In the executive car world, one of the best choices has always been the BMW 5 Series.
Known for its high-quality interior, great engines and enjoyable driving experience, the 5 Series has long been the best car in this class – reigning supreme against both the Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class.
It’s one of the best all-rounders on sale today, and while still an accomplished model, the 5 Series is just starting to show its age after nearly four years on sale in its current guise. But not to worry, BMW has recently unveiled a new facelifted version, which sees plenty of changes and improvements being made.
Here we look at what’s new on the 2020 5 Series, ahead of its arrival in showrooms in July.
A host of new electrified models
The 5 Series was one of BMW’s first models to be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, with the 530e, which has only been available as a saloon since being introduced in 2017. However, as part of this update the Touring (estate) model is set to be offered as a plug-in for the first time, along with a further PHEV derivative – the 545e. Unlike the 530e, this will be a six-cylinder electrified model. Full details are yet to be announced, but it’s set to be far more powerful, and likely no less efficient.
BMW is also rolling out its 48-volt mild-hybrid technology onto all four- and six-cylinder derivatives – following its appearance on the 520d since last year. This technology adds little to the price of the car, but adds a welcome torque and efficiency boost.
Flagship V8 model now available
In recent years, if you’ve wanted a V8-powered 5 Series in the UK, you had to choose the expensive M5 model. While buyers elsewhere could have a model known as the M550i, British buyers didn’t have this option.
However, this update means that in the UK, you can now have a V8 engine in the standard 5 Series, with the all-wheel-drive M550i xDrive. It uses a powerful 523bhp 4.4-litre V8, which allows the model to reach 60mph in an astonishing 3.6 seconds and hit a top speed limited to 155mph.
Smarter design
While BMWs have become more brash in recent years – as seen on the new 7 Series and 4 Series – the styling on the new ‘5’ is still rather clean and understated after this update.
Design changes aren’t dramatic, but are welcome and give the 5 Series a more modern look. Highlights include a slimmer and wider version of BMW’s kidney grille, along with slimmer headlights. At the rear, this facelift features darker LED headlights that now appear in a C-shape, along with a new rear bumper. Various new alloy wheels have also been introduced.
New touchscreen infotainment system
Models such as the latest BMW X5 now feature a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and that’s what’s now available in the new 5 Series.
It’s quite a bit larger than the outgoing version’s 10.25-inch unit, and it allows for various new connectivity features, along with BMW’s new ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’ voice control system.
Android Auto integration for the first time
BMW has previously offered Apple Car Play as an optional subscription service, but those with Android devices have been a bit left out.
However, the 5 Series is now the first new BMW that comes with Android Auto smartphone mirroring – a really useful tool. Along with Apple CarPlay, both of the features now come as standard, and you don’t have to sign up to any ongoing subscriptions.
The new BMW 5 Series will be launched in July. Prices start from £37,480 for a 520i SE and rise to £67,595 for the M550i xDrive.
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