For those who were eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the new BMW 5 Series, there's good news. The striking oversized kidney grille and split headlights have been left behind in the G60 generation, resulting in a recognizable and appealing design.
This brings to mind the new Mercedes E-Class (W214), which will soon become the main rival for this new BMW 5 Series. Just like their German counterpart from Stuttgart, the 5 Series range will soon be expanded with a Touring model, scheduled for spring 2024.
It's interesting to note that the electric BMW i5 will also have an estate version. Furthermore, the launch of a powerful M5 is in the works, powered by the V8 biturbo plug-in hybrid engine from the BMW XM. The rear of the car shares some elements with the new BMW 7 Series but avoids predictability in the design. BMW describes the design of the new 5 Series as elegant, with a touch of sportiness.
This sporty character is reflected in the impressive wheels, which can reach a diameter of up to 21 inches to conceal the thicker battery floor of the BMW i5. For the electric models, Performance Aero wheels are available with slats that open and close to optimize aerodynamic resistance, resulting in an impressive drag coefficient of 0.23.
The new BMW 5 Series has experienced significant growth, with a 10-centimeter increase in length and a 2-centimeter longer wheelbase. This extra space benefits passengers most of all. The standard four-wheel steering, combined with the optional anti-roll stabilization we already know from the previous model, ensures that the G60 can negotiate corners smoothly.
Inside the new BMW 5 Series, the focus remains on the driver, as is the tradition of the German automaker. Instead of orienting the center console toward the driver, they've opted for curved displays, which they call "curved displays." These screens offer an immersive experience, without neglecting passengers. The central infotainment screen even offers the possibility to stream movies and play games, so time spent during the inevitable charging stops in the electric BMW i5 can be enjoyable.
The G60 generation of the BMW 5 Series is unique in that it supports three different drivetrain options. Thanks to the versatile CLAR platform, also used for the i4 and the 7 Series, buyers have a choice of mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric propulsion systems.
At launch, two combustion engines are available, one gasoline (520i) and one diesel (520d), both offered in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (xDrive). Two versions of the electric BMW i5 are also available: the rear-wheel-drive eDrive 40 and the all-wheel-drive M60. Early in 2024, two additional plug-in hybrid versions will be introduced, but they may be less attractive for the Belgian (fleet) market.
The BMW i5 eDrive 40 is powered by an electric motor with a peak output of 340 hp. The battery has a capacity of 82 kWh and offers an impressive range of 582 kilometers. The BMW i5 M60 uses the same battery but has a slightly shorter range of 516 kilometers.
Fortunately, charging stops are not a lengthy affair. With a maximum DC charging speed of 205 kW, it should take just half an hour to charge the battery from 10% to 80%. AC charging is normally done at 11 kW, but you can also opt for the optional 22 kW charger, which is standard in the BMW i5 M60. Additionally, the automated Plug & Charge system makes its debut, allowing you to configure up to five different providers.
The BMW i5 M60 stands out with its two electric motors that deliver a combined power of 601 hp. This allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 230 km/h. You can distinguish the i5 models from the new BMW 5 Series by their closed grille, while the M Performance version features black accents.
Regarding the price, the new BMW 5 Series is slightly more expensive, with a base price of 57,000 euros in Germany. Although combustion engines are nearing the end of their life cycle, buyers still contribute to the development of the versatile CLAR platform. If you replace the four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an electric powertrain with batteries, the price will increase to at least 72,000 euros in Germany. For the electric M60 top version, this price will be close to 100,000 euros. BMW justifies this pricing policy by stating that the basic interior has been upgraded with sport seats covered in Veganza eco-leather.
But ultimately, who cares about base prices? The average final price with options will be much higher and will depend mainly on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and residual value calculations, especially in a country where company cars are common, like Belgium.
