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What is possibly the most important vehicle series from the Bavarian Motor Works is now entering its eighth edition. The new BMW 5 Series (G60) marks an important milestone in the future vision of the Munich-based company, as the business class segment is also being fully electrified for the first time: At the same time and in direct partnership with the 5 Series, the first i5 is coming onto the market, whose appearance hardly differs differs from the conventionally powered 5ers. All new 5 Series models share an improved design that doesn't take any major risks but differs from the previous model from every angle.
BMW 5 Series (G60) & i5
On the front you can see a new light design with vertical elements and illuminated kidney surrounds (Iconic Glow), while the kidneys of the electric i5 remain mostly closed. The side view is strikingly three-dimensional and radiates significantly more dynamism, while the 5 integrated into the Hofmeister kink sets a high-quality accent. Horizontal lines dominate at the rear, visually emphasizing the width of the new 5 Series. The era of visible exhaust pipes is now over, at least below the M models, also in the 5 series.
Compared to the previous sedan, the new BMW 5 Series (G60) is almost 10 centimeters longer and now has an overall length of 5,06 meters. Since the wheelbase increases by only two centimeters and is still just under the 3 meter mark, the overhangs are proportionally larger. Both the width and the height each increase by a little more than three centimetres. When comparing the petrol and diesel engines directly, the weight increases by around 100 kilograms.
Six-cylinder diesel will follow
The key features under the hood of the 5 Series are initially the four-cylinder 520i and 520d models, with a six-cylinder diesel to follow in the form of the new 2024d in 540. Those who prefer a six-cylinder petrol engine in Europe will have to opt for the 550e plug-in hybrid, as the 540i originally designed for the US market will not be available here. Between the 208 hp 520i and the 550e with 489 hp, the four-cylinder PHEV BMW 530e has a system output of 299 hp.
In terms of pure electric vehicles, the BMW i5 eDrive40 and the M Performance model i5 M60 with all-wheel drive will initially be available. In the first images of the new 5 Series we see the entry-level 5hp i340 in Brooklyn Gray and the top-of-the-line i5 M60 in Fire Red with 601hp. Over the next year, the range is to be expanded to include an i5 xDrive40 with all-wheel drive, with no further additions to the electric model range currently planned. With an electric range of up to 582 kilometers, the i5 falls slightly short of the standard known from the i7, mainly due to the reduced space available between the axles and the resulting smaller battery pack.
The interior hardly shows any surprises, as the new 5 Series (G60) is, as expected, strongly based on the 7 Series. The large, curved display with 12,3 inches (approx. 31 cm) on the left and 14,9 inches (approx. 38 cm) touchscreen on the right is known from other model series. The Interaction Bar, which is illuminated differently depending on the driving mode and was previously reserved for the 7 Series, is divided into two in the case of the 5 Series, which helps the cockpit convey a stronger driver orientation.
Thanks to iDrive 8.5 and Air Console, different games can be played in single or multiplayer mode on the large curved display, whereby the players' smartphones are converted into controllers. If desired, the entire interior can even be ordered in a vegan version and sat on the synthetic imitation leather Veganza instead of animal leather.
The new BMW 2024 Series Touring (G5) is coming in 61
Thanks to the standard three-part rear seat bench, the trunk can be easily expanded and offers 520 liters of storage space even without expansion. In the case of the electric i5, the volume is reduced slightly to 490 liters, although the charging cable will probably always take up part of the luggage space. And for those who need significantly more space, the new 2024 Series Touring (G5) will be introduced in Spring 61, which will also be available as a purely electric i5 Touring from launch.
The eighth generation of the 5 Series offers optional assistance systems that enable autonomous driving up to level 2+, regardless of the drive type. It takes on almost all tasks on suitable roads, provided the driver keeps an eye on the traffic and looks ahead. Even sporadic contact with the steering wheel is no longer necessary. In the new 5 Series and i5, the system also actively suggests lane changes for overtaking or for merging in after an overtaking manoeuvre, which the driver only has to confirm by looking in the relevant exterior mirror.
it starts at €57.550
When it comes to chassis technology, the 5 Series boasts high-tech. Wheel slip limitation close to the actuator and variable sports steering are standard equipment, so-called integral active steering, electronically controlled shock absorbers and even active roll stabilization are available as options. In the heavier, electrically powered models, the rear axle is equipped with air suspension as standard. Of course, a stiffer M chassis is also available. The sales launch of the new 5 Series (G60) and the i5 will take place in October 2023, while the plug-in hybrid and the spacious station wagon will be launched in spring 2024. Prices in Germany start at €57.550 for the 520i and €70.200 for the i5 eDrive40.
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Photo credit: BMW
