The new 5-series will arrive in ICE, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric forms, with the latter available in dual-motor M Performance guise
It’s no surprise that the next-generation BMW 5-series will be offered as an i5 EV, but BMW has confirmed that an electric junior M model is in the pipeline, cast from a similar mould to the 536bhp i4 M50. BMW has also laid out a timeline for the new 5-series’ release, with the car breaking cover in October this year and an electric i5 Touring estate arriving in 2024.
Of course – and as confirmed by spy shots of development prototypes – a full fat M5 will top the range, which could utilise the plug-in V8 powertrain from the 738bhp XM Label Red. The new 5-series will be built around BMW's CLAR architecture, which enables this wide spread of body styles and engine options, as well as fully electric drive.
Like the i4 and i7, the i5 will share its styling and interior with its combustion-engined counterparts. As indicated by our previous spy shots, the new 5-series will be familiar in its conservative three-box saloon and estate guises, although we expect one or two curve balls for certain versions as BMW continues to explore new interpretations of its kidney grilles and front end graphics. Inside, a curved dual-screen display panel will sit front and centre on the dash, running BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment software.
A series of mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines will be available at launch, sitting below plug-in hybrid variants and the fully electric i5. Both single and dual motor layouts could be available for the latter, with the M performance version likely to adopt some variation of the iX M60's fifth-generation eDrive motors – these offer a combined 611bhp in the SUV, which would give the M5 some breathing space while sitting above the 536bhp i4 M50.
By amalgamating combustion, plug-in and all electric powertrains into the one model, the new 5-series will have a wide spread of rivals from its traditional foes including the Mercedes-Benz E-class and Audi A6, to all-electric luxury saloons like the Mercedes-Benz EQE, upcoming Audi A6 e-tron and new-age rivals from Tesla.
Keyword: New 2023 BMW 5-series – electric i5 M Performance model in the works