BMW reveals new 5 Series and first-ever fully electric i5
BMW has taken the wraps off the eighth-generation 5 Series saloon and the fully electric i5, available to order now ahead of first deliveries in October.
It’s the first time the line-up has included a pure electric version, which joins a single petrol-engined model in the first wave and the plug-in hybrids due early 2024. No diesel variants are available from launch.
Providing a rival to the Mercedes EQE and Tesla Model S, the electric i5 is available in two variants: a rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 and the top-rung four-wheel-drive M60 xDrive, priced at £73,200 and £96,840 respectively.
The i5 eDrive40 powertrain features a 340hp electric motor, located directly in the rear axle and generating maximum torque of 400Nm or 430Nm with the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. It’s able to complete the zero to 62mph sprint in 6.0 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically limited to 120mph.
The i5 M60 xDrive provides a new range-topper, delivering up to 601hp of power, teamed up with hallmark M performance and specific design features. It features the same rear motor as the eDrive40 but adds in a 261hp front-mounted motor. Combined torque is 795Nm or 820Nm when M Sport Boost or M Launch Control is activated and the i5 M60 can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 143mph.
Both i5 models feature an 81.2kWh battery, giving a claimed range of up to 361 miles for the eDrive40 and 320 miles for the M60 xDrive. An 11kW onboard charger will be standard for the eDrive40 or drivers can specify a 22kW option, which comes as standard on the M60 xDrive. Maximum DC charging capability is 205kW, giving a 10 to 80% charge in around 30 minutes.
The fully electric models are joined at launch by the 520i petrol, priced at £49,850 and featuring 48V mild hybrid technology to deliver 208hp and 330Nm, able to go from zero to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. Official CO2 emissions start from 130g/km and with fuel consumption of up to 49.56mpg.
All powertrains come with a new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with Sport Boost function as standard.
The range will expand further in early 2024 with the arrival of the 530e and 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid models. These are expected to offer a WLTP-rated electric-only range of 54-62 and 49-56 miles respectively.
The 5 Series Touring will also arrive on the scene in spring 2024; also available with all-electric drive for the first time, as well as with plug-in hybrids and pure combustion engines.
The new 5 Series is based on the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, which supports everything from combustion engines to plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles such as the existing iX1, i7 and i4.
It’s bigger than before in all dimensions, while the wheelbase is also longer, delivering extra passenger space, especially in the rear. Boot space stands at up to 520 litres, with 490 litres available on i5 models, and rear seats now fold 40:20:40.
Design takes a more classical approach and features a new ‘Sharknose’ inspired kidney grille, while the i5 M60 xDrive comes as standard with bespoke exterior features.
The cabin debuts a new fully digital Curved Display, which gets a larger 14.9-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch driver display. The new 5 Series also the first BMW in the UK to offer leather-free interior, Veganza, as standard from launch
Other innovations include the Interaction Bar in the instrument panel and door area, already seen in the 7 Series and providing touch-sensitive control panels for ventilation and air con.
It’s also the first BMW to feature in-car gaming with AirConsole, providing over-the-air access to games, including Go Kart Go, Golazo, Music Guess and Overcooked.
M Sport trim is offered as standard in the UK, with M Sport Pro and i5 M60 xDrive models available.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch on M Sport Pro models), Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, wireless charging tray, automatic air con, Driving Assistant with advanced front collision warning and Lane Departure Warning, plus Parking Assistant with start monitoring, Trailer Assistant and a reversing assist camera.
Options packs span Comfort, Comfort Plus, Tech and Tech Plus. Individual options include a panoramic glass roof – a first for the model, adaptive suspension, Merino leather upholstery, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and an electrically deployed towbar.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
