Background car news

BMW 5 Series

With the outgoing model generation of the BMW 5 Series (the G30), BMW opted for an evolution of the model before it. This time the changes are a lot bigger. Both in terms of design and technology. Let’s start with the design. The lines are clearly different from the previous BMW 5 Series, but the car is still instantly recognizable as a BMW. The distinctive kidney grille does take care of that. The kidneys are also large on the BMW 5 Series, but not as exaggerated as on the 7 Series, for example. The particularly clean-lined rear does have a hint of 7 Series.

Also as a BMW i5

The biggest news of the BMW 5 Series is found in the area of engines. Indeed, for the first time, the BMW 5 Series is also available with only electric motors on board. Then, of course, the car listens to the name BMW i5. The BMW i5 features fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and debuts in two variants: the eDrive40 and the M60 xDrive. The latter is also the provisional top model of the new BMW 5 Series. Externally, the BMW i5 differs little to nothing from the other BMW 5 Series models. Some logos and blue accents, that’s about all the differences.

Dimensions of new BMW 5 Series

A clear and minimalist design language emphasizes the sporty elegance and appearance of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. Compared to the previous model, the new generation is 97 mm longer, with a total length of 5,060 mm. Width increased by 32 mm to 1,900 mm and height by 36 mm to 1,515 mm. The wheelbase has increased by 20 mm and now measures 2,995 mm.

The new BMW 5 Series G60 – BMW i5 (2024) review – AutoRAI TV

Up to 582 km range

The BMW i5 features an 81.2 kWh battery pack (usable capacity). This gives the BMW i5 M60 xDrive a WLTP range of 455-516 km and the BMW i5 eDrive40 a WLTP range of 477-582 km. The BMW i5 can AC charge with up to 11 kW, with 22 kW optional. The battery can be recharged with a quick charger with up to 205 kW. With this, the battery of the BMW i5, for example, can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

Of course, there is no shortage of sporting achievements either. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive has a system output of no less than 442 kW (601 hp). Two integrated drive units on the front and rear axles provide all-electric all-wheel drive. System torque is up to 820 Nm with M Sport Boost or M Launch Control function engaged. With that, the BMW i5 M60 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 230 km/h.

The BMW i5 eDrive40 has an output of 250 kW (340 hp) and maximum torque of 430 Nm with Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The BMW i5 eDrive40 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and the top speed is 193 km/h.

Engines BMW 5 Series

Of course, gasoline and diesel engines are back in the mix. These include newly developed engines, all of which feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology and come standard with a new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

European offerings include the four-cylinder BMW 520i Sedan models with 158 kW (208 hp) and the BMW 520d Sedan (optional with xDrive) with 145 kW (197 hp). In the spring of 2024, the range will be further expanded with two plug-in hybrid models of the latest generation. A new six-in-line diesel engine will also be available in 2024, as will a third variant of the all-electric BMW i5, with electric all-wheel drive.

Improved driving characteristics

Of course, the driving characteristics of the new BMW i5 and 5 Series are not forgotten either. Thanks in part to an almost perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, these have been further improved. The specific tuning of the chassis is also adapted to the different engine variants. Directly controlled traction control, an integrated braking system and Variable Sport Steering are among the standard equipment. The M Sport suspension and the Adaptive M Suspension Professional are, of course, optional.

Interior BMW i5 and 5 Series

Inside, the new BMW i5 and 5 Series do look very similar to the BMW i7 and 7 Series. We see the BMW Curved Display and otherwise a clean, uncluttered design. The BMW Curved Display consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display. Several controls on steering wheel and center console are not real buttons, but provide haptic feedback when touched. Notable is the (optional) BMW Interaction Bar. This extends throughout the dashboard into the doors and features touch-sensitive control panels. This makes it a kind of super wide touchscreen for the passenger.

The BMW iDrive system runs on the new BMW Operating System 8.5 and features the new QuickSelect function. This allows you to quickly control functions without having to switch to a submenu. Even apart from that, the updated iDrive system has an improved menu structure, very similar to that of smartphones and tablets. Besides using the distinctive BMW iDrive Controller on the center console, you can also control the system by voice commands or simply by touch on the screen.

