The new generation of the BMW 5 Series sedan presents, as its main novelty, the availability of a 100% electric motor, called i5. More than fifty years of brilliant history have made it one of the most appreciated sedans in the world in each and every one of its previous generations, no less than seven.
Born in 1972 as a successor to the BMW 2000, it represented from the beginning an optimal balance between sportiness and elegance. In its second delivery (1981-1987) it became a pioneer in the field of digital functions and the third generation (1987-1995) had all-wheel drive, V8 engine and Touring versions.
In the fourth chapter (1995-2003) a light alloy chassis would arrive and the fifth generation (2203-2009) represented an important advance in issues of active safety, driver assistance and efficiency. In 2010, the sixth generation debuted with new safety technologies and the first version equipped with hybrid technology. Finally, the seventh generation Series 5 has stood out for its lightness, dynamism and connectivity.
BMW continues to focus on its most successful sedan and the new 5 Series debuts on the market with greater dynamism, numerous digital innovations and the availability, for the first time, of fully electric propulsion.
Compared to its predecessor, it grows in length by 97 mm to 5.06 m. The width reaches 1.90 m and the height is 1.51 m. The wheelbase extends to 2,995 mm. On its front you can see a modern interpretation of the double headlights and the typical BMW kidney grille. This grille is provided with a wide frame that can optionally include contour lighting.
The side view shows a high shoulder line, powerfully designed surfaces and lines that enhance the athletic body. The side skirts are black and the door handles are flush. The rear projects dynamically elongated proportions, combined with flat lights divided by a chrome strip. The dynamic character can be enhanced with the M Sport and M Pro Sport packages.
The interior is spacious, equipped with modern functionality and has high acoustic comfort, something we were able to verify upon first contact with the vehicle. Digitalisation makes it possible to simplify and eliminate some buttons and controls and the curved BMW screen maintains its orientation towards the driver. The display system consists of a 12.3-inch information screen and a 14.9-inch control screen.
The steering wheel has also been redesigned with a flattened lower section and haptic feedback on the control panels, as well as the selector lever on the center console. The BMW interaction bar is standard and the functional unit extends across the entire width of the instrument cluster. For the first time at BMW, the interior is completely vegan.
The main novelty in the mechanical section is the fully electric BMW i5, equipped with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and available in two variants. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive combines a 601 HP engine with M performance. To do so, it is equipped with an axle motor – all-wheel drive – capable of generating up to 820 Nm of torque and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. . The WLTP autonomy is 441 km.
The second option is the BMW i5 eDrive40, equipped with an electric motor in the rear wheels capable of producing 340 HP and 340 Nm. In this case, the acceleration from 0-100 km/h is 6 seconds and the WLTP approved consumption starts at 15.9 kWh/100 km. The WLTP autonomy is 472 km. In both cases, the battery has a capacity of 81.2 kWh.
The BMW i5 allows alternating current charging with power of up to 11 kW in the i5 eDrive40 and up to 22 kW in the M60 xDrive. With direct current it can be charged with a power of up to 205 kW, going from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes. The Bavarian brand offers the new Connected Home Charging for electric and plug-in hybrid models, which optimizes charging costs.
The emergence of electric models in the 5 Series does not mean a renunciation of the rest of the mechanical options. BMW offers new gasoline and diesel engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The 520i is available in gasoline, equipped with a 190 HP four-cylinder engine, with consumption from 5.7 l/100 km. In diesel, the 520d produces 197 HP, consumes from 5.1 l/100 km and also has an xDrive version. In spring 2024 it will be the turn of the PHEV versions, the 530e (299 HP) and 550e xDrive (313 HP). They will be equipped with a 19.8 kWh battery and will be able to travel more than 100 km in zero emissions mode.
The longer wheelbase and wider track width are factors that enhance sportiness and travel comfort. It also stands out for the balanced load on the axles, for its lightweight construction and for the greater rigidity of the body and chassis joints. Chassis technology offers wheel spin limitation, M Sport braking system and adaptive suspension (standard on the i5 M60 xDrive) as standard.
The new 5 Series offers an expanded range of systems for automated driving and parking. The optional Driving Assistant Professional includes steering and lane control assistant and cruise control with Stop function
The refined BMW iDrive display and control system contributes to improving the driving and traveling experience in the new 5 Series. It is based on the BMW ID8.5 operating system and features a redesigned start screen that allows faster selection of the functions. The BMW intelligent personal assistant can be operated via a touch screen and natural language and the BMW Natural Interaction option is even available to control functions using gestures.
The BMW ID8.5 offers a wider range of digital infotainment content, faster updates, improved information on charging points, etc. It also provides “casual games” with the vehicle stationary. Other innovations are the light show and personal welcome, the BMW Digital Key, the powerful 5G mobile telephony or the Proactive Care that anticipates the service needs necessary in the vehicle.
