BMW has pulled the wraps off the new 5 series, which will go on sale in global markets in October 2023. Similar to the 7 series, the latest 5 series includes the all-electric i5, along with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid versions. The BMW 5 series is based on the Cluster Architecture platform that also underpins other BMW models that draw power from either an electric motor or a longitudinally-mounted ICE. Expect the 5 series to arrive in 2024 in the Indian market, where they will go up against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan. According to the German manufacturer, the 520i, 520d, and 520d xDrive models will be the first ones to be offered in the 5 Series' global line-up, followed by the plug-in hybrid 530e and 550e xDrive models. Besides, the company has plans to introduce a 6-cylinder diesel unit in the future.
The design of the 5 series remains true to the original but has evolved to look more modern than before. The design elements include a wide kidney grille with optional contour lighting, adaptive LED headlights with boomerang-shaped DRLs, revised bumpers with blacked-out inserts, flush door handles, and wraparound LED tail lights. Dimensionally, it is 5,060mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,515mm in height. It now has a longer 2,995mm wheelbase than its predecessor.
BMW 5 Series Non-Electric Versions: Powertrain, Interior
As mentioned above, the 520i, 520d, and 520d xDrive models will be initially offered in European markets. Under the hood, the base 520i will receive a 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder engine with 205bhp, and a 2.0-litre diesel engine in the 520d model will produce around 194bhp. Other four- and six-cylinder petrol engine options available outside of Europe will include the 530i and the 540i models. The 530i will be offered in RWD or xDrive AWD configuration and feature a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-charged petrol engine with 251bhp for the North American market. Whereas, the more powerful 540i, with a 370bhp 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, will only be available with xDrive. In due course of time (Spring of 2024), two variants with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain will join the model range - the 530e and the 550e xDrive, followed by the 6-cylinder diesel unit.
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The eighth-generation BMW 5 series sports a fully vegan interior as standard, covering the dash, door panels, seat surfaces, and steering wheel. This makes it the company's first model to do so. Furthermore, the 5 series gets sports seats as standard.
Optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery, interaction bar, and BMW Live Cockpit Professional that features a 12.3-inch driver's digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system that is powered by BMW iDrive 8.5 system.
BMW i5 Electric: Powertrain, Exterior, Interior
The all-electric BMW i5 comes equipped with improved fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. When launched, it will be available in two variants - M60 xDrive and eDrive40. Powering the all-wheel-drive M60 xDrive are two electric motors, one on each axle. Combined power and torque figures are rated at 593bhp and 820Nm, only when M Launch Control is engaged. All of this means that the i5 M60 can do the 0 to 100km/h run in 3.8 seconds. However, it is limited to a top speed of 230km/h. On the other hand, the electric motor in the rear-wheel-drive eDrive 40 delivers 335bhp and 430Nm, resulting in a claimed 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of 6 seconds and a top speed of 193km/h.
In terms of range, the M60 xDrive yields a claimed range of 455km to 516km (WLTP cycle), while the eDrive40 promises a range of 497km to 582km (WLTP). An 81.2kWh lithium-ion battery comes standard with both i5 variants. The BMW i5's combined charging unit enables AC charging with an output of up to 11kW as standard and up to 22kW as an option. With DC charging capability at 205kW, BMW claims a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.
The all-electric BMW i5, on the design front, gets a blanked-off kidney grille with illuminated surrounds, twin headlights with LED DRLs, blacked-out side skirts, flush-fit door handles, an M-specific diffuser at the rear, and flat LED tail lights separated by a chrome strip. The embossed number 5 at the base of the C-pillar is another highlight. All up, the i5 appears almost identical to the 7 series.
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On the inside, the i5 electric sedan is almost identical to the new i7. It features a panoramic sunroof, a wide ambient light bar running from the dashboard to door panels, and a boost button on the steering wheel giving the EV a jolt of power and speed. On the feature front, the electric car gets two free-standing displays - a 12.3-inch digital instrument console and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, again identical to that of the i7.
In the global line-up, the all-electric BMW i5 joins the BMW iX1, the BMW i4, and the BMW i7. As also confirmed, a third i5 model will debut in 2024 alongside the BMW i5 eDrive40 and the M60 xDrive models.
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