2024 BMW 5 Series sedan unveiled with electric i5

The 2024 BMW 5 Series selection will welcome two new electric models, while its traditional combustion offerings will be consolidated into a solitary four-cylinder version.

BMW has taken the wraps off the eighth-generation 5 Series sedan, a model that carries a significant portion of the brand's sales. The new 2024 BMW 5 Series, which is expected to grace Australian showrooms later this year, presents a bold and distinctive design that walks a fine line between innovation and tradition.

The new 5 Series sedan, internally referred to as the G60, is a striking departure from its predecessor, featuring sharper lines and a more angular body. This design shift is reminiscent of the radical transformation seen in the BMW iX, marking a new era for the brand. The 5 Series sedan's new look is arguably the most avant-garde since the Chris Bangle-designed 'E60' launched in 2003.

The 5 Series sedan's dimensions have grown, now measuring 5060mm in length, 1900mm in width, and 1515mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2995mm. This expansion makes it larger than the current Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Despite the increased size, the boot capacity remains at a generous 520L for petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid models, while the all-electric i5 models offer 490L.

The 5 Series will debut in Europe with a variety of power options, including petrol, diesel, and electric. The electric options will be featured in two initial i5 models, the rear-wheel-drive eDrive 40 and the all-wheel-drive M60 xDrive. These models are designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Tesla Model S.

The eDrive 40 features a rear-mounted electric motor producing 250kW of power and up to 430Nm of torque, enabling it to achieve a 0-100km/h time of 6.0 seconds. The M60 xDrive, on the other hand, combines the same rear-mounted electric motor with a smaller front-mounted motor, resulting in a combined system output of 442kW and 820Nm in its sportiest mode. This power allows the M60 xDrive to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

Both i5 models are equipped with an 81.2kWh lithium-ion battery. The eDrive 40 claims a driving range of between 477km and 582km in European WLTP testing, while the M60 xDrive offers a range of 455km to 516km, depending on the options selected. Both models come with 11kW AC charging functionality as standard, which can be increased to 22kW with an optional on-board charger. Maximum DC fast-charging capability is put at 205kW, with BMW claiming a 10 to 80 per cent recharge can be completed in 30 minutes.

Apart from the M5 - whose new generation is still under wraps - the outgoing 5 Series range in Australia comprised four combustion engines and a plug-in hybrid variant.

For the new model, those not opting for one of the two electric i5 versions will have a single option: the rear-wheel-drive 520i.

This model is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid system.

The 520i delivers a power output of 153kW and a torque of 330Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a respectable 7.5 seconds.

BMW Australia hasn't mentioned the turbo four-cylinder 530i and turbo six-cylinder 540i xDrive, which are expected to be available in the US, nor the two plug-in hybrid variants slated for release in Europe.

In terms of safety, the new 5 Series offers a wide range of advanced features. Level 2 autonomous driving is available in some markets, permitting hands-free/eyes-on-the-road driving on select divided highways. A new optional Highway Assistant and Active Lane Change system allows the driver to complete a hands-free lane change when the system deems it is safe by simply glancing in the side mirror in the direction intended.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series and i5 models mark a significant shift in BMW's design language, first seen in the iX model. The front end continues to be dominated by BMW's iconic 'kidney' grilles, but they have grown in size and, like other BMW models, can come with illuminated surrounds. The grilles on most models feature 14 vertical louvres, while the electric i5 models sport a sleek, high-gloss black plastic cover with no louvres for the i5 M60 flagship.

The headlamps have been redesigned to a more angular appearance, with options for standard LED or matrix LED functionality. The bonnet also receives a more contoured design with a distinctive central indent, similar to the iX. The bodywork along the sides is smoother than before, and traditional door handles have been replaced with flush-fitting units. These design elements, along with a flat underbody, contribute to the i5 eDrive 40's impressive drag coefficient of 0.23.

The rear end of the new 5 Series features a shorter boot deck and replaces the traditional L-shaped tail lamps with thin horizontal LED units that extend well into the boot, emphasizing the car's increased width. BMW offers optional M Sport and M Sport Pro styling packages, and wheel sizes range from 18 to 21 inches in diameter.

The interior of the new 5 Series follows the lead of the larger 7 Series, with a triple-layer dashboard supporting a single curved display panel. This panel houses a 12.3-inch instrument screen and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running the latest BMW iDrive 8.5 operating system. This system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as video streaming via various apps.

BMW has reduced the number of physical controls, with functions such as air conditioning now controlled through the central infotainment display. The steering wheel has been redesigned with simplified multi-function controls, as has the centre console, which houses a slider-style gear selector and BMW's traditional rotary iDrive controller.

The new 5 Series and i5 models come with a fully 'vegan' interior as standard, featuring synthetic material for the seat upholstery, the dashboard, and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel. Buyers can specify genuine Merino leather upholstery for the seats as an option.

The new 5 Series sedan will be produced at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, the same site that produces the electric motors and battery for the i5 and other electric BMW models. Deliveries in Europe and other key markets are expected to begin in October 2023.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series sedan represents a significant step forward for the brand, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. With its bold design and expanded power options, it's set to make a strong impression in the luxury sedan market.