LAfter months of waiting, spy photos and official previews, BMW finally presented the new generation of the 5 Series. Contrary to what we could imagine, it is not an evolution of its predecessor, but a completely different approach in which technology and electrification play a leading role, which can even overshadow even the 7 Series.
Starting with its aesthetics, this is the point that is perhaps the most surprising since the images that were known up to now anticipated a design that appeared to be continuous. However, the Munich firm did the opposite: the 5 Series -and its 100% electric variant, i5- are truly groundbreaking both within the saga of the model and of the brand itself by adopting its own style, although without leaving to be quite controversial for the most traditional followers of the company.
Although in this case the designers did not resort to the oversized grill of the 7 Series or the 4 Series, the characteristic double kidney gains prominence at the front, by having a more prominent frame that varies according to the version, also giving rise to the marked ribs of the bonnet. The headlights debut a new straighter light signature and according to the company, they are inspired by the 5 Series created by Chris Bangle. Below, the huge air intakes of the bumper stand out, which also have a glossy black frame, appliqués that are repeated in various sectors of the body such as the window frames, the lower skirtings or the rear bumper.
Its silhouette continues to be that of a typical sedan with three well-defined volumes, now with straighter and more angular lines, with a long hood and a rear finish with a more inclined trunk drop, something that completely reformulates the style that usually have the brand sedans. The taillights are also very different from those found on other BMW products and adopt a slimmer, more horizontal format. In summary, it is a 5 Series very different from its predecessors and even within BMW’s own range, although perhaps somewhat impersonal as it moves away from the company’s typical features and leaves elegance aside to bet on a decidedly sporty style.
Inside Doors it takes a huge leap compared to the previous generation but it does align with the company’s latest releases such as the 7 Series or the iX. The dashboard revolves around the two huge screens of the BMW Curved Display, one 12.3″ and the other 14.9″ for the instruments and multimedia system. Most of the physical controls were left aside for touch or movement commands, which gives it a certain minimalism. Of course, the quality of the materials used stands out, such as the leather of the coverings or the aluminum of the steering wheel appliqués, the door panels or the pedal board. On all these points, there is no difference between the 5 Series and the i5.
Of course, one of the most important aspects in this type of executive sedans is its level of technology and the sedan from the Munich firm boasts systems equal to or even superior to those of the 7 Series: it has, for example, the Live navigation system Cockpit Navigation Pro with a Head-up Display with augmented reality technology, AirConsole with on-board video games, Drive Assist Pro that groups various driving assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, steering and control assistant lane control with eye activation that allows overtaking, confirming only by looking at the rearview mirror.
Developed on the CLAR platform, the increase in dimensions is evident, measuring 5,060 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, 1,505 mm in height and 2,995 mm in wheelbase. Likewise, this architecture allows the incorporation of 100% electric combustion or mechanical engines. For its launch, BMW presented three initial versions: 520i with a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering 190 PS and 310 Nm of torque; 520d 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel with 197 hp and 400 Nm of torque, in both cases associated with the 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. Finally, the 520d xDrive version adds all-wheel drive. Then the most powerful options with 6-cylinder engines will be added.
On the side of the 100% electric variants, the i5 will be available in two options, eDrive40 with 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque, which can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 193 km/h. h, or the M60 xDrive that adds an additional engine to reach 601 hp and 820 Nm of torque with which it achieves impressive performance, being able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach 230 km/h maximum speed, always electronically limited so as not to impair autonomy. In both cases, the battery is lithium-ion with a capacity of 81.2 kWh, which allows it to travel between 477 and 582 kilometers for the eDrive40 or 455 to 516 kilometers for the M60 xDrive.
Its arrival at European dealerships will take place in the coming months, where it will also have to face its recently renewed direct rival, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the EQE.
