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BMW today revealed the new 5 Series, which for the first time ever will have a fully electric version. One of the most enduring and popular mid-size sports luxury sedans, more than 10 million have been assembled since its 1972 debut. The global roll-out starts this fall; and it will be offered worldwide with an electric drivetrain, as well as internal combustion engines with a 48-volt mild hybrid technology. Coming to the US in 2024 is a plug-in hybrid version.
The new BMW 5 Series is manufactured – as always – at Plant Dingolfing, BMW’s largest European plant, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In 1973, the first vehicle manufactured was a first-generation E12 5 Series. Dingolfing today is not only the lead plant for BMW’s luxury class vehicles, but also the location of the company’s e-drive production competence center, which produces both the electric motors and the high-voltage batteries for the BMW i5 on site.
The BMW 5 Series is positioned at the center of the brand’s portfolio of four-door models – bigger than the 3 Series, more dynamic than the 7 Series. As with people, 5-series grew larger with aging with larger exterior dimensions compared to the previous generation. The new model has grown in length by 3.4 inches to 199.2 inches, width by 1.3 inches to 74.8, and in height by 1.4 inches to 59.6. The wheelbase has been increased by 0.8 inches to 117.9 is claimed to improve seating comfort, especially in the rear.
Performance Numbers at a Glance
- BMW i5 M60 xDrive: 590 hp, 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, estimated 256-mile range.
- BMW i5 eDrive40: 335 hp, estimated 295-mile range.
- Highway Assistant allows attentive hands-free driving at up to 85 mph.
- World-first Active Lane Change with eye activation.
Base MSRPs of Models Available at Launch
- 530i – $57,900 + $995 destination and handling.
- 530i xDrive – $60,200 + $995 destination and handling.
- i5 eDrive40 – $66,800 + $995 destination and handling.
- i5 M60 xDrive – $84,100 + $995 destination and handling.
- 540i xDrive – $64,900 + $995 destination and handling. The 540i xDrive production starts November 2023.
Exterior paint colors include one solid finish and nine metallic finishes. The optional M Sport Package includes M specific design tweaks – the large air intakes at the front, flared side skirts and window trim in high-gloss black and a rear apron with a diffuser insert, as well as 19-inch M light alloy wheels. The optional M Sport Professional package, on all 5 Series models, adds the illuminated BMW kidney grille framed in high-gloss black, M Shadowline headlights, a discreet rear spoiler, and Extended Shadowline trim. Specifying the M Sport Professional package also allows yet another option of red calipers for the M Sport brakes.
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The fully digital BMW Curved Display is the heart of the interior redesign. Other innovations include: the BMW Interaction Bar with ambient lighting in the instrument panel and door area (standard on i5 models, optional on 530i and 530i xDrive), My Modes for a customizable driving and interior experience, and the new gear selector switch on the center console control panel. BMW claims a significantly expanded level of standard equipment compared to the predecessor model and what at first seems to be a bewildering range of options concerning comfort and individuality.
With a frameless glass surface slightly inclined towards the driver, the BMW Curved Display consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch Control Display, which merge into a single fully digital, high-resolution unit. The BMW Curved Display is the central component of what is now a multi-sensory BMW iDrive experience. The latest generation is based on BMW Operating System 8.5, also offers a new graphic display with a clear start screen and QuickSelect access for what’s claimed to be simple and intuitive touch operation.
The control system is designed to be operated primarily by means of the touch screen and language, but also includes steering wheel buttons and the BMW iDrive Controller on the center console. The BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Natural Interaction for controlling functions using gestures are available as optional equipment. The advances in digitization that accompany the development of the BMW iDrive make it possible to reduce the number of buttons, knobs and controls used in the cockpit. “They continue to be used where they are the ideal solution for fast and intuitive operation,” BMW said.
The new BMW Operating System 8.5 start screen permanently shows the map view of the navigation system or other individually configurable displays. On the same level, vertically arranged widgets are available on the driver’s side of the BMW Control Display. Users can switch between the widgets by swiping vertically. To display different content, horizontal swiping is also possible within some widgets, for example in the “My Vehicle” area.
The corresponding functions can be called up directly with QuickSelect without switching to a sub-menu. Once the settings have been made, tapping the Home symbol at the bottom of the display returns to the start screen. In addition to the Home symbol, there are now also the symbols for direct access to the climate control menu, the All Apps menu, Navigation as well as Media, Communication, and Apple CarPlay ® and Android Auto ™.
