BMW has unveiled the all-new BMW 5 Series Sedan, showcasing its remarkable advancements in digital technology and introducing the model’s first-ever all-electric drive. As the BMW i5, this latest edition of the world’s most successful business sedan spearheads the transition towards sustainable premium mobility in the upper mid-range vehicle segment.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan boasts consistent electrification, an advanced BMW iDrive display and control system featuring the innovative “QuickSelect” function, enhanced digital services, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability throughout its entire lifecycle, reflecting the BMW Group’s ongoing transformation.
The global market launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is scheduled for October 2023. This new model generation will be available worldwide with all-electric drive, plug-in hybrid systems (depending on the market), as well as highly efficient petrol and diesel engines incorporating 48-volt mild hybrid technology. Production of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, along with the electric motors and high-voltage batteries for the BMW i5, will take place at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, ensuring the highest standards of quality and precision.
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Engine:
Market-specific options will include petrol and diesel engines from BMW Group’s new modular generation of Efficient Dynamics engines, all featuring 48-volt mild hybrid technology and paired with a new 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard. In Europe, the initial market launch will offer the BMW 520i Sedan models with a four-cylinder engine generating 153 kW/208 hp, the BMW 520d Sedan with a 145 kW/197 hp engine, and the BMW 520d xDrive Sedan also equipped with a 145 kW/197 hp engine. Additional petrol engines with four and six cylinders will be available outside of Europe. In spring 2024, the model range will be expanded with two plug-in hybrid variants of the latest generation, and a new inline six-cylinder diesel engine will be introduced for the BMW 5 Series Sedan. Furthermore, another variant of the BMW i5 with electric all-wheel drive is expected to join the lineup in 2024.
Exterior:
The new 5 Series Sedan showcases a clear and refined design language, exuding sporty elegance and a commanding presence. Compared to its predecessor, the new edition has grown in length by 97 millimeters, width by 32 millimeters, and height by 36 millimeters, resulting in dimensions of 5,060 millimeters in length, 1,900 millimeters in width, and 1,515 millimeters in height. Its wheelbase has also been extended by 20 millimeters, now measuring 2,995 millimeters.
At the front, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan boasts a modern interpretation of its iconic twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. LED elements, arranged vertically, serve as turn indicators and daytime driving lights. The forward-projecting BMW kidney grille features a wide surround and offers optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting, further enhancing its distinctive appeal.
From the side, the vehicle’s athletic body is defined by a high shoulder line, meticulously designed surfaces, and two elegant character lines. Attention-grabbing elements include black side skirts, flush-mounted door openers, and a prominent embossed number 5 at the base of the C-pillar. The rear end exudes power and dynamism, featuring flat rear lights divided by a chrome strip, presenting the iconic L-shape design.
For those seeking even greater dynamism, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers the optional M Sport Package and the M Sport Package Pro, further enhancing its sporty character. The model range already includes three BMW Individual paint finishes at market launch, providing customers with a wide range of choices.
Interior:
Inside the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, drivers will experience ideal conditions for both everyday driving pleasure and long-distance journeys. The interior combines generous space, modern functionality, exceptional acoustic comfort, and high-quality materials. The cockpit has been thoughtfully designed, significantly reducing the number of buttons and controls compared to its predecessor by incorporating digital functions. The centerpiece is the BMW Curved Display, a fully digital display system consisting of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display. The steering wheel has been redesigned, featuring a flattened lower section, haptic feedback on the control panels, and a selector lever on the center console. Additionally, the optional BMW Interaction Bar, a backlit functional unit with a crystalline surface structure, extends across the entire width of the instrument panel and door panels, incorporating touch-sensitive control panels.
Standard equipment includes newly designed sports seats, while optional comfort seats offer extensive electrically operated adjustment options. Notably, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is the first model from the brand to feature a fully vegan interior as standard, encompassing the seats, dashboard, door panels, and even the steering wheel. The Veganza version of the seat surfaces, which possess leather-like properties, can be optionally equipped with decorative perforation. BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery, available in various bicolour variants, is also offered as an option.
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All Electric BMW i5:
The all-electric BMW i5 arrives with an extensively enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and is available in two variants. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive, combining a powerful drive of up to 442 kW/601 hp with the hallmark M performance and distinctive design features, features two integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, resulting in electric all-wheel drive. The system torque reaches up to 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) when utilizing M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function. The BMW i5 M60 can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in an impressive 3.8 seconds, with its top speed electrically limited to 230 km/h (143 mph).
The BMW i5 eDrive40, on the other hand, is equipped with an electric motor that powers the rear wheels, delivering a maximum output of 250 kW/340 hp and a maximum torque of up to 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) with Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The BMW i5 eDrive40 achieves a zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 193 km/h (120 mph).
Both variants of the BMW i5 feature a space-saving high-voltage battery located in the underbody, providing a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh. In addition to efficient electric motors, the vehicle incorporates adaptive recuperation and an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for interior heating and cooling, contributing to an extended range. According to WLTP values, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive achieves a range of 455 – 516 kilometers (282 – 320 miles), while the BMW i5 eDrive40 offers a range of 497 – 582 kilometers (309 – 361 miles). The new MAX RANGE function allows for an increase of up to 25 percent in range by limiting power and speed and deactivating comfort functions when necessary.
Innovative eCharging solutions:
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i5 enables AC charging with a standard output of up to 11 kW, upgradable to 22 kW as an option. The high-voltage battery can also be charged with direct current at a power of up to 205 kW, allowing the BMW i5’s battery charge level to go from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes.
The new BMW i5, along with the plug-in hybrid models, can take advantage of the new Connected Home Charging system, enabling solar and load-optimized charging (stage 1) and cost-optimized charging based on dynamic electricity tariff contracts (stage 2, starting from 2024). Furthermore, BMW Charging, in collaboration with strategic partner E.ON, paves the way for future vehicle generations to connect with the energy market through bidirectional charging. The all-electric models in the new BMW 5 Series are the first BMW vehicles to support the Plug & Charge function, allowing the vehicle to authenticate itself automatically at compatible public charging stations without the need for an app or charging card. Another unique feature is the Multi Contract Option, enabling customers to digitally store up to five individual Plug & Charge-enabled power contracts from different providers directly in the vehicle.
Additional features:
The enhanced BMW iDrive display and control system, featuring the “QuickSelect” functionality, contributes to the distinctive driving and traveling experience in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. Based on the BMW Operating System 8.5, the system presents a redesigned home screen with vertically arranged function icons on the driver’s side. “QuickSelect” enables direct access to functions without navigating through submenus. The system’s improved menu structure is inspired by consumer electronics devices.
The new BMW iDrive system combines seamlessly with the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, offering touch display and natural language operation. Additionally, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan retains the steering wheel buttons and the BMW iDrive Controller on the center console. The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes the BMW Head-Up Display and Augmented View, available on the Control Display or instrument cluster. The BMW Natural Interaction feature allows for gesture control of functions and is also available as an option.
