The eight generation of the revered BMW 5 Series Sedan will launch in Australia later this year. For the first time, two all-electric i5 offerings will join the sole petrol model, the 520i, with the latter featuring 48-volt mild hybrid technology for the first time.
The new BMW 5 Series is the most advanced ever developed and will bring to market an array of features and digital innovations, while delivering new levels of luxury, style and dynamic potential.
As with all previous generations of the BMW 5 Series, the new model will be manufactured at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany, where the electric motors and high-voltage batteries for the BMW i5 are also produced.
The i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive join the range, with a new exterior design that exudes elegance and presence. They feature BMW’s Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille surrounds and adaptive LED headlights with integrate matrix high-beam and blue design elements.
The entire range adopts its interior design and comfort levels from the new flagship 7 Series and also features BMW’s operating system 8.5 for the infotainment system. It marks the debut of an in-car gaming function that uses a smartphone as a controller too.
Variable steering ratios are standard on all models as well, with integral active steering standard on the i5 models. Each variant brings its own unique specifications, starting with the 520i.
Riding on 19-inch M Alloy wheels, it has an M Sport package that includes suspension, sports seats up front, driving and parking assistance professional, a wireless charging tray, live cockpit professional, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
It’s offered with a 5-year warranty and M Alcantara/Veganza combination upholstery. Under the hood is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 153kW of power and 330Nm of torque to the rear wheels.
The rear-wheel drive i5 eDrive40 adds 20-inch M alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, fast charging (22kW), acoustic protection for pedestrians, a 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, leather merino upholstery and a 5-year subscription to ChargeFox.
It offers 230kW of power and 430Nm of torque and is expected to deliver a range of around 582km. It’s performance M60 xDrive sibling further adds all-wheel drive, adaptive M suspension, and BMW CraftedClarity glass touches in the interior.
There’s also active seat ventilation for the front seats, automatic 4-zone climate control, and an M rear spoiler. It delivers 442kW of power and 820Nm of torque, with an expected range of 516km.
In terms of pricing, the 520i will start from $114,900, with the i5 eDrive40 kicking off at $155,900 and the i5 M60 xDrive at $215,900. All prices are plus on-roads. For more information, contact your local BMW dealer.