Gaming and movie watching in the BMW

Need to wait a while for the BMW i5 to charge? Then it is even allowed to play games in the car, via the Control Display. You can do the same in the BMW 5 Series, as long as the car is stationary. That gaming can be done in the new BMW 5 Series for the first time via the AirConsole platform. Rather watch a movie? Video streaming is also possible through the Control Display. With standard two 5G antennas (optional four), optimal connectivity and phone connection is guaranteed.

Fully vegan interior

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is the brand’s first model with a fully vegan interior as standard. Not only the seats, dashboard and door panels are covered with durable material, but also, for the first time, the steering wheel. The Veganza upholstery does have leather-like properties. Prefer real leather? You can still do that, too, with the optional BMW Individual Merino leather in several bicolor variations. Standard seating is on newly designed sport seats. The optional comfort seats offer a wide selection of power adjustment options.

Special driving assistance and automated driving functions

The number of standard or optionally available systems for automated driving and parking has been significantly expanded for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. Moreover, there are some extraordinary things among them. Even a world first is the Active Lane Change Assistant system with “eye control. The BMW suggests changing lanes, and for the first time, it is enough to look in the side mirror to trigger the maneuver. The Active Lane Change Assistant automatically takes over the steering, as long as traffic conditions permit, of course.

Speaking of automatic driving, the new BMW i5 and 5 Series also offer something special in that area, the Highway Assistant. It is still only available in Germany, but we want to mention it anyway. In fact, the Highway Assistant can completely take over steering up to 130 km/h. You can let go of the wheel completely and for longer periods of time. You do still need to keep your eye on the road to intervene if necessary. Also, the system works only on highways with clearly separated lanes and clear road markings.

Exclusive introduction for AutoRAI.com

AutoRAI.nl was allowed an exclusive introduction to the new BMW i5 and 5 Series just a few days before its unveiling, in a secret closed room. Wondering what the new BMW is like in reality? Then quickly watch the video below.

Introduction and prices BMW i5 and 5 Series

The Dutch market introduction of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is in October 2023. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan will be available from a suggested retail price of €65,379 as the BMW 520i Sedan. The all-electric BMW i5 will have a consumer recommended retail price starting at €77,572 in the form of the BMW i5 eDrive40. The all-electric M Performance variant BMW i5 M60 xDrive will be available at a consumer recommended price starting at €108,427.

In addition to the all-electric BMW i5 and Plug-in Hybrid models, gasoline and diesel engines will also be available. These all feature 48-volt Mild Hybrid technology and are paired as standard with a new 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Dutch offerings include the four-cylinder BMW 520i Sedan with 158 kW (208 hp), the BMW 520d Sedan and the BMW 520d xDrive Sedan, each with 145 kW (197 hp). At the end of this year, the range will be further expanded with two Plug-in Hybrid models of the latest generation. A new six-in-line diesel engine will also be available in 2024, as will a third variant of the all-electric BMW i5 with all-wheel drive.

BMW i5 eDrive40
Power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 19.5 – 15.9 kWh/100 km
Electric range in WLTP cycle: 477 – 582 km

BMW i5 M60 xDrive
Power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 20.6 – 18.2 kWh/100 km
Electric range in WLTP cycle: 455 – 516 km

BMW 530e (from spring 2024)
Fuel consumption in l/100km combined in WLTP cycle: 0.8 – 0.6
Power consumption in kWh/100 km combined in WLTP cycle: 21.4 – 18.9
CO2 emissions in g/km combined in WLTP cycle: 19 – 14

BMW 550e xDrive (from spring 2024)
Fuel consumption in l/100km combined in WLTP cycle: 1.1 – 0.8
Power consumption in kWh/100 km combined in WLTP cycle: 22.5 – 20.1
CO2 emissions in g/km combined in WLTP cycle: 24 – 19

BMW 520i
Fuel consumption in l/100km combined in WLTP cycle: 6.4 – 5.7
CO2 emissions in g/km combined in WLTP cycle: 144 – 130

BMW 520d
Fuel consumption in l/100km combined in WLTP cycle: 5.6 – 5.1
CO2 emissions in g/km combined in WLTP cycle: 147 – 133

BMW 520d xDrive
Fuel consumption in l/100km combined in WLTP cycle: 6.0 – 5.5
CO2 emissions in g/km combined in WLTP cycle: 157 – 143