The eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series finally sees the light of day together with its electric version, the i5

The wait is over, just as BMW promised us, with its new 5 Series hidden in the shadows , the eighth generation of the premium saloon has finally been unveiled and it does so showing off its new elegant and luxurious design, as could not be otherwise, but also equipped with the latest market innovations in terms of technology and accompanied by its fully electric version, the BMW i5.

Larger size and a more sustainable, technological interior

The first thing we see in the new BMW 5 Series is that it grows in size, reaching 5,060 mm, 97 mm more than its predecessor, which also translates into a 20 mm increase in wheelbase; but it also gains road presence with 32 mm more width, reaching 1,900 mm, and 36 mm more height, up to 1,515 mm, the latter meaning that occupants will enjoy greater comfort and convenience inside.

Personally, what I like most about the exterior design of both the new BMW 5 Series and the i5 is the front. Although I also find the brand’s characteristic kidney grilles attractive in the unusually large size they have adopted for its recent launches, on the new 5 Series they retain their natural size and make their presence felt in a very subtle yet precise way, that is, protruding more forward. Optionally, it can be fitted with the BMW Iconic Glow outline lighting, which will come as standard on the i5 M60 version.

On either side of the grille are the LED headlights, which feature a new design that is aggressive yet elegant, also incorporating a new light signature with vertically arranged LED elements, which serve both as daytime running lights and as indicators. From the side is where we can best appreciate its new dimensions, together with the 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels offered as standard (21-inch wheels are optional), all accompanied by two clearly defined lines that reinforce its aggressive yet clean design thanks to the flush door handles, which lead to a rear end incorporating a new design for the LED taillights, which are flat in design and divided by a chrome strip.

As I mentioned above, the new dimensions of the new BMW 5 Series will make its interior more spacious and comfortable, which will also be slightly more sustainable thanks to “vegan” upholstery for the heated sport seats offered as standard (comfort seats will be optional), as well as the dashboard, door panels and steering wheel. This sustainable leather can also be perforated if requested as an option. Obviously, for those who prefer it, there will also be other more traditional options such as Merino leather upholstery in two shades from BMW Individual.

The major design difference in the new BMW 5 Series is found in its dashboard, with a notable absence of numerous buttons and controls, which are now digital. This is achieved first and foremost by fitting the BMW Curved Display, consisting of a 12.3-inch screen and a 14.9-inch screen in a single unit, not forgetting the BMW Interaction Bar offered as standard, with backlighting and touch-sensitive control panels that extend across the full width of the instrument cluster. The steering wheel has also been redesigned, with a flattened lower section and haptic feedback on the control panels, as well as the selector lever on the centre console.

Continuing with the technology of the BMW 5 Series, the BMW iDrive system is refined thanks to its quick-select display and control system. It is also worth remembering that the built-in screens now run on the BMW ID8.5 operating system, which offers a now much wider range of digital information and entertainment content, faster feature update cycles, improved information on charging points for electric vehicles and optimised access to many specific online services. To all this we must add a wide variety of driver assistance systems, some included as standard while others will be optional.

Mild-hybrid and fully electric powertrains

Turning now to the mechanical side, the BMW offers the 5 Series a range of petrol and diesel engines, all featuring mild-hybrid 48 V technology and paired with the 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. In Europe, from launch, the only petrol option will be the 520i, powered by a four-cylinder engine producing 208 CV, sending power to the rear axle. The diesel offering is the 520d with 197 CV, also sending power to the rear axle or, optionally, to all four wheels via the 520d xDrive variant.

The most eco-friendly proposal comes from the BMW i5, the fully electric version, whose range will include the i5 eDrive40 with a rear-axle motor delivering 340 CV and 430 Nm of torque. The sportier model will be the i5 M60 xDrive, with two motors on the front axle and one on the rear, resulting in a combined total output of 601 CV and 820 Nm of torque. Both use an 81.2 kWh battery, offering a maximum range of 582 and 516 kilometres respectively, which can be recharged even with direct current at up to 205 kW, allowing a charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes.

Subsequently, starting from spring 2024, the brand has confirmed that the BMW 5 Series will complete its engine range with two plug-in hybrid variants, as well as a new six-cylinder diesel engine and another all-wheel-drive variant for the BMW i5. The brand has also confirmed that the new generation of the 5 Series will go on sale from next October.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

SedanBMW Serie 516 versions · from 63,450 €

SedanBMW i56 versions · from 77,050 €