The BMW 5 Series was first launched in the 1970s and over five million of them have been sold worldwide, a new 5 Series range going on sale here towards the year-end.
In Ireland, we have been accustomed to seeing the 5 Series at or near the top of the executive car segments most of the time since it first arrived. This has primarily been driven by diesel engined version sales. With the new model, diesel will be no more and with just one 2.0 litre petrol version in the line-up. BMW has practically gone all-in with the it’s all-new, all-electric i5.
BMW believes that going all-electric in most markets with the i5, it will drive their sales to over 15 per cent this year. It will continue to produce petrol and diesel engines for other markets in the short term.
It will be interesting to see how will work out with current Irish 5-Series owners at this time? For instance, Mercedes-Benz will continue with diesel when their new E-Class arrives in September, while also offering electric model equivalents.
While the new BMW 5 Series 520i petrol pricing starts from €69,850, the new all-electric i5 eDrive40 starts at €90,110. It promises a provisional driving range of between 477 - 582 kms. Using a fast charger, the 80.7 kWh battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes. For those susceptible to range anxiety, check out the’Efficiency Coach’. It enables to driver to limit driving power, in order to conserve energy. This can save up to 25 per cent of battery power and the system could be used when running low on battery capacity. The system will limit speed to 90k/ph. It will also de-activate the air conditioning system and reduce functions such as rear window heating.
More dynamic than ever, BMW boasts that it features a wealth of digital innovations as well as the all-electric drive for the first time. It adds that the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series Saloon continues to stand for advanced technology combined with sporty, elegant design and hallmark driving pleasure.
Available in three very well specified trim levels in Ireland – M Sport, M Sport Pro and the exclusive BMW i5 M60 xDrive.
The BMW 5 Series Saloon range will further expand in early 2024 with the introduction of the BMW 530e and BMW 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid models, which are expected to offer an electric range of 78 – 90kms (WLTP ) and 86 – 100kms (WLTP ) respectively.
Also set to join the model family in spring 2024 is the next generation of the BMW 5 Series Touring, which will also be available with all-electric drive for the first time, as well as with plug-in hybrid drive and pure combustion engine drive.
BMW says that the exterior design of the latest generation reinterprets the sporty elegance of a BMW 5 Series Saloon in the brand’s current design language. Its proportions make the character of the dynamic business saloon instantly recognisable. As a performance model from BMW M GmbH, the all-electric BMW i5 M60 xDrive comes as standard with specific exterior features that visually underline its outstanding sporting potential.
The road presence of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is enhanced by its athletic proportions and the larger exterior measurements compared to its predecessor. The eight generation vehicle has grown in length by 97mm to 5,06mm, in width by 32mm to 1,900mm and in height by 36mm to 1,515mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 20mm to 2,995mm for improved seating comfort, especially in the rear.
In addition to a pure-electric drivetrain, the latest generation BMW 5 Series debuts several firsts for the iconic saloon. It is the first BMW in Ireland to feature Veganza upholstery as standard from launch, encompassing the seats, dashboard and door panels while the striking BMW Interaction Bar first seen in the BMW 7 Series is now incorporated in the new BMW 5 Series. A 14.9 inch control screen merges with a full digital high resolution display, and the infotainment screen is a 12.3 inch configuration.
Furthermore, the saloon is now available with a panoramic roof – the first time in the model’s history – and the digital experience is taken to a new high with cutting-edge additions of AI-driven servicing notifications and the introduction of in-car gaming.
As you would expect, an advanced suite of safety features is also standard.
