It is one of the most prestigious automobiles in the European market. And it is still a saloon with a classic format, with four doors and a separate trunk. In 2024, yes, the family version that BMW traditionally calls Touring will arrive.
The BMW 5 Series has indeed had an unconditional public since its first generation in 1972. It is a car in which BMW has poured, over the years, all its technological know-how. In fact, the 5 Series itself is in itself a reflection of the evolution of the car over all these years.
Not in vain, this seventh generation arrives with superior dynamism on the road, numerous digital innovations and, for the first time, with fully electric versions. The official launch in Europe will be in October, but for now the German brand has already communicated the price of the most affordable version: 520d with 197 hp, with a four-cylinder diesel engine and DGT ECO label for 60,050 euros.
BMW offers, how could it be otherwise, a range of mild-hybrid gasoline and diesel engines (light hybridization), and also plug-in hybrid versions. But the big news is the all-electric i5, with a somewhat differentiated exterior design with inserts and trim to identify it as a 0-emissions car.
In this way, the range of engines for Europe starts with a 2.0 four-cylinder, gasoline or diesel, with 197 CV (520d) and 208 CV (520i). Upping the ante, BMW offers the 530e (299 hp) and 550e xDrive (489 hp), with plug-in hybrid technology. The autonomy in electric mode of these PHEV reaches 102 km.
All these engines are associated with a new eight-speed Steptronic sports automatic gearbox that includes the Sport Boost function in combination with the M package for improved acceleration.
It is a strategic model for the Bavarian brand, a car of vital importance in Europe and the generational change has occurred with great tact. Especially in the aesthetic field. Audi and Mercedes, longtime rivals on European territory, push hard with their models, also loaded with technology and innovations. For this reason, BMW has used a continuous design language, so as not to mislead the client with controversial proposals.
It does grow in dimensions and now it is 5.06 meters in length, 1.90 meters in width and 1.51 in height. And with a generous 2.99 meter wheelbase that allows great habitability.
Seen from the front, BMW has given a modern interpretation of the typical traits of the brand, with the double headlights and the kidney grille. It includes adaptive LED headlights as standard, with matrix high beams and blue design elements. Additionally, the grille projects forward with a wide surround and optional contour lighting; standard on the i50 M60 xDrive.
At the rear, we highlight the stylish flat taillights with LED technology and a slightly sloping boot lid that ends in a discreet spoiler. All topped off with wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches and a wide range of paints and the optional M Sport package with specific items to personalize each car.
The frankly spacious interior reflects the degree of technological sophistication achieved by BMW, with a driver-oriented cockpit with a truly eye-catching curved screen. The curved screen combines the infotainment system (14.9 inches) and the digital information box (12.3 inches).
In addition, BMW has designed a new, smaller gear stick and a larger iDrive controller so that the driver can operate the BMW ID8.5 multimedia system, which now includes the AirConsola platform for playing video games while the car is stationary. And for the first time, the interior trim material is completely vegan as standard.
BMW expands the offer with Driving Assistant Professional, the most outstanding and sophisticated system that, in markets such as the United States, Canada and Germany, includes the motorway assistant.
This technology allows the driver to free their hands from the wheel on highways with structurally separated directional lanes, provided they do not exceed 130 km/h.
On the other hand, and as a world first, the new 5 Series can incorporate the active lane change assistant with eye activation, so that the car can suggest a lane change that must be accepted by the driver just by looking through the outside mirror to confirm.
The saloon also has a parking assistant as standard, including the reversing assistant. The Parking Assistant Professional is offered as an option, which memorises maneuvers of up to 200 meters controlled by the smartphone outside the vehicle.