The BMW Operating System 8.5 in the new 5 Series offers a wider range of digital content for information and entertainment, faster update cycles for functions, improved information on charging points for electric vehicles and optimized access to many specific online services. A broad range of video streaming is possible on the Control Display, as is an innovative form of in-car gaming presented for the first time in the new BMW 5 Series with the AirConsole platform.
The standard equipment of the new 5 Series Sedan includes automatic air conditioning with an extended range of features and advanced control logic. In the instrument panel area, seam vents are used instead of conventional air vents and are positioned at the height of the BMW Interaction Bar. The direction of the air coming out of the vents can be varied by means of adjusting control levers. In addition, air conditioning and ventilation are controlled via the touch function on the control display.
Watts Up
The electric motors developed by BMW are said to have high power density and efficiency. They work according to the principle of a current-excited synchronous machine. This makes it possible to eliminate critical raw materials from the rare earth metal sector required for magnetic components when manufacturing the rotor. At market launch, the all-electric BMW i5 will be available in two model variants. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive performance model is positioned at the top of the 5 Series range. Like the BMW i5 eDrive40, it is equipped with extensively enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.
BMW i5 eDrive40
The electric motor of the BMW i5 eDrive40, located at the rear axle, generates a maximum power output of 335 horsepower and maximum torque of 295 lb.-ft, or 317 lb.-ft when the Sport Boost or Launch Control function is activated. The dash to 60 mph requires 5.7 seconds. The maximum speed of the BMW i5 eDrive40 is electronically limited to 120 mph.
BMW i5 M60 xDrive
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive sits at the top of the 5 Series range and combines a 590-horsepower electric drivetrain with M performance characteristics and specific design features. Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, in which the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission are combined in a common housing, form an electric all-wheel drive system. The electric motor acting on the rear wheels generates a maximum power output of 335 horsepower, while the motor at the front axle produces 257 horsepower. The total system torque generated by both motors is 549 lb.-ft, or 605 lb.-ft when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated.
This power enables the new BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and the power is delivered continuously as speeds increase, it’s claimed. The maximum speed of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive is electronically limited at143 mph when equipped with performance tires, 130 mph with all-season tires.
In order to activate full drive power on demand, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and i5 eDrive40 (when equipped with the optional M Sport package) have a shift paddle marked “Boost” near the left steering wheel spoke. If the paddle is pulled for more than 0.8 seconds, a Sport Boost indicator appears on the Information Display. It indicates that a high level of power is being requested by the accelerator pedal, which then triggers maximum acceleration. At the same time, the Iconic Sounds Electric sound changes to SPORT.
In conjunction with the M Sport Package Pro, the Launch Control function standard on the i5 M60 xDrive is also available for the i5 eDrive40. BMW said that dynamic acceleration from standstill is enabled via precise coordination of the drive and traction control systems.
High-Voltage, High-Energy Battery
As with the drive units, the high-voltage battery used in each BMW i5 model is also derived from the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. It is composed of four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with twelve cells each. The high-voltage battery has a low profile, which means it can be fitted in the underbody of the BMW i5 to save space. The amount of space available for the passengers in the electric 5 Series is identical to that available in the internal combustion variants.
The high-voltage battery provides a usable energy content of 84.3 kWh. Combined with the high efficiency electric motors, this provides ranges suitable for long journeys for both model variants of the BMW i5. When fitted with standard 19-inch wheels, the i5 eDrive40 is estimated to travel up to 295 miles on a single charge, while the range of the high performance i5 M60 xDrive is estimated at 256 miles (estimated ranges according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards).
The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW i5 enables Level 2 AC charging up to 11 kW. When connected to a DC fast charger, the charging rate of 205 kW means the battery can be topped up from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. First-time owners of the new BMW i5 receive two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America DC fast-charging locations.
When driving, the latest version of adaptive recuperation recover electrical energy during throttle lift-off and braking phases. The drive control system can use navigation data and information from sensors of the driver assistance systems to adjust how much power is recuperated according to traffic. As an alternative to this adaptive recuperation, the driver can select high, medium, or low braking energy recovery for all traffic situations in the BMW iDrive menu. Low recuperation enables a “coast” function. The BMW i5 simply rolls along without drive torque as soon as the accelerator pedal is released.
