The 8th generation BMW 5 Series has been launched in Mzansi and it promises avant-garde design, sportiness and luxury in a single package. We were at its launch in Cape Town.
There are two models on offer in Mzansi at present, the 520d which comes standard with M Sport pack and the all electric i5 M60 which is the M Performance model in the range. An i5 eDrive40 will be offered by June 2024.
Starting with the i5 BMW which seas the kidney grille blanked out with plastic (no engine to cool). The single piece headlights gets vertical LED daytime lights with LED headlights standard. The large kidney grille also has the option of the BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting. The bonnet has dynamic lines running from the grille with the BMW badge placed on a wedge. Side air intakes flank the large blacked out mid air intake for a dominant front look.
The 520d retains the design cues as seen on the electric 5 Series but the grille gets horizontal lines with air intakes that open and close depending on the engine cooling requirements. Light alloy wheels in 19-inch sizes (BMW i5 and plug-in models) are standard equipment. Light-alloy wheels up to 21 inches can be specified as an option.
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 rear takes inspiration from the larger 7 Series with LED lighting. The flat rear lights divided by a chrome strip interpret the hallmark L-shape expressively. The M Sport models also have a subtle rear spoiler in black whilst the air diffuser comes in black polished finish. The i5 forgoes tail pipes and has the diffuser extend to the outer edges of the rear with reflector lights placed on the far end.
There is also the option of having a large Panoramic glass roof which is fixed with a sliding curtain inside. This stretches far back thus allowing the rear seat passengers access to the moon view. Interestingly, BMW designers have done away with the air curtains which were integrated into the front wheel arch. This does give the new 5 Series a rather "slabby" side profile devoid of character lines.
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. 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 520d which has a 2.0-litre Turbo diesel motor is credited with 145kW/400Nm. There is a 48 volt mild hybrid system. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an 8 Speed automatic transmission.
The i5 model initially launched in Mzansi is the BMW i5 M60 xDrive which has 442 kW from 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 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 in 3.8 seconds, its top speed is electrically limited to 230 km/h. The WLTP value is 455 - 516 kilometresfor the BMW i5 M60 xDrive. 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.
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.
And a reminder of the prices:
| Model | Price | Price includes |
| BMW 520d | R1,247,893.60 | CO2 tax |
| BMW i5 eDrive40 (available Q2 2024) | R1,842,500.00 | Wallbox and installation |
| BMW i5 M60 xDrive | R2,190,000.00 | Wallbox and installation |