BMW reveals its all-new 5 Series saloon range led by the i5 EV; plug in-hybrid and Touring models set for 2024
Words: James Howe
After a sustained period of teaser images and publicised pre-production testing, BMW has taken the wraps off one of its most important models in recent years – the all-new 5 Series. The new car is set to come to the UK in petrol-powered 520i form, along with two iterations of the Porsche Taycan-rivalling BMW i5 EV. Prices start from £49,850 and customer deliveries are expected to begin in October 2023.
BMW claims that the new 5 Series is ‘more dynamic than ever’, while also sporting improvements in on-board technology and a reduced carbon footprint over its predecessor. It also sports thoroughly modern styling to bring the model up-to-date with more recent BMW models like the larger iX SUV and 7 Series saloon.
Distinctive changes include a front-end treatment that resembles the latest BMW X1, with larger LED headlights and kidney grille, along with cleaned-up bodywork incorporating integrated doorhandles, simple surfacing and the famous Hoffmiester kink. Slimmer rear lights set off the design to the rear and tie in further with that of its larger siblings. The new car is 97mm longer than its predecessor, 32mm wider and 36mm taller; the wheelbase has also been lengthened by 20mm to improve interior space. A 40:20:40 split rear bench features as standard and there’s up to 520 litres of boot space in the petrol car, or 490 litres in the i5.
The modernisation continues inside with a cabin dominated by two large, curved infotainment screens measuring 12.3 and 14.9 inches, the former used as a driver’s display and the latter a central control display. There are fewer buttons than before, although a familiar iDrive rotary control remains on the centre console. Other touches include a redesigned steering wheel with haptic controls and an ambient light bar that also includes touch controls for ventilation and air-con.
A Harman Kardon surround-sound system features as standard with 12 speakers and a 205W amplifier, while the optional Bowers & Wilkins system brings 18 speakers and a 655W, seven-channel amplifier and illuminated metal door panels.
Technological advances are numerous: AI-driven servicing alerts, in-car gaming with smartphone connectivity, an ‘EfficiencyCoach’ app to help drivers conserve energy or save fuel, and even an uprated four-zone climate control system (as part of the Comfort Plus Pack) all feature.
The entry-level car at launch is the BMW 520i, which reports have suggested will be the final petrol-only 5 Series. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48V mild hybrid system, the 520i promises 208hp and 330Nm of torque for a 7.5-second 0-62mph time. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard and claimed combined fuel economy is claimed at up to 49.56mpg; its top speed is 143mph.
In the absence of any other petrol, diesel or hybrid models for now, the next step in the range is to the BMW i5 eDrive 40. The first rung on the electric 5 Series ladder, the eDrive 40 gets a single 340hp, 430Nm motor powering the rear wheels and a claimed 0-62mph time of 6.0 seconds. Top speed is 120mph. A range of 296 to 361 miles is claimed from a full charge of its 81.2kWh (useable) battery.
The range-topping BMW i5 M50 xDrive incorporates a dual-motor setup for four-wheel drive, 601hp and a healthy 820Nm of torque; 0-62mph is sorted in 3.8 seconds but range doesn’t drop too far, with claimed figure of 282 to 320 miles.
All UK cars will come in M Sport trim as standard and in a UK first for BMW, buyers will be able to pick a ‘vegan leather’ upholstery option named Veganza as an alternative to leather. M Sport Pro trim will also be offered, with the i5 M60 xDrive topping the range for now.
BMW says plug-in hybrid options will arrive in early 2024 with the 530e and 550e xDrive, with the 5 Series Touring also set to arrive with petrol, plug-in hybrid and electric options. The latter will enter a luxury electric estate niche currently occupied solely by the Porsche Taycan Turismo.
