Next-gen BMW 5 Series debuts globally with EV version
The new BMW 5 Series, internally known as the “G60,” has been unveiled to compete with the recently unveiled 2024 Mercedes E-Class. This luxury sedan is set to offer a wide range of powertrain options, including gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models. While the V8-powered M550i version is currently absent from the lineup, BMW has focused on delivering an elegant design and a host of interior and technological upgrades.
BMW has taken an evolutionary approach with the design of the new 5 Series, moving away from the controversial styling cues seen in the 7 Series, X7, and XM models. The Head of Design, Domagoj Dukec, aimed to create the most elegant BMW with this iteration. The design team sought to cater to the preferences of the typical 5 Series buyer, who desires a more conservative and refined aesthetic. As a result, the car’s design has been described as “almost more Italian than BMWs before,” and it showcases a tasteful and sophisticated appearance.
While the exterior design maintains some resemblance to its predecessor, the interior of the new 5 Series has undergone a complete redesign. BMW has implemented a dualscreen setup, utilizing the iDrive 8.5 system, which was recently introduced in the i7 M70. The new interface promises a more intuitive user experience, featuring QuickSelect functionality that offers convenient shortcuts on the home screen. The 5 Series retains the 12.3-inch driver’s display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen seen in other models.
The new 5 Series has grown in size, providing more interior space and increased cargo capacity. It has been stretched by 3.4 inches in length and 1.3 inches in width, resulting in improved legroom for rearseat passengers. To accommodate a battery pack for the electric i5 variant, the car has been raised by 1.4 inches. The wheelbase has also been extended by 0.8 inches, enhancing the overall spaciousness of the interior. Furthermore, the car boasts an impressive drag coefficient of 0.23, contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency.
The 5 Series lineup offers various powertrain options to cater to different customer preferences. In the United States, the base model is the 530i, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 255 horsepower and 400Nm of torque. The 530i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The 540i, available exclusively with all-wheel drive, features a 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 hp and 520Nm of torque. Thanks to mild-hybrid technology, it can briefly deliver 540Nm of torque and achieves a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.5 seconds.
For those interested in electric mobility, the i5 variant comes in eDrive40 and M60 versions. The eDrive40 features a rear-mounted electric motor with 335 hp and 400Nm of torque (430Nm with overboost), accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The M60 model boasts a dual-motor setup, delivering a substantial 590 hp and 744Nm of torque (820Nm with overboost). The electric M Performance variant sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 3.7 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 230 km/h. Both electric models share an 84.3 kWh battery pack, offering an estimated range of 475 kilometers for the eDrive40 and 412 kilometers for the M60.
The G60 introduces innovative features to enhance the driving experience and safety. Notably, it is the first BMW production model to support lane changes with eye activation. The optional Driving Assistant Professional includes the Highway Assistant, allowing the car to suggest lane changes by analyzing the driver’s eye movements. This feature operates at speeds of up to 135 km/h, and the driver confirms the maneuver by looking in the corresponding rearview mirror. Additionally, the 5 Series offers a fully vegan interior, catering to customers seeking sustainable and cruelty-free materials.
The global market launch of the new BMW 5 Series is scheduled for October. Furthermore, BMW plans to introduce a six-cylinder diesel model and another xDrive-equipped i5 variant in Europe in 2024. We’ll keep an ear to the ground for the arrival of the new 5er in the Philippines, but we suspect it will reach local showrooms next year.