New BMW 5 Series revealed, including electric i5 with up to 361 miles per charge
Hot M60 xDrive gets up to 593bhp
BMW has taken the wraps off an all-new eighth-generation 5 Series, headlined by the first ever electric version, the i5.
Petrol and plug-in hybrid models have also been confirmed for UK sale, with prices starting at £49,850, though there will be no diesel versions.
BMW has also revealed that the new Touring model due out in 2024 will also be available in electric i5 form, adding to the number of much-needed electric estates on the market.
Due to the more environmentally-friendly powertrains, BMW claims that across its life cycle the new 5 Series will be responsible for up to 58 per cent less carbon emitted than the outgoing car.
First-ever electric 5 Series
The BMW i5 will be offered in two different electric performance levels at launch. The i5 eDrive40 uses a single, rear-mounted electric motor rated at 335bhp for a 0-62mph time of six seconds. A battery pack of 81.2kWh usable capacity allows for an official range of up to 361 miles. It will cost from £73,200 in the entry-level M Sport specification.
Topping the line-up will be a performance-focused model, the i5 M60 xDrive, starting at £96,840. Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive set-up produces up to 593bhp, enabling a 0-62mph time of just 3.8 seconds. Using the same battery as the lesser model, the maximum official range is 320 miles.
For both models, BMW quotes maximum charging rates of 22kW on AC power or 205kW on DC rapid chargers. That means a 10-80 per cent recharge takes as little as 30 minutes from a suitable rapid charger.
Petrol and hybrid power confirmed
At launch in the UK, the sole non-electric 5 Series available will be the 520i, and it’s substantially more affordable than the electric variants with a starting price of £49,850.
The 520i is powered by a turbocharged 2-litre petrol engine augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Peak power is quoted as 205bhp for 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, while emissions are as low as 130g/km with 50mpg economy on the official WLTP test.
BMW UK has confirmed that two plug-in hybrid models will be introduced in early 2024 – the 530e and 550e xDrive – with an electric range of up to 62 miles. The forthcoming Touring estate will also be offered with PHEV power.
Evolutionary design hides low-drag detailing
The new 5 Series is larger in all directions than its predecessor and while it’s clearly an all-new design, BMW has shied away from dramatically changing the appearance in the way it has with the divisive 7 Series.
BMW claims the new 5 Series is has a coefficient of drag as low as 0.23; this is despite not resorting to ultra-streamlined bodywork such as seen on the rival Mercedes EQE electric model. The achievement is attributed to active air flap control (for the kidney grilles, lower cooling air intake and brake cooling ducts), the ‘AirCurtain’ slots in the front bumper that direct air around the wheels, a smooth and mostly covered underfloor and aerodynamically optimised wheel designs.
Helping owners minimise fuel consumption or range per battery charge is a new ‘EfficiencyCoach’ feature that analyses driving style, compares the data to previous journeys and even uses an online connection to check the data against that of other drivers.
Synthetic leather as standard
The 5 Series will be the first BMW in the UK to feature the firm’s ‘Veganza’ synthetic leather upholstery as standard, covering the seats, door panels and dashboard. It’s available in four different colours and with a perforation detail. Full Merino leather upholstery is optional. New sport seats are fitted as standard with electric adjustment and heating included.
A flat-bottomed steering wheel is part of the default suite of equipment, as is a wireless phone charger, while a panoramic glass roof is offered on the options list for the first time on a 5 Series. Buyers can upgrade from the standard M Sport trim to M Sport Pro.
BMW’s curved display dashboard dominates the interior, featuring 12.3in digital instrumentation and a 14.9in central touchscreen. Although the operating system software has been upgraded to version 8.5 with a focus on faster and more intuitive use of the display, fans of physical controls will be glad to see that BMW’s iDrive rotary controller has been carried over, while the Interaction Bar from the 7 Series is also included.
There are plenty of new technology features, too. It’ll be possible to watch YouTube videos on the big screen when the car is at a standstill, or even play games. The latter is made possible using the ‘AirConsole’ gaming platform, delivering over-the-air games at the scan of a QR code on the screen. The driver and passenger then use their smartphones as wireless controllers and can even compete against each other.
Enhancing that experience is the optional 18-speaker, 655-watt Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, though the standard setup — 12 speakers and a 205-watt amplifier — shouldn’t be too shabby either.
On the subject of sound, the i5 models come with their own unique soundtracks developed in conjunction with the composer Hans Zimmer.
First deliveries of the all-new BMW 5 Series are expected to begin before the end of 2023.
Related articles
- After reading about the new BMW i5, you might be interested to see our review of the BMW M3 Touring
- Refreshed BMW X7 revealed with updated styling, revamped interior and mild-hybrid assistance
- Or, check out the best luxury cars to buy
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