The eighth generation 5 Series has been officially unveiled, and it’s packed with a huge range of impressive features and technology, including the introduction of two all-electric models. The eighth generation vehicle has grown in length by 97mm to 5060mm, in width by 32mm to 1900mm and in height by 36mm to 1515mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 20mm to 2995mm for improved seating comfort, especially in the rear. It is the first BMW in the UK to feature Veganza upholstery as standard from launch, encompassing the seats, dashboard and door panels, while the striking BMW Interaction Bar first seen in the 7 Series is now incorporated in the new G60 5 Series. Furthermore, the saloon is now available with a panoramic roof – the first time in the model’s history – and the digital experience is taken to a new high with cutting-edge additions of AI-driven servicing notifications and the introduction of in-car gaming.
Available in three exceptionally well-specified trim levels in the UK – M Sport, M Sport Pro and the exclusive i5 M60 xDrive – the new 5 Series Saloon is available to order now priced from £49,850. The G60 5 Series Saloon range will further expand in early 2024 with the introduction of the 530e and 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid models, which are expected to offer an electric range of 54-62 miles (WLTP) and 49-56 miles (WLTP) respectively. Combined with EfficientDynamics measures such as air flap control, an AirCurtain in the front apron, aerodynamic wheels and a smooth underbody, the new G60 5 Series Saloon achieves an outstanding Cd value of 0.23. Also set to join the model family in spring 2024 is the next generation of the 5 Series Touring, which will also be available with all-electric drive for the first time, as well as with plug-in hybrid drive and pure combustion engine drive.
The front view of the new 5 Series Saloon is characterised by a modern interpretation of the brand’s signature twin headlights and iconic kidney grille. The LED headlights show the hallmark four-eye face in a modern and reduced form. Daytime driving lights and turn indicators are generated by two nearly vertical LED elements arranged on the outside. The Adaptive LED Headlights incorporate both the cornering light and the Matrix High Beam, including the glare-free High Beam Assist BMW Selective Beam. M Shadow Line lights with black trim for the inside of the headlight housings are standard on M Sport Pro models. Individual design features give the all-electric i5 M60 xDrive a striking look, and emphasise its dynamic performance. A front apron with black surfaces in its centre and large air intakes, a kidney grille with contour line lighting, horizontal slats and M logo, side skirts and exterior mirror caps finished in high-gloss black, a unique 20” M light alloy wheel design and a rear apron with a pronounced diffuser insert signal the top-of-the-range model’s sporty character. An M rear spoiler lip is also standard on M Sport and i5 M60 xDrive models.
M Sport Pro variants of the 5 Series Saloon stand out with the illuminated kidney grille with black surround, the dynamic light carpet, high-gloss black exterior mirror caps and a blackpainted M rear spoiler. In addition, there are also the M Shadow Line lights for the front and rear, as well as distinctive red-painted brake calipers. Inside, the fully digital BMW Curved Display represents the heart of the interior redesign. Other innovations include the BMW Interaction Bar in the instrument panel and door area, My Modes for a customisable driving and interior experience, and the new gear selector switch on the centre console.
With its frameless glass surface slightly inclined towards the driver, the BMW Curved Display consists of a 12.3” Information Display behind the steering wheel and a Control Display with a 14.9” screen, which merge into a single fully digital high-resolution display unit. The iDrive experience, based on BMW Operating System 8.5, offers a new graphic display with a particularly clear start screen and “QuickSelect” access for simple and intuitive touch operation. The latest-generation operating system introduces new functionalities, including video on demand via YouTube for the driver and front passenger when stationary (a SIM card reader and separate data plan are required for these functions). The entire rear seat backrest is now divided as standard in the ratio 40:20:40, offering greater versatility when it comes to luggage. The boot compartment of the new G60 5 Series Saloon has a total storage volume of up to 520 litres (490 litres on i5 models). Despite their drive units being integrated into the rear axle, the all-electric i5 models have a luggage compartment volume that is almost equivalent to the other variants. The optional panoramic glass roof is a first for the G60 5 Series Saloon. It covers almost the entire roof surface and extends without interruption from just behind the windscreen to almost the rear window. With a length of 841mm and a width of 818mm, the viewing area is almost 90% larger than the sunroof of the predecessor. An optional interior sunblind provides shading of the interior.
The standard Harman Kardon Surround Sound System provides a high-level sound experience with 12 speakers and a 205-watt amplifier. With 18 speakers and amplifier output boosted to 655 watts, the optional Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System guarantees an outstanding acoustic experience. A seven-channel digital amplifier creates a clear sound experience in all seats. Illuminated metal panels for the loudspeakers in the doors emphasise the exclusive character of the sound system.
The new 5 Series Saloon is to be offered for the first time with the choice of all-electric models. The i5 eDrive40 combines advanced BMW eDrive technology with traditional rear-wheel drive. The electric motor is located directly in the rear axle and generates maximum output of 340hp and maximum torque of 295lb ft or 317lb ft with the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The zero-to-62mph sprint is covered in 6.0 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically limited to 120mph. Its combined power consumption is between 19.5 and 15.9kWh per 62 miles. The i5 eDrive40 has a range of 296-362 miles.
The G60 i5 M60 xDrive is the new top model and combines a 601hp (with M Sport Boost or M Launch Control) electric drive with hallmark M performance and specific design features. Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles form the electric all-wheel drive system. The rear motor generates 340hp, while the front motor produces 261hp. The system torque generated by both motors is 586lb ft or 605lb ft when M Sport Boost or M Launch Control is activated.
This enables the i5 M60 to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 143mph. Its combined power consumption is 20.6 to 18.2kWh per 62 miles. The G60 i5 M60 xDrive has a range of 282-320 miles (WLTP).
The new 520i Saloon features a four-cylinder petrol engine equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology to produce a spontaneous response to every accelerator movement, both when starting off and during acceleration. Its four-cylinder engine produces 190hp and 229lb ft of torque, increased to 208hp and 243lb ft with the support of the 48-volt mild hybrid technology – 24hp and 30lb ft more than its predecessor. The new 520i Saloon takes 7.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 62mph. A new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is standard, with shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Sport Boost function activated by the left paddle.
Both the double-wishbone front axle and the five-link rear axle of the new 5 Series Saloon have undergone extensive development. To optimise the acoustic properties, the front axle support received has an elastic steering gear mount. In the i5 M60 xDrive, noise from the electric drive is insulated by large powertrain mounts, while the all-wheel drive variants feature an aluminium stiffening plate under the front axle support. The rear axle support combines low weight with high rigidity. The vibration damping and acoustic insulation of the i5’s electric drive unit are optimised by a large bearing and specific rubber mounts for the rear axle support. Customer deliveries for the G60 5 Series will commence in October 2023.