BMW has just unveiled the all-new 5 Series globally. The brand also revealed its pure electric version, the i5, alongside it. The 8th-gen model is bigger than before and offers more space inside for passengers than before. It also gets an updated design, all-new features, and multiple powertrain options. We take a closer look.
New BMW 5 Series and i5: Exterior Design
The latest-gen 5 Series features an evolutionary design that has a few similarities to the outgoing model. At the front, the new sedan bucks the current BMW trend of massive grilles in favour of a smaller illuminated kidney grille setup. On the pure electric i5, the grille is a closed-off design. It is flanked by slim LED headlights with vertical DRLs while the sharply sculpted bumper looks sportier than before as well. Moving to the side, the 8th-gen model gets flush-fitting door handles similar to the new 7 Series and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard. At the rear, it gets sleek wraparound LED taillights and a sportier bumper with an integrated diffuser.
New BMW 5 Series and i5: Interior Design and Features
Inside, the 5 Series’ interior follows the same design language as all the latest BMWs with the dashboard dominated by a curved dual-display setup. It incorporates a 14.9-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which look like one seamless screen. The cabin now used vegan leather upholstery as well, for the first time in a BMW. Other key feature highlights include the latest iDrive 8.5 software, wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, a panoramic sunroof, premium audio setup, wireless charging, ambient lighting, a HUD, gesture control support, and more.
The new 5 Series also gets ADAS features like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control as an optional extra while parking assist is standard across all variants.
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New BMW 5 Series and i5: Powertrain Details
BMW will offer both petrol and diesel powertrain options with the new 5 Series. This includes an entry-level 2-litre turbo four-cylinder in the 530i that makes 205 bhp. The 520d’s 2-litre turbo diesel makes 197 bhp of power while the 530e and its strong-hybrid motor generate a combined power output of 299 bhp. The top-of-the-line 550e six-cylinder strong-hybrid churns out 489 bhp of peak power.
Moving to the new i5, it uses an 81.2 kWh battery pack that powers either a single rear-axle mounted motor or a dual-motor setup. The eDrive40 will use the RWD setup and makes 340 bhp with 430 Nm of peak torque. The flagship M60 xDrive makes 601 bhp with 820 Nm of max torque from its twin electric motors.
The i5 comes with 11 kW AC charging as standard that can be doubled to 22 kW with the optional onboard charger. It also supports up to 205 kW fast charging. BMW claims a WLTP range of 582 km for the eDrive40 and up to 516 km for the M60 xDrive.
New BMW 5 Series and i5: Launch and Rivals
BMW will launch the new 8th-gen 5 Series and i5 globally by October 2023. Expect the sedans to reach Indian shorts by early to mid-2024. Latest reports also suggest that the brand will bring the new sedan’s LWB (long wheelbase) variant to India, which is yet to be unveiled.
Upon launch, the 5 Series will rival the likes of the Volvo S90, Audi A6, and the all-new Mercedes E Class. The i5 will compete against the Mercedes EQE, Audi A6 e-tron, and Tesla’s Model S.
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