In May 2023, BMW introduced the new eighth-generation 5 Series sedan. The car with factory code G60/G61 received several notable changes in design, technology, and equipment, and, for the first time in its history, the model became available in an all-electric i5 version. Fans of the classics should not worry, as the manufacturer has prepared several models with internal combustion engines.
This is the most significant update in the entire 50-year history of the model. Pricing has already been announced: BMW 530i $57,900, BMW 530i xDrive $60,200, BMW 540i xDrive $64,900, BMW i5 eDrive40 $66,800, BMW i5 M60 xDrive $84,100. And the new BMW maintenance costs promise to be still above average. But US dealers won’t have the cars until October. The Indy Auto Man dealership crew shares their insights on the new model.
Technical equipment
The new BMW 5-Series has two electric versions. Base – i5 eDrive40 with one 340 hp electric engine on the rear axle. It accelerates to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. But the i5 M60 xDrive is a 598-horsepower hurricane with acceleration to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Both electric versions received a traction battery with a capacity of 84.3 kWh. Charging from a 205 kW fast station takes about half an hour.
In addition to electric versions, the new BMW 5 Series will be available with petrol and diesel engines of various power levels, as well as plug-in hybrids. All engines are equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic and a 48-volt starter-alternator. Gas BMW 5-Series are not really gasoline – they are mild hybrids. The base engine (for the BMW 530i and 530i xDrive) is a 2-liter turbocharged engine with 258 hp. In comparison with its predecessor, it added seven horsepower. It takes 5.8-5.9 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph (the all-wheel drive version is a little faster). A step up is the BMW 540i xDrive with a 380-hp 3.0-liter biturbo engine – it accelerates to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
Major changes
The new BMW 5-Series is more modern and elegant than the 3-Series, and more dynamic and sporty than the 7-Series. Outwardly, it is easy to be more dynamic – the 7-Series turned out to be too monumental. Conventional gasoline and electric BMWs almost do not differ in any way, and for a surcharge, the future owner can get backlighting of the nostrils in both versions.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan has noticeably gained in size and, most of all, in length. It is now 5060 mm (an increase of 86.4 mm), and the wheelbase has stretched to 2995 mm. The width has increased by 32 mm (up to 1900 mm), and the height – by 36 mm (up to 1515 mm). Externally, the new BMW looks more rigorous and modern thanks to a redesigned radiator grille, narrow headlights, and more expressive body lines.
The interior of the new BMW 5 Series has also undergone significant changes. The dashboard and center console are more curved and driver-focused. BMW was reluctant to update the media system of the previous-gen 5-Series, so the new model took a step forward in this regard. The 14.9-inch screen, part of the latest BMW iDrive 8.5 media system, complements the 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver.
There are also many other impressive options on board. For example, the AirConsole platform allows downloading and playing games right in the car (on stops only), and there is even an Interaction Bar system borrowed from the 7-Series. Finally, there is the Highway Assistant autobahn assistance system (it independently drives along the road at speeds up to 85 mph and realigns itself when the driver looks in one of the side mirrors) and a fully automatic parking system.
The Live Cockpit Plus system runs on BMW OS 8.5 and supports cloud navigation, voice control, and wireless charging for smartphones. In addition, the new 5-Series boasts a vegan interior with Veganza leatherette upholstery, a Sky Lounge glass roof, BMW Interaction Bar lighting, and other options.
