The 5 Series has always been and remains one of BMW’s most important cars, and it’s now been around for more than 50 years.
There’s been a huge amount of change to it in that time, however, and that’s now continuing further with the reveal of the new eighth-generation 5 Series. Bringing some big changes and advancements, here are the key things you need to know about it.
Electric i5 available for the first time
Rather than create bespoke EVs, BMW’s policy in recent years has been to create electric cars alongside existing combustion and hybrid models. It’s why we’ve seen the iX3, i4 and more recently the i7.
BMW is now extending that further by introducing an electric version of its 5 Series for the first time – the i5. Two versions will be available – the ‘standard’ 335bhp eDrive40 car or a flagship M60 model that packs a huge 592bhp, allowing for a 0-60mph time of just 3.6 seconds. Boasting a range of up to 361 miles and impressive charging speeds, the i5 is most certainly set to make its mark.
There will only be one standard petrol model (the 520i), no diesel and a pair of plug-in hybrids due in 2024.
It gets BMW’s latest interior design
BMW has been rolling out a new interior design in the last couple of years, and the new 5 Series is the latest to benefit, and with further changes still.
Called a ‘Curved Display’, a large touchscreen and digital instrument cluster are merged together in one stunning piece of glass. Virtually all traditional buttons are removed too. It also runs on BMW’s latest operating system, bringing an advanced voice recognition system and also the ability to stream YouTube through the car’s large touchscreen (with an additional data plan), just as long as the car is parked or charging.
It’s packed with technology
As an executive model, the 5 Series has long been available with a number of new technologies, and this latest model certainly things up a level.
There’s a feature known as ‘AirConsole’, which is where smartphones can be used to play games on the central touchscreen, and it’s a great way of helping to fill in time. Elsewhere there is a cool ‘Interaction Bar’. First seen in the new 7 Series, it is a backlit surface extending across the dashboard of the car and onto the door panels, and includes features such as a touch-sensitive panel to control the temperature, while can also indicate incoming phone calls for passengers, among many other things.
Superb driver assistance features on offer
Given many 5 Series drivers clock up lots of miles each year, BMW has really put an emphasis on advancing the level of driver assistance features on this new model. It really is brimming with features in this respect.
A real highlight is an Active Lane Change Assistant, which is where simply by looking at a side mirror, after being instructed, the 5 Series can safely change lanes without the need to press an indicator. There’s also an exit warning to stop you from opening the car door into other traffic, while a ‘Crossroads warning’ can help you to keep safe too.
Generous equipment levels
As part of this new generation, BMW has taken the less popular versions of the 5 Series off sale in the UK, with the range now starting with the popular M Sport trim.
The level of equipment on offer really is superb, though, including large 19-inch alloy wheels, a full M Sport styling and dynamics package as well as electric and heated seats that come in a vegan-friendly option for the first time. Leather can still be had as an option, however.
Other highlights include a wireless smartphone charging tray and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The new BMW 5 Series is on sale now, with prices starting from £49,850. First deliveries are expected in October 2023.
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