating a 3D image of the car which serves as a foundation for a three-dimensional data model. The model comes with an accuracy of less than 100 µm (0.1 millimeters) and allows the car maker to spot even the miniscule amount of deviations quite early on in the development process. The G30 5-Series is the first car in the world to make use of this technology. 3D Mapping will help iron out even the tiniest amount of deviations on the 2017 5-Series Until now BMW was using the tech to inspect individual sheet metal parts and tools at the Munich facility. The completely automated optical measuring cell now though, will ensure minimal quirks on the 2017 5-Series. Talking about the sedan itself, the G30 5-Series will be taking a massive leap next year with the most prominent update being the all-new CLAR architecture that was first introduced on the new generation 7-Series last year. Owing to the new platform, the executive sedan is expected to be lighter by about 100 kg, which will not only boost performance, but also make it fuel efficient. A range of petrol and diesel engine engines will continue to be offered on the model, while the interior is likely to receive upgrades on the lines of new 7-Series. So, expect to see a host of new tech and driver interaction systems available on the new generation of the mid-size luxury sedan. The 2017 BMW 5-Series is slated for an official debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next January for the sedan version, and will be followed up by a Station Wagon and Gran Tourismo (GT) versions, of which, the latter will make it to India apart from the sedan. The launch of the 2017 5-Series will be followed up with the introduction of the all-new and powerful M5 later next year that will come with All-Wheel Drive. The new 5-Series can be expected to make it to India in the second half of 2017.