More dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations and, for the first time, all-electric drive – this is how the new BMW 5 Series Sedan steps up to the plate. As the BMW i5, the new edition of the world's most successful business sedan takes the lead on the road to sustainable premium mobility in the upper mid-range vehicle segment. Consistent electrification, advanced BMW iDrive display and control system with “QuickSelect“, new digital services, and increased sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle characterise the progress made in the fields of the future that are centrally important in the current transformation of the BMW Group.

The market launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023. The new model generation will be offered worldwide with all-electric drive and highly efficient diesel engines including 48-volt mild hybrid technology in South Africa. Like all previous model generations, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is produced at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, where the electric motors and high-voltage batteries for the BMW i5 are also manufactured.  

Sporty elegance and striking presence with a new design language.

A clear and reduced design language emphasises the new 5 Series Sedan’s sporty elegance and presence. Compared to the predecessor model, the new edition has grown in length by 97 millimetres to 5,060 millimetres, in width by 32 millimetres to 1,900 millimetres and in height by 36 millimetres to 1,515 millimetres. Its wheelbase was lengthened by 20 millimetres to 2,995 millimetres.

The front view of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is characterised by a modern interpretation of the twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. LED elements arranged almost vertically serve as turn indicators and daytime driving lights. The BMW kidney grille, which projects far forward, features a wide surround and optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.

In the side view, the high shoulder line, powerfully designed surfaces and two precisely traced character lines shape the vehicle’s athletic body. Black side skirts, flush-mounted door openers and an embossed number 5 at the base of the C-pillar are further eye-catchers. The dynamically stretched proportions flow into a powerful rear end. Flat rear lights divided by a chrome strip interpret the hallmark L-shape expressively.

The dynamic character of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan can be further enhanced with the optional M Sport Package and the M Sport Package Pro. The range of paintwork already includes three BMW Individual paint finishes at market launch.

Driving pleasure and travel comfort combined with innovative flair.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers ideal conditions for enjoying hallmark BMW driving pleasure in everyday traffic and a high level of comfort on long-distance journeys. Generous space, modern functionality, a high level of acoustic comfort, as well as high-quality, precisely processed materials, fine workmanship and advanced digital services characterise the ambience in its interior.

The cockpit of the new BMW 5 Series has a significantly reduced number of buttons and controls compared to the predecessor model. This is achieved by consistently digitalising functions. The BMW Curved Display reinterprets the brand's hallmark idea of driver orientation. The fully digital display system consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display. The steering wheel has also been redesigned with a flattened lower section and haptic feedback on the control panels, and the selector lever on the centre console. The optional BMW Interaction Bar is another highlight. The effectively backlit functional unit with crystalline surface structure extends across the entire width of the instrument panel far into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels.

A first at BMW: Fully vegan interior.

Newly designed sports seats are standard equipment. The optional comfort seats offer a wide range of electrically operated adjustment options. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is the brand's first model to feature a fully vegan interior as standard. This includes the surfaces of the seats, the dashboard and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel for the first time. The seat surfaces in the Veganza version with leather-like properties are also optionally available with a decorative perforation. Further optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in several bicolour variants.

All-electric BMW i5 M60 xDrive as the top model.

The all-electric BMW i5 eDrive is equipped with extensively enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive (combined power consumption according to WLTP: 20.6 - 18.2 kWh/100 km) combines a 442 kW drive with hallmark M performance and specific design features. Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles make up an electric all-wheel drive. The system torque generated is up to 820 Nm when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated. This enables the BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, its top speed is electrically limited to 230 km/h.

The space-saving high-voltage battery is located in the underbody and provides a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh. In addition to the efficient electric motors, the latest version of adaptive recuperation and an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for heating and cooling the interior, drive and high-voltage battery contribute to the long range. The WLTP value is 455 - 516 kilometresfor the BMW i5 M60 xDrive. With the new MAX RANGE function, the range can be increased by up to 25 percent if required by limiting power and speed and deactivating comfort functions.

Innovative eCharging solutions from BMW Charging.

The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i5 enables AC charging with an output of up to 11 kW as standard and up to 22 kW as an option. The high-voltage battery can be charged with direct current with a power of up to 205 kW. For example, the battery charge level in the BMW i5 can be raised from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

New petrol and diesel engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

Petrol and diesel engines from the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines will be offered in a market-specific selection. They now feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology throughout and are combined with a 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard.

In South Africa, the market launch of the new BMW 5 Series will see the introduction of the BMW 520d Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 5.6 - 5.1 1/100 km; CO emissions: 147 - 133 g/km according to WLTP) and the BMW i5 M60 xDrive. Other four- and six- cylinder engines are available in other markets. The model range will be supplemented in early 2024 by two variants with plug-in hybrid drives of the latest generation. A new in-line six-cylinder diesel engine will be available for the BMW 5 Series Sedan from 2024.  

Unique balance between driving dynamics and travel comfort.

The BMW 5 Series Sedan's characteristic balance between maximum sportiness and high-level long-distance comfort is enhanced once again in the new edition. The longest wheelbase in the upper mid-range vehicle segment, increased track widths at the front and rear axles, an almost perfectly balanced 50:50 ratio axle load distribution, intelligent lightweight construction and increased body and chassis connection rigidity contribute to this.

The extensively advanced chassis technology, like the control systems, has been model-specifically adapted to the weight balance associated with the respective drive technology. It includes directly controlled wheel slip limitation, integrated braking system and sport steering with variable steering ratio as standard. An M sport suspension, an M sport brake system and the Adaptive Suspension Professional (standard in the BMW i5 M60 xDrive) with electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering and new vertical dynamics management are available as options. The optional Adaptive M Suspension Professional also includes Active Roll Stabilisation with Active Roll Comfort. Light alloy wheels in 19-inch sizes (BMW i5 and plug-in models) are standard equipment. Light-alloy wheels up to 21 inches and performance tyre options are not yet confirmed for South Africa.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers a choice of up to six My Modes to deliver an all-immersive vehicle experience. The standard equipment also includes optimised smartphone integration via Apple CarPIay@ and Android Auto TM. With the Remote Software Upgrades function, the vehicle always stays up to date with the latest software. 

The market launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the beginning of a new chapter in the field of customer service. With Proactive Care, BMW is creating a new platform for exchanges with customers when different types of car servicing is required. The focus is on recognising the vehicle's service needs also by using artificial intelligence and proactively offering solutions to the customer.