Anyone who thought that BMW would be launching its new twin pack of i5 and 5 series twins of the equally impressive and polarizing 7 series next fall is mistaken. The new upper-class model from Bavaria is wirier and more dynamic than ever.
In itself, the Concorso d’Eleganza and the Como Autofestival 2023 events would have been the ideal place to unveil the new BMW 5 Series and the electric version i5 for the first time. But out of consideration for the concept touring coupé study, which is well worth seeing, Bavaria postponed the world premiere a few days. Not a bad decision considering the constant rain on Lake Como. Because the new BMW 5 Series, which will be offered directly as an electric version i5 for the first time from October, enjoys the big appearance. Streamlined forms, a face clearly borrowing from the smaller Dreier and the larger X5 don’t let it become a Russian doll of the top model 7 Series / i7. However, the customer also has the choice of the appropriate drive. Petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric versions – everything is available. The station wagon version called Touring will follow with a delay next spring and the new BMW M5 will probably not come until the end of 2024.
If you can’t wait for the new BMW M5 to round off the series as the absolute top model, you may want to flirt with the most powerful electric model i5 M60 xDrive. The obligatory all-wheel drive offers an impressive 442 kW / 601 hp and an impressive 795 Nm of torque, which can be increased again to 820 Nm in the boost. From a standing start, it accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and the top speed of a very manageable 230 km/h is offset by an electric range of at least 455 km. However, most electric customers will probably opt for the smaller i5 eDrive 40, which has an output of 250 kW / 340 PS / 430 Nm, but is already limited at 193 km/h. This does not compensate for the range of 477 to 582 kilometers to the next charging stop. The maximum charging speed: 205 kilowatts.
At the market launch, BMW is also offering the new 520i, which is powered by a 153 kW / 208 hp four-cylinder turbo with a displacement of two liters and a 48-volt electrical system. Those who prefer to move a diesel engine can get the 145 kW / 197 hp four-cylinder with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. When it comes to the chassis, there are optional electronic dampers, roll stabilization, rear-wheel steering and air suspension on the rear axle. Driver assistance level three is also left out in the new i5 / 5 Series for the time being. After all, in Germany, the USA and Canada there is an extended level two system with a motorway assistant up to 130 km/h. For the first time as a world first: the active lane change assistant with visual activation. No great added value in everyday life, but always an impressive show effect. The new sedan can be controlled with a smartphone from a distance of up to 200 meters using the optional parking assistant.
It has grown big, the new BMW i5, because with a length of 5.06 meters it plays in a league in which the higher-class 7-series version with a normal wheelbase was once on the road. In addition, the competitor from the Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class became wider (3.2 cm) and got a longer wheelbase (20 cm to 3.00 m). Striking is the well-known Hofmeister kink, which was staged in a modern way on the C-pillar with a decorative element including the 5 lettering. The rear features a new light design made from narrow LED bars. Anyone who knows the current BMW models, on the other hand, will experience few surprises in the interior of the newcomer. The curved display with two 12.3 and 14.9 inch screens is well known from the iX, i7 and 3 series. As with the big brother, the new 5 Series is somewhat surprisingly missing an at least optional passenger display.
The market launch for the twin pack of BMW i5 eDrive40 from 70,200 euros and the 520i from 57,550 euros is on October 21st. In the spring of 2024, the two plug-in hybrids 530e (four-cylinder with 220 kW / 299 hp) and 550e xDrive (six-cylinder with 360 kW / 489 hp) will follow, which can cover more than 90 kilometers purely electrically. The two versions of the BMW 530i and 540i with 258 hp / 381 hp are not offered in Europe. Also no longer available for the European market is a normal sunroof that is reserved for the North American market. All other markets are offered a large panoramic roof that can be shaded with a blind.
Source: Stern
I’m a recent graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. I started working as a news reporter for 24 Hours World about two years ago, and I’ve been writing articles ever since. My main focus is automotive news, but I’ve also written about politics, lifestyle, and entertainment.
