New Car Preview: 2024 BMW 5 Series Sedan

BMW has unleashed the newly redesigned 5 Series marking its eighth-generation. The new design stands out with its refreshed exterior, spacious interior, and the option of either gasoline engines (ICE – internal combustion engine) or full battery electric (BEV).

While the sedan variant has been unveiled, a Touring-badged station wagon is also in the pipeline, although it may not be available in the United States. Interestingly, the 5 Series and the electric i5 share a common foundation, with BMW opting not to differentiate the EV with a unique design. The new 5 Series boasts a larger size compared to its predecessor, featuring distinctive elements such as tilted kidney grilles reminiscent of early shark and slant-nose 5 Series models, angular headlights, a sculpted bumper with multiple air intakes, and a muscular hood. The black-painted rocker panels serve the purpose of concealing the increased height necessary to accommodate the i5’s battery pack.

One notable aspect of the new 5 Series is its departure from being a mere copy of its predecessor or other BMW models like the 3 Series or 7 Series. The design is relatively subtle, distinguishing itself from more flamboyant cars like the XM, as the 5 Series caters to a different audience.

Inside the new 5 Series, familiar elements from recent additions to the BMW range can be found. The driver is greeted with a curved display comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen for the BMW Operating System 8.5 infotainment system for the latest iDrive experience. The air vents are subtly integrated into the dashboard, creating a clean and minimalist appearance, and the center console switches resemble those found in models such as the iX. The 5 Series offers various trim and upholstery options to suit individual preferences.

Noteworthy features include the AirConsole in-car gaming platform, which turns a smartphone into a controller, an automated parking system, and Highway Assistant technology enabling “attentive hands-free driving” at speeds up to 85 mph.

For those interested in electric vehicles, the all-new i5 provides an enticing option for midsize BEV luxury sedan. However, for those who do not want a fully electric powertrain, the 5 Series offers two turbocharged engine choices.

At launch, the 5 Series lineup will consist of the 530i model, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This combination delivers 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with acceleration figures of 5.9 seconds (rear-wheel-drive) and 5.8 seconds (all-wheel-drive) for the 0-to-60 mph sprint. Shortly after, the all-wheel-drive-only 540i xDrive will join the lineup, featuring a 3.0-liter straight-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, with an additional overboost function briefly providing 398 pound-feet of torque.

BMW has confirmed the introduction of a plug-in hybrid model in the United States in 2024, while European markets will have access to turbodiesel options that won’t be available in the US. It is also reasonable to expect further engine options to be introduced to the range over time.

On the fully electric side, the i5 will be offered in two variants: eDrive40 and M60 xDrive. The eDrive40 model features a rear-mounted electric motor powering the rear wheels generating 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with a temporary torque increase to 317 pound-feet when utilizing the Sport Boost or Launch Control functions. The M60 xDrive variant incorporates a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering figures of 590 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque, with overboost functions capable of reaching up to 605 pound-feet of torque.

As for the battery, both i5 variants utilize an 84.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, with a charging capacity of 205 kilowatts. Estimated range figures from the EPA are yet to be released, but BMW anticipates approximately 295 miles for the eDrive40 and 256 miles for the M60 xDrive. Acceleration-wise, the eDrive40 achieves 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while the M60 xDrive accelerates to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The top speeds are 120 mph for the eDrive40 and 130 mph (standard tires) or 143 mph (performance tires) for the M60 xDrive.

With the transition to electric power, both the new 5 Series and the i5 have gained weight. They share similar dimensions, measuring approximately 199.2 inches in length, 74.8 inches in width, and 59.6 inches in height. The 530i weighs around 4,041 pounds (rear-wheel-drive) and 4,158 pounds (all-wheel-drive), while the i5 tips the scales at 4,916 pounds (rear-wheel-drive) and 5,247 pounds (all-wheel-drive), making it approximately 150 pounds heavier than the 7 Series.

Standard features throughout the new 5 Series range include 19-inch wheels, a moonroof, front sport seats, a wireless device charger, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a navigation system.

Production of the next-generation BMW 5 Series is set to begin in October 2023. The pricing details for the initial models are below (including a $995 destination charge):

• 530i: $58,895
• 530i xDrive: $61,195
• 540i xDrive: $65,895
• i5 eDrive40: $67,795
• i5 M60 xDrive: $85,095

Below we have included the full initial specifications of the 2024 BMW 5 Series

Specifications.