BMW is preparing to unveil the next-generation 5 Series and we’ve driven the electric BMW i5 version in prototype form
- BMW 5 Series to get petrol and diesel hybrid engines
- 362-mile range for BMW i5
- Due to arrive in late 2023
The new BMW 5 Series and BMW i5 are getting ever closer to showrooms, and we’ve already got behind the wheel of BMW’s hugely significant electric i5 saloon in prototype form. Read on for our first driving impressions of BMW’s Tesla Model S and Mercedes EQE rival.
The upcoming eighth generation of 5 Series will once again be offered as both a saloon and Touring estate, as well as the 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. It also has 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while a mid-life update in 2020 brought the now-five-year-old car in-line with the competition, it’s beginning to feel outdated in comparison to newer, electrified rivals.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.
New BMW 5 Series and i5 interior
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 get the brand’s iDrive OS8.5 infotainment setup which features a ‘Curved Panel’ display, comprising two screens and 5G mobile connectivity. 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.
A new ‘Highway Assistant’ option will allow for hands-off driving and automatic lane changing, initiated by simply looking at either the left or right door mirror, following a dashboard prompt that there’s enough space free in the flow of traffic.
BMW 5 Series and i5 performance and specs
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.
Entry-level versions will be badged eDrive40, with a single 335bhp motor and rear-wheel drive for a maximum range of up to 362 miles. Sitting above this will be a dual-motor M60 xDrive model with all-wheel drive and 590bhp. All this extra performance sees the M60’s range drop to around 320 miles using the same battery.
BMW i5 prototype review – Sean Carson
We're at the brand's test facility in the south of France to get a first taste of what the all-electric 5 Series is like – and to assess whether the Mercedes EQE, Tesla Model S and Genesis Electrified G80 will be faced with something serious to worry about once the i5 goes on sale in October.
The answer is a resounding “yes”. The BMW i5 delivers the kind of balance between comfort, sportiness and agility that every 5 Series throughout the ages has – only the ability of this car has been widened even further, its spectrum of operation pushed at each end to offer both more comfort, and more dynamism.
The 40 feels fast enough (expect a 0-62mph time of around six seconds). On the road the 'entry-level' rear-drive prototype's instant punch pushes it forward in superb refinement. The accelerator pedal response is programmed to deliver linear performance proportional with how much you push it. It's a simple and relaxing car to drive swiftly as a result.
The M60 is even punchier than the eDrive40, as you'd expect, with its xDrive system able to distribute the punch from its dual electric motors between the front and rear wheels to adjust its behaviour. However, the character of the two cars' drive systems is not that different. In the latter the numbers just hit you quicker.
It's the chassis that makes a bigger impression. All i5s will feature air suspension on the rear axle, while our eDrive40 test car was fitted with adaptive dampers and rear-axle steering. There's also new suspension control software, and combined the systems deliver superb ride comfort.
In the softest setting the adaptive dampers deliver a lovely, flowing feel, with even bumpy, rippled surfaces contained well and not upsetting the body. Sport tightens things up a little, but even on 20-inch wheels the i5 never felt overly firm or crashy. The M60 we drove also added active anti-roll control to the list of chassis systems, helping boost stability in quicker corners.
From a more practical point of view, there's what feels like a class-leading level of legroom in the rear, while the space penalty for going electric with the i5 compared with its combustion-engined counterparts in the new 5 Series line-up is, we're told, “minimal”. However, BMW wouldn't divulge exactly how much luggage space the new car offers. For reference, the outgoing 5 Series serves up 530 litres in 520d form.
Keyword: New BMW 5 Series and i5 electric saloon: details and prototype review