The BMW 5 Series gets a fresh update and introduces a 100% electric variant called the BMW i5. Check out this new model in the video. The criticisms received by the 7 Series seem to have reached the ears of Bavarian designers. The new “5” returns to a moderately sized grille, giving it a nod to the iconic E60 from the 2000s, designed by Chris Bangle. A reassuring style.
While the face of the new 5 Series may win back BMW fans, this latest iteration doesn’t live in the past. On the contrary, alongside its traditional internal combustion engine lineup, BMW presents fully electric versions labeled i5. The Munich-based company has opted for a proven multi-energy platform, already successful on the 3, 4, and 7 Series sedans.
A larger size? For this occasion, the 5 Series has grown considerably, surpassing the 5-meter mark. This is a first in this segment, represented by the Audi A6 and the Mercedes E-Class, which typically measure around 4.95 meters. With an increase of nearly 10 cm (5.06 m), this new 5 Series even exceeds the dimensions of the early 2000s 7 Series. Unfortunately, this enlargement doesn’t significantly benefit the rear legroom, as the wheelbase grows only by 20 mm, barely reaching just under 3 meters.
Almost 600 km of WLTP range. It is likely that this substantial increase in size is primarily due to the bulk of the battery cells. However, the two i5 variants available at launch do not particularly excel in terms of WLTP range, offering a maximum of 582 km with a single battery with a net capacity of 81.2 kWh. This falls short compared to its direct competitor, the Mercedes EQE, which achieves 637 km of range and is indeed more compact (4.95 meters long).
BMW makes up for this with charging speed, offering a maximum (DC) power of 205 kW, similar to that provided by its smaller sibling, the i4. However, due to the lack of 800 V technology, it cannot compete with the best performers in this regard, such as the Porsche Taycan and the Audi e-tron GT (270 kW), capable of reaching 80% charge in less than 20 minutes, while the new i5 will require an additional 10 minutes on the charger.
Electricity powering performance. In terms of performance, the entry-level i5 eDrive40 (rear-wheel drive) generates 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds.
The M60 xDrive variant (all-wheel drive) reduces this time to 3.8 seconds, delivering 601 hp and 820 Nm of torque. A step below in terms of electrification, there will also be two plug-in hybrid variants, but they will only be available starting in summer 2024. Recently, Mercedes set a high bar by promising more than 110 km of electric range on its latest models.
Once again, the future 530e (4-cylinder – 299 hp combined) will achieve a maximum of 102 km, compared to the 118 km announced by the new Mercedes E-Class 300e (312 hp).
However, one can forgive the 550e xDrive variant for limiting its range to 90 km, given its impressive 489 hp, based on a 6-cylinder engine producing 313 hp. In comparison, Mercedes offers only 381 hp in its E 400e.
Widespread mild hybridization. To access more modest engines, one must turn to the gasoline and diesel engines of the new 5 Series, all systematically supported by a 48V mild hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic transmission on the French market, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions. The lineup will be quite limited at launch compared to the previous generation, which offered diesel engines up to 286 hp.
For now, the only option is the 520d (4-cylinder) with 197 hp, available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, while a 6-cylinder version will be introduced in 2024. On the other hand, the fate of the new 530i (4-cylinder) with 258 hp is already sealed, as it will not be sold in European markets, unlike the entry-level 520i (208 hp), which is only available with rear-wheel drive.
Prices for the new BMW 5 Series and BMW i5:
Base M Sport
BMW 520i €62,800 €66,850 BMW 520d €65,100 €69,150 BMW 520d xDrive €67,700 €71,750 BMW i5 eDrive40 €76,200 €80,250 BMW i5 M60 xDrive €107,500 –
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