More dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations and, for the first time, all-electric drive – this is how the new BMW 5 Series Sedan steps up to the plate. As the BMW i5, the new edition of the world’s most successful business sedan takes the lead on the road to sustainable premium mobility in the upper mid-range vehicle segment.
Consistent electrification, advanced BMW iDrive display and control system with “QuickSelect“, new digital services, and increased sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle characterise the progress made in the fields of the future which are centrally important in the current transformation of the BMW Group.
The market launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan will begin in October 2023. The new model generation will be offered worldwide with all-electric drive and, depending on the market region, also with plug-in hybrid systems as well as with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines including 48-volt mild hybrid technology. Like all previous model generations, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is produced at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, where the electric motors and high-voltage batteries for the BMW i5 are also manufactured.
Sporty elegance and striking presence with a new design language.
A clear and reduced design language emphasises the new 5 Series Sedan’s sporty elegance and presence. Compared to the predecessor model, the new edition has grown in length by 97 millimetres to 5,060 millimetres, in width by 32 millimetres to 1,900 millimetres and in height by 36 millimetres to 1,515 millimetres. Its wheelbase was lengthened by 20 millimetres to 2,995 millimetres.
The front view of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is characterised by a modern interpretation of the twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. LED elements arranged almost vertically serve as turn indicators and daytime driving lights. The BMW kidney grille, which projects far forward, features a wide surround and optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.
In the side view, the high shoulder line, powerfully designed surfaces and two precisely traced character lines shape the vehicle’s athletic body. Black side skirts, flush-mounted door openers and an embossed number 5 at the base of the C-pillar are further eye-catchers. The dynamically stretched proportions flow into a powerful rear end. Flat rear lights divided by a chrome strip interpret the hallmark L-shape expressively.
The dynamic character of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan can be further enhanced with the optional M Sport Package and the M Sport Package Pro. The range of paintwork already includes three BMW Individual paint finishes at market launch.
Driving pleasure and travel comfort combined with innovative flair.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers ideal conditions for enjoying hallmark BMW driving pleasure in everyday traffic and a high level of comfort on long-distance journeys. Generous space, modern functionality, a high level of acoustic comfort as well as high-quality, precisely processed materials, fine workmanship and advanced digital services characterise the ambience in its interior.
The cockpit of the new BMW 5 Series has a significantly reduced number of buttons and controls compared to the predecessor model. This is achieved by consistently digitalising functions. The BMW Curved Display reinterprets the brand’s hallmark idea of driver orientation. The fully digital display system consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display. The steering wheel has also been redesigned with a flattened lower section and haptic feedback on the control panels, and the selector lever on the centre console. The optional BMW Interaction Bar is another highlight. The effectively backlit functional unit with crystalline surface structure extends across the entire width of the instrument panel far into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels.
A first at BMW: Fully vegan interior.
Newly designed sports seats are standard equipment. The optional comfort seats offer a wide range of electrically operated adjustment options. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is the brand’s first model to feature a fully vegan interior as standard. This includes the surfaces of the seats, the dashboard and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel for the first time. The seat surfaces in the Veganza version with leather-like properties are also optionally available with a decorative perforation. Further optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in several bicolour variants.
All-electric BMW i5 M60 xDrive as the top model.
The all-electric BMW i5 is equipped with extensively enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and is being launched in two variants. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive, which combines an up to 442 kW/601 hp drive with hallmark M performance and specific design features. Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles make up an electric all-wheel drive. The system torque generated is up to 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated. This enables the BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds, its top speed is electrically limited to 230 km/h (143 mph).
The BMW i5 eDrive40 is also available. Its electric motor drives the rear wheels and generates a maximum output of 250 kW/340 hp and a maximum torque of up to 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) with Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The BMW i5 eDrive40 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, its top speed is 193 km/h (120 mph).
The space-saving high-voltage battery is located in the underbody and provides a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh. In addition to the efficient electric motors, the latest version of adaptive recuperation and an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for heating and cooling the interior, drive and high-voltage battery contribute to the long range. The respective WLTP values are 455 – 516 kilometres (282 – 320 miles) for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and 497 – 582 kilometres (309 – 361 miles) for the BMW i5 eDrive40. With the new MAX RANGE function, the range can be increased by up to 25 percent if required by limiting power and speed and deactivating comfort functions.
Innovative eCharging solutions from BMW Charging.
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i5 enables AC charging with an output of up to 11 kW as standard and up to 22 kW as an option. The high-voltage battery can be charged with direct current with a power of up to 205 kW. For example, the battery charge level in the BMW i5 can be raised from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes.
The new Connected Home Charging is offered for the BMW i5 as well as for the plug-in hybrid models. It creates the conditions for solar and load-optimised charging (stage 1) and for cost-optimised charging based on a dynamic electricity tariff contract (stage 2, from 2024). In addition, the offer of BMW Charging and its strategic cooperation partner E.ON lays the foundations for networking with the energy market through bidirectional charging in future generations of vehicles. The all-electric models in the new BMW 5 Series are also the first BMW vehicles of the brand to be suitable for use with the Plug & Charge function. This enables the vehicle to authenticate itself automatically at compatible public charging stations without having to use an app or charging card.
A unique feature is the Multi Contract Option, which allows customers to digitally store up to five individual Plug & Charge-enabled power contracts from different providers in the vehicle.
New petrol and diesel engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.
