BMW is preparing to unveil the next-generation 5 Series and has unveiled images of the electric BMW i5 undergoing winter testing
- 5 Series to get petrol and diesel hybrid engines
- i5 expected to get range of around 380 miles
- Due to arrive in 2023
The new BMW 5 Series is getting ever closer to an official full reveal. The German manufacturer has just released official images of the all-electric BMW i5 being tested in wintry conditions. It’s still heavily camouflaged, like the test mules we spotted out on the streets of Germany last month, but the latest images still allow us to identify a few design features.
The upcoming eighth generation of 5 Series will once again be offered as both a saloon and Touring estate, as well as an all-electric i5 model, which will also be offered in both body styles. The EV estate segment is currently quite sparse, consisting of the MG5 EV and Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, but the i5 Touring will be joined by future rivals such as the Audi e-tron A6 Avant and Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion.
It seems the electric i5 saloon’s design won’t differ greatly from the eighth-generation combustion-engined 5 Series, although we can expect its trademark kidney grille to be a more subtle affair than that of the i4, and there’s just two headlight clusters instead of the four units used on the BMW i7 luxury saloon and iX SUV.
To help with aerodynamics, the i5 will also get recessed door handles. The latest camouflage shots show the i5 sporting a new set of seven-spoke alloy wheels. A plate covers the rear pillar of the i5 prototype, where a ‘Hofmeister kink’ angled window frame is to be expected in a nod to classic BMWs of old.
The current BMW 5 Series arrived back in 2017 and while a mid-life update in 2020 brought the now-five-year-old car in-line with the competition, it’s beginning to feel outdated in comparison to newer, electrified rivals. Set to arrive before the end of 2023, the new 5 Series will renew its rivalry with the Mercedes E-Class, which is also expected to receive an updated model, while the electric i5 will go head-to-head with the Mercedes EQE and Tesla Model S.
As you can see from spy photographs, the new 5 Series will reflect recent changes made to the BMW X5 SUV. Although the vehicle in the pictures is disguised with heavy camouflage, slimmer sets of front and rear LED lights can be seen, featuring a new chevron-like signature, as well as a more angular version of BMW’s iconic kidney grille, which is likely to be blanked off for aerodynamic purposes on the electric i5.
On the inside, we can expect to see some of BMW’s latest technology trickle down from the new range-topping 7 Series limousine. The 5 Series will undoubtedly get the brand’s iDrive OS8 infotainment setup which features a ‘Curved Panel’ display, comprising two screens. However, the new 5 Series could also get a handful of other new features, such as the multifunctional Interaction Bar trim on the dashboard – the expansive 31-inch Theatre Screen is unlikely to make an appearance, though.
The next iteration of the BMW 5 Series is likely to be the last to use an internal combustion engine; to get around increasing emissions regulations, BMW’s new executive car will utilise a variety of mild- and plug-in hybrid petrol and diesel engines.
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Unfortunately, in what will come as a big disappointment to enthusiasts, the next M5 is unlikely to utilise the current model’s muscular V8 engine. Instead, a six-cylinder plug-in hybrid setup will be used, offering even more power than before and an electric range of around 50 miles. It will go head-to-head with the latest Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E-Performance. A detuned version of this setup will also be used in a M560e xDrive model, with the M5 likely to make its debut months after the 5 Series’ initial launch.
The all-electric i5 is likely to use much of the same technology as other plug-in BMWs such as the larger iX SUV and the smaller i4 hatchback. Both get 195kW rapid charging capability, which is set to make its way over to the i5 as well, while a battery size of around 90kWh seems about right for top models. This would give the i5 a range of around 380 miles, rivalling the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Tesla Model S.
Keyword: 2023 BMW 5 Series and i5 electric saloon teased during testing