BMW has unveiled the new 5 Series in both pure electric model, branded i5 and petrol and diesel engined models.
The design is more conservative in line with the executive buyer unlike the extrovert 7 Series with its highly controversial grille and split headlights. 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 ICE models were not shown on the media photos but will retains the design cues as seen on the electric 5 Series but the grille getting the normal lines with intakes that open and close depending on the engine cooling requirements.
There is also the option of the M Sport Package and the M Sport Package Pro which seas the 5 Series gain a more dynamic front look with more angular lines.
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.
Light alloy wheels in 19-inch sizes (BMW i5 and plug-in models) are standard equipment. Light-alloy wheels up to 21 inches and performance tyre options are not yet confirmed for South Africa.
There is also the option of having a large Panoramic glass roof which tilts and slide. 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 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.
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 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.
ICE engine for now will only be the 520d which has a 2.0-litre Turbo diesel motor credited with 145kW/400Nm. There is an electric motor which adds 8kW/25Nm with drive sent to the rear wheels via an 8 Speed automatic transmission.
The i5 model initially launched in Mzansi will be 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.
The market launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023.