Petrol and diesel engines from the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines will be offered in a market-specific selection. They now feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology throughout and are combined with a new 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard.
In Europe, the market launch will see the four-cylinder BMW 520i Sedan models with 153 kW/208 hp, the BMW 520d Sedan and the BMW 520d xDrive Sedan with 145 kW/197 hp each. Other petrol engines with four and six cylinders are available outside Europe. The model range will be supplemented in spring 2024 by two variants with plug-in hybrid drives of the latest generation. A new in-line six-cylinder diesel engine will be available for the BMW 5 Series Sedan from 2024. Another variant of the BMW i5 with electric all-wheel drive will also follow in the course of 2024.
Unique balance between driving dynamics and travel comfort.
The BMW 5 Series Sedan’s characteristic balance between maximum sportiness and high-level long-distance comfort is enhanced once again in the new edition. The longest wheelbase in the upper mid-range vehicle segment, increased track widths at the front and rear axles, an almost perfectly balanced 50 : 50 ratio axle load distribution, intelligent lightweight construction and increased body and chassis connection rigidity contribute to this.
The extensively advanced chassis technology, like the control systems, has been model-specifically adapted to the weight balance associated with the respective drive technology. It includes directly controlled wheel slip limitation, integrated braking system and sport steering with variable steering ratio as standard. An M sport suspension, an M sport brake system and the Adaptive Suspension Professional (standard in the BMW i5 M60 xDrive) with electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering and new vertical dynamics management are available as options. The optional Adaptive M Suspension Professional also includes Active Roll Stabilisation with Active Roll Comfort. Light alloy wheels in 18-inch or 19-inch sizes (BMW i5 and plug-in hybrid models) are standard equipment. Light-alloy wheels up to a size of 21 inches and performance tyres are offered as options.
Intense partially automated driving experience: New Highway Assistant, unique Active Lane Change Assistant.
A significantly expanded range of systems for partially automated driving and parking is available as standard or as an option for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. An innovative technology kit creates the conditions for their outstanding functionality.
The highlight of the range is the optional Driving Assistant Professional including Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control with Stop & Go function. In the automotive markets in the US and Canada, as well as in Germany, it includes the Highway Assistant, which relieves the driver of steering tasks on highways with structurally separated directional lanes. At driving speeds of up to 130 km/h (85 mph), it is possible to take your hands off the steering wheel and position them comfortably as long as you keep a close eye on the traffic. As a world first, the system in the new BMW 5 Series now also includes the Active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation. This comfort feature now achieves a new level of interaction between the driver and the vehicle. The vehicle suggests a lane change and this can be carried out for the first time by looking in the exterior mirror to confirm the lane change. The Active Lane Change Assistant takes over the necessary steering movements automatically, the traffic situation permitting.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is equipped with Parking Assistant, including Reversing Assist, as standard. With the optional Parking Assistant Professional, automated parking and manoeuvring of up to 200 metres can be controlled in the vehicle or by smartphone outside the vehicle.
Intuitive operation and new digital experiences: BMW iDrive with “QuickSelect” and BMW Operating System 8.5.
The enhanced BMW iDrive display and control system with “QuickSelect” also contributes to the characteristic driving and travelling experience in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. It is based on the BMW Operating System 8.5 and features a redesigned home screen with vertically arranged function icons on the driver’s side. “QuickSelect” enables functions to be accessed directly without having to switch to a submenu. This means that the system has received an improved menu structure, oriented towards devices from the consumer electronics sector.
The new BMW iDrive is also combined with the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It is consistently designed to be operated by means of a touch display and natural language. In addition, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan also features steering wheel buttons and the BMW iDrive Controller on the centre console. The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes the BMW Head-Up Display and Augmented View on the Control Display or instrument cluster. The BMW Natural Interaction option is also available for controlling functions using gestures.
In-car gaming premieres in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan.
In addition, BMW Operating System 8.5 offers a wider range of digital content for information and entertainment, faster update cycles for functions, improved information on charging points for electric vehicles and optimised access to many specific online services. Video streaming is possible on the Control Display, as is an innovative form of in-car gaming presented for the first time in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan with the AirConsole platform. Driver and passengers can play so-called casual games while the vehicle is stationary, for example to bridge waiting times while charging the high-voltage battery of the BMW i5.
Optimised networking with up to four 5G mobile antennas.
Other innovations include the Welcome Scenario with light show and personal welcome, which optionally also includes the dynamic light carpet. The BMW Digital Key Plus is now available for suitable smartphones with the iOS or Android operating systems as well as for the Apple Watch. With two 5G mobile phone antennas as standard and four as an option, the new business sedan provides optimised connectivity and phone quality. The Personal eSIM fully integrates the vehicle into the customer’s digital ecosystem. In selected countries, the BMW ID enables automatic payment of parking fees from the vehicle.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers a choice of up to six My Modes to deliver an all-immersive vehicle experience. The standard equipment also includes optimised smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. With the Remote Software Upgrades function, the vehicle always stays up to date with the latest software. With BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades, customers can also test selected functions free of charge for a period of one month and then book them for a specific term.
The market launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the beginning of a new chapter in the field of customer service. With Proactive Care, BMW is creating a new platform for exchanges with customers when different types of car servicing is required. The focus is on recognising the vehicle’s service needs also by using artificial intelligence and proactively offering solutions to the customer.