Efficiency is further enhanced by a combination of heat pump technology for the integrated heating and cooling circuit of the interior as well as for the heating and cooling system of the drive and the high-voltage battery of the BMW i5. This allows both the interior and the high-voltage battery to be heated simultaneously with the heat pump function and, if required, with a central electric auxiliary heater.
First Look – BMW 5 Series – Generation Eight
Click for more information.
BMW today revealed the new 5 Series, which for the first time ever will have a fully electric version. One of the most enduring and popular mid-size sports luxury sedans, more than 10 million have been assembled since its 1972 debut. The global roll-out starts this fall; and it will be offered worldwide with an electric drivetrain, as well as internal combustion engines with a 48-volt mild hybrid technology. Coming to the US in 2024 is a plug-in hybrid version.
The new BMW 5 Series is manufactured – as always – at Plant Dingolfing, BMW’s largest European plant, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In 1973, the first vehicle manufactured was a first-generation E12 5 Series. Dingolfing today is not only the lead plant for BMW’s luxury class vehicles, but also the location of the company’s e-drive production competence center, which produces both the electric motors and the high-voltage batteries for the BMW i5 on site.
The BMW 5 Series is positioned at the center of the brand’s portfolio of four-door models – bigger than the 3 Series, more dynamic than the 7 Series. As with people, 5-series grew larger with aging with larger exterior dimensions compared to the previous generation. The new model has grown in length by 3.4 inches to 199.2 inches, width by 1.3 inches to 74.8, and in height by 1.4 inches to 59.6. The wheelbase has been increased by 0.8 inches to 117.9 is claimed to improve seating comfort, especially in the rear.
Performance Numbers at a Glance
Base MSRPs of Models Available at Launch
Exterior paint colors include one solid finish and nine metallic finishes. The optional M Sport Package includes M specific design tweaks – the large air intakes at the front, flared side skirts and window trim in high-gloss black and a rear apron with a diffuser insert, as well as 19-inch M light alloy wheels. The optional M Sport Professional package, on all 5 Series models, adds the illuminated BMW kidney grille framed in high-gloss black, M Shadowline headlights, a discreet rear spoiler, and Extended Shadowline trim. Specifying the M Sport Professional package also allows yet another option of red calipers for the M Sport brakes.
Click for more information.
The fully digital BMW Curved Display is the heart of the interior redesign. Other innovations include: the BMW Interaction Bar with ambient lighting in the instrument panel and door area (standard on i5 models, optional on 530i and 530i xDrive), My Modes for a customizable driving and interior experience, and the new gear selector switch on the center console control panel. BMW claims a significantly expanded level of standard equipment compared to the predecessor model and what at first seems to be a bewildering range of options concerning comfort and individuality.
With a frameless glass surface slightly inclined towards the driver, the BMW Curved Display consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch Control Display, which merge into a single fully digital, high-resolution unit. The BMW Curved Display is the central component of what is now a multi-sensory BMW iDrive experience. The latest generation is based on BMW Operating System 8.5, also offers a new graphic display with a clear start screen and QuickSelect access for what’s claimed to be simple and intuitive touch operation.
The control system is designed to be operated primarily by means of the touch screen and language, but also includes steering wheel buttons and the BMW iDrive Controller on the center console. The BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Natural Interaction for controlling functions using gestures are available as optional equipment. The advances in digitization that accompany the development of the BMW iDrive make it possible to reduce the number of buttons, knobs and controls used in the cockpit. “They continue to be used where they are the ideal solution for fast and intuitive operation,” BMW said.
The new BMW Operating System 8.5 start screen permanently shows the map view of the navigation system or other individually configurable displays. On the same level, vertically arranged widgets are available on the driver’s side of the BMW Control Display. Users can switch between the widgets by swiping vertically. To display different content, horizontal swiping is also possible within some widgets, for example in the “My Vehicle” area.
The corresponding functions can be called up directly with QuickSelect without switching to a sub-menu. Once the settings have been made, tapping the Home symbol at the bottom of the display returns to the start screen. In addition to the Home symbol, there are now also the symbols for direct access to the climate control menu, the All Apps menu, Navigation as well as Media, Communication, and Apple CarPlay ® and Android Auto ™.
The BMW Operating System 8.5 in the new 5 Series offers a wider range of digital content for information and entertainment, faster update cycles for functions, improved information on charging points for electric vehicles and optimized access to many specific online services. A broad range of video streaming is possible on the Control Display, as is an innovative form of in-car gaming presented for the first time in the new BMW 5 Series with the AirConsole platform.
