The eighth-generation 5-series has arrived with electrified engines and a bold 7-series inspired interior
BMW has become known for its divisive, convention-breaking models as of late, but it hasn’t turned its back on the cars that have built the brand over the decades. Meet the new 5-series: the consummate executive saloon is undergoing significant changes in its eighth generation, with hybrid power available across the board and pure-electric i5 variants offered for the first time ever.
On the surface, BMW has stayed true to the traditional three-box formula with the new 5-series, with few – if any – daring design elements. The chiselled front end shares much with the latest 3-series, and the kidney grilles rise above the bonnet line as in the M3 and M4. The surfacing along the rest of the car is neater than before, with flush-fitting door handles, a sloping boot lid and a closed-off underbody contributing to a drag coefficient of just 0.23.
The new 5-series is built around BMW’s CLAR architecture, which enables both combustion engine and pure electric powertrains in saloon and Touring estate body styles – the latter of which will arrive in spring 2024. Initially, the mild-hybrid 520i will be the only petrol model available, but the range will be expanded with plug-in hybrid 530e and 550e models in due course, each boasting 56 and 62 miles of pure electric range respectively.
With a 2-litre four-cylinder unit supplemented by a 48V starter-generator, the 520i sends 205bhp and 243lb ft of torque to the rear wheels for a 0-62mph time of 7.5sec – four tenths quicker than the outgoing G30 model. The engine is mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, which has been optimised for smoothness with a new torsional damping system.
Using double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, the new 5-series gains a suite of sophisticated chassis technology that includes a variable ratio and speed-sensitive steering rack and optional rear wheel steering, which can swivel the back wheels by up to 2.5 degrees. Four-wheel drive xDrive variants receive a strengthening plate beneath the front axle that improves body rigidity, with adaptive dampers and larger alloy wheels up to 21-inches (19-inch items are standard) available at extra cost. As ever, the car’s behaviour can be tailored using BMW’s My Modes menu, which offers a selection of steering, powertrain and damping settings.
The cabin of the new 5-series takes heavy inspiration from the 7-series limo, with an ‘interaction bar’ lighting array embedded with touch-sensitive climate controls. A curved free-standing display panel, comprising a 12.3-inch digital dash and 14.9-inch touchscreen, also features, running BMW’s iDrive 8.5 system. As the newest iteration of the software, iDrive 8.5 offers video streaming, BMW’s latest Intelligent Personal Assistant and a smartphone-controlled gaming system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also equipped as standard, while over-the-air update capability should bring improved functionality throughout the car’s lifecycle.
The new 5-series costs from £49,850 in entry-level 520i spec, with the all-electric i5 commanding an additional £23,350. First deliveries are scheduled for October this year.
Keyword: New 2023 BMW 5-series unveiled: electrified saloon gets 7-series tech