First seven, now five. BMW is now launching the next generation of its five series. The business sedan has more autonomy, a new operating system and, for the first time, an electric version. The 5 Series sedan and i5 sedan will be available from dealers from October, with the station wagon Touring coming a little later.
The business class model crosses the standard five meters limit for the first time, and at 5,06 meters it is almost 10 centimeters longer than its predecessor. Width, height and wheelbase are also increasing, but much less. On the other hand, there is no further explosion of dimensions with the kidney grille, but thanks to the optional light signature on the sides and headlights with new graphics, the new version clearly differs from the previous model at first glance. The profile also draws attention to the black thresholds and door handles integrated flush with the sheet metal.
The number of buttons has been significantly reduced
Inside, BMW has drastically reduced the number of buttons and switches, and operation will now be done primarily via a concave curved touchscreen with new menu navigation and a new touch-sensitive bar in the instrument cluster. Voice and motion control are also available. The Munich-based company bans animal materials such as leather and wool as standard in the cockpit, making the 5 Series the brand's first vegan car. However, a leather equipment package can still be ordered as an option.
The 5 Series doesn't initially master highly autonomous driving, but in certain segments the driver can take their hand off the wheel permanently if they continue to keep an eye on the traffic situation. A new feature is the ability to change lanes with visual verification: If the vehicle offers to pull to the right or left, the person behind the wheel can initiate it by looking at the corresponding exterior mirror monitored by the camera. The vehicle is equipped with an automated parking function as standard, which can also be activated from outside the vehicle.
i601 M5 with 60 hp
The top model in the business lineup is the electric i5 M60. One engine on the front and rear axles together provide 601 hp and 820 Nm. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 3,8 seconds and the top speed is 230 km/h. Alternatively, 193 hp electric drive is available, reaching a maximum speed of 340 km/h. Either way, the required electricity comes from an 582 kWh battery, which is good for a range of up to 81,2 kilometers. Charging takes place with an AC connection of 11 or 22 kW, with a DC fast charger up to 800 kW is possible even without 205 volt technology.
The conventional drive range initially includes only two options, each with mild hybrid technology: a 208 hp four-cylinder petrol engine with all-wheel drive technology and a 197 hp diesel engine. Two plug-in hybrids will be added in the spring, with an inline six-cylinder diesel and another electric model coming soon with electric all-wheel drive. Prices for the petrol-powered BMW 520i start at 57.600 euros. The i5 eDrive40 starts at €70.200, which is almost €300 more than its direct competitor, the Mercedes EQE 5.000.