The standard equipment of the new 5 Series Sedan includes automatic air conditioning with an extended range of features and advanced control logic. In the instrument panel area, seam vents are used instead of conventional air vents and are positioned at the height of the BMW Interaction Bar. The direction of the air coming out of the vents can be varied by means of adjusting control levers. In addition, air conditioning and ventilation are controlled via the touch function on the control display.
Watts Up
The electric motors developed by BMW are said to have high power density and efficiency. They work according to the principle of a current-excited synchronous machine. This makes it possible to eliminate critical raw materials from the rare earth metal sector required for magnetic components when manufacturing the rotor. At market launch, the all-electric BMW i5 will be available in two model variants. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive performance model is positioned at the top of the 5 Series range. Like the BMW i5 eDrive40, it is equipped with extensively enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.
BMW i5 eDrive40
The electric motor of the BMW i5 eDrive40, located at the rear axle, generates a maximum power output of 335 horsepower and maximum torque of 295 lb.-ft, or 317 lb.-ft when the Sport Boost or Launch Control function is activated. The dash to 60 mph requires 5.7 seconds. The maximum speed of the BMW i5 eDrive40 is electronically limited to 120 mph.
BMW i5 M60 xDrive
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive sits at the top of the 5 Series range and combines a 590-horsepower electric drivetrain with M performance characteristics and specific design features. Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, in which the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission are combined in a common housing, form an electric all-wheel drive system. The electric motor acting on the rear wheels generates a maximum power output of 335 horsepower, while the motor at the front axle produces 257 horsepower. The total system torque generated by both motors is 549 lb.-ft, or 605 lb.-ft when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated.
This power enables the new BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and the power is delivered continuously as speeds increase, it’s claimed. The maximum speed of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive is electronically limited at143 mph when equipped with performance tires, 130 mph with all-season tires.
In order to activate full drive power on demand, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and i5 eDrive40 (when equipped with the optional M Sport package) have a shift paddle marked “Boost” near the left steering wheel spoke. If the paddle is pulled for more than 0.8 seconds, a Sport Boost indicator appears on the Information Display. It indicates that a high level of power is being requested by the accelerator pedal, which then triggers maximum acceleration. At the same time, the Iconic Sounds Electric sound changes to SPORT.
In conjunction with the M Sport Package Pro, the Launch Control function standard on the i5 M60 xDrive is also available for the i5 eDrive40. BMW said that dynamic acceleration from standstill is enabled via precise coordination of the drive and traction control systems.
High-Voltage, High-Energy Battery
As with the drive units, the high-voltage battery used in each BMW i5 model is also derived from the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. It is composed of four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with twelve cells each. The high-voltage battery has a low profile, which means it can be fitted in the underbody of the BMW i5 to save space. The amount of space available for the passengers in the electric 5 Series is identical to that available in the internal combustion variants.
The high-voltage battery provides a usable energy content of 84.3 kWh. Combined with the high efficiency electric motors, this provides ranges suitable for long journeys for both model variants of the BMW i5. When fitted with standard 19-inch wheels, the i5 eDrive40 is estimated to travel up to 295 miles on a single charge, while the range of the high performance i5 M60 xDrive is estimated at 256 miles (estimated ranges according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards).
The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW i5 enables Level 2 AC charging up to 11 kW. When connected to a DC fast charger, the charging rate of 205 kW means the battery can be topped up from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. First-time owners of the new BMW i5 receive two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America DC fast-charging locations.
When driving, the latest version of adaptive recuperation recover electrical energy during throttle lift-off and braking phases. The drive control system can use navigation data and information from sensors of the driver assistance systems to adjust how much power is recuperated according to traffic. As an alternative to this adaptive recuperation, the driver can select high, medium, or low braking energy recovery for all traffic situations in the BMW iDrive menu. Low recuperation enables a “coast” function. The BMW i5 simply rolls along without drive torque as soon as the accelerator pedal is released.
Efficiency is further enhanced by a combination of heat pump technology for the integrated heating and cooling circuit of the interior as well as for the heating and cooling system of the drive and the high-voltage battery of the BMW i5. This allows both the interior and the high-voltage battery to be heated simultaneously with the heat pump function and, if required, with a central electric auxiliary heater.