Bigger, bolder and better. That is the case with the new BMW 5 Series, which now, for the first time, includes a full electric version, called the i5 eDrive40.
What’s new?
Brand new, filled with the latest technology taking this executive saloon to the next level.
Exterior:
A clear and reduced design language emphasises the new 5 Series’ sporty elegance positioning like the manufacturer describes it.
Compared to the predecessor model, the new edition has grown in length by 97 mm to 5 060 mm, in width by 32 mm to 1 900 mm and in height by 36 mm to 1 515 mm. Its wheelbase was lengthened by 20 millimetres to 2 995 mm.
The front view of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is characterised by a modern interpretation of the twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. LED elements, arranged almost vertically, serve as turn indicators and daytime driving lights. The BMW kidney grille, which projects far forward, features a wide surround and optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.
In the side view, the high shoulder line, powerfully designed surfaces and two precisely traced character lines shape the vehicle’s athletic body. Flat rear lights divided by a chrome strip interpret the hallmark L-shape expressively.
Interior:
The cockpit of the new BMW 5 Series has a significantly reduced number of buttons and controls. This is achieved by consistently digitalising functions.
The BMW Curved Display reinterprets the brand's hallmark idea of driver orientation. The fully digital display system consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display.
The steering wheel has also been redesigned with a flattened lower section and haptic feedback on the control panels, and the selector lever on the centre console.
Newly designed sports seats are standard. The optional seats offer a wide range of electrically operated adjustment options. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is the brand's first model to feature a fully vegan interior as standard.
Drivetrains:
The all-electric BMW i5 eDrive is equipped with extensively enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive combines a 442-kW drive with hallmark M performance and specific design features.
Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles make up an electric all-wheel drive. The system torque generated is up to 820 Nm when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated. This enables the BMW i5 M60 to accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
The 81.2 kWh battery makes for a WLTP value of 455 - 516 kilometres for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive.
The high-voltage battery can be charged with direct current with a power of up to 205 kW. For example, the battery charge level in the BMW i5 can be raised from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
In South Africa, the market launch of the new BMW 5 Series will see the introduction of the BMW 520d Sedan with 145 kW and 400 Nm from the litre turbo diesel engine. The range will be supplemented in early 2024 by two variants with plug-in hybrid drives. A new in-line six-cylinder diesel engine will be available later in 2024.
Price:
BMW 520d (R1 247 893.60), BMW i5 eDrive40, available from Q2 2024, (R1 842 500, including wall box and installation) and the BMW i5 M60 xDrive (R2 190 000, including wall box and installation).
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