The next-generation BMW 5 Series has been spotted testing, in both petrol and electric forms
- 5 Series to get petrol and diesel hybrid engines
- i5 expected to get range of around 380 miles
- Due to arrive in 2023
A new BMW 5 Series is on the way and is set to be joined by an all-electric i5 model. An estate version of the upcoming BMW i5 has been spotted testing out on snowy German roads, confirming that the eighth-generation of the Munich-based brand’s executive car will be offered in both saloon and Touring estate forms.
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while a mid-life update in 2020 brought the now-five-year-old car in-line with the competition, it’s beginning to feel outdated in comparison to newer, electrified rivals. When it arrives, 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 our exclusive spy photographs, the new 5 Series will not look drastically different from the car it’s set to replace. Although the vehicle in the pictures is disguised with heavy camouflage, one can make out slimmer sets of front and rear LED lights 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. A high-performance plug-in hybrid model is expected to be given the M560e xDrive designation, while a new M5 model is likely to arrive at a later date too – although, it’s unsure at this stage whether it’ll retain the current model’s muscular V8 engine.
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 models from Mercedes-Benz and Tesla.
Keyword: Electric BMW i5 to be available as a saloon and estate