The eighth-generation BMW 5-Series is like none before it. It’s available as an EV for the first time and the electric variants could be the top sellers. Like all previous model generations, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is manufactured at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. In 1973, the first vehicle manufactured at the plant was a first-generation BMW 5 Series Saloon.
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.
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. Available in three exceptionally well specified trim levels in Ireland – M Sport, M Sport Pro and the exclusive BMW i5 M60 xDrive – the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is available to order now priced from €70,845 for the 520i, €91,105 for the i5 eDrive40 MSport. The BMW 5 Series Saloon range also features BMW 530e and BMW 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid models, which offer an electric range of 78 – 90kms (WLTP) and 86 – 100kms (WLTP) respectively.
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.
The front view of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is characterised by a modern interpretation of the brand’s signature twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. The LED headlights show the hallmark four-eye face in a modern and reduced form. Daytime driving lights and turn indicators are generated by two nearly vertical LED elements arranged on the outside. The Adaptive LED Headlights incorporate both the cornering light and the Matrix High Beam including the glare-free High Beam Assist BMW Selective Beam. M Shadow Line lights with black trim for the inside of the headlight housings are standard on M Sport Pro models. The new BMW 5 Series Saloon offers customers an appealing welcome and goodbye display. Among other things, the headlights and the light carpet projected from the vehicle sill are atmospherically orchestrated.
The clear and reduced design language is also expressed in the side view of the BMW 5 Series Saloon. Its elongated proportions, long bonnet and almost upright BMW kidney grille are clearly visible. The sporty character of the Saloon’s typical three-box design is also expressed in the steeply sloping A-pillar, the gently flowing roof line towards the rear and the slightly sloping luggage compartment line. At the rear, the shoulder and roof lines flow harmoniously into the contours of the lights. The flat rear lights interpret the brand’s hallmark L-shape with modern appeal. Inside, four narrow, horizontally aligned LED strips generate the lighting functions, divided by an L-shaped chrome strip. Similar to the headlight units, strikingly designed LED units also function as daytime running lights.
Technology is where BMW’s i5 really stands out as a premium offering and it has a very impressive suite of electronic features. Immediately obvious is the vast curved display, which fuses both the driver’s 12.3-inch display with the 14.9-inch central touchscreen behind a single seamless pane. Not only is it visually impressive, but the functionality is just as respectable. Also included is a large full-colour and customisable head-up display, completing the extensive information and entertainment and access to a wide range of services. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported wirelessly, and made simpler by a wireless device charging pad in the central console.
As standard, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is the first model in Ireland to feature Veganza upholstery from the initial launch. The new BMW 5 Series Saloon includes black seat surfaces in the leatherlike Veganza finish, with the material also extending to the dashboard and door panels. Optionally, the leather-free surface material is also available with a decorative perforation and in three other colours. Further optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in several bicolour variants.
The newly designed seats offer increased comfort and optimised adjustment options. Sport seats are included as standard and incorporate electric height and inclination adjustment as well as a heating function. Active seat ventilation is available as part of the Comfort Plus Pack.
The backrests of the outer rear seats extend far into the door areas, increasing comfort. The rear seats can be heated as part of the Comfort Plus Pack. The entire rear seat backrest is now divided as standard in the ratio 40:20:40. The luggage compartment of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon has a total storage volume of up to 520 litres (490 litres on i5 models). Despite their drive units being integrated in the rear axle, the all-electric BMW i5 models have a luggage compartment volume that is almost equivalent to the other variants.
The Travel & Comfort System, available as part of the Comfort Pack, adds ambient lighting elements to the backs of the front seats to emphasise the atmospheric ambience. The standard M Sport specification includes an anthracite-coloured roof lining, while M Sport Pro models also feature M seat belts.
The standard Harman Kardon Surround Sound System provides a super sound experience with 12 speakers and a 205 watt amplifier. With 18 speakers and amplifier output boosted to 655 watts, the optional Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System guarantees an outstanding acoustic experience. A seven-channel digital amplifier creates a clear sound experience in all seats.
Two USB-C ports are fitted as standard in the front of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon and two further USB-C ports in the back. Optionally, a further USB-C port is available in the backrests of the front seats.
The BMW Interaction Bar was first presented in the new BMW 7 Series and is now also available in the new BMW 5 Series Saloon. The backlit unit with crystalline surface extends below the trim strip across the width of the instrument panel far into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels for controlling ventilation and air conditioning. Part of the standard Ambient Light, its lighting design is based on the selected My Modes and can be customised. Getting in and out of the car is accompanied by a welcome and farewell scenario, staged with lights on the BMW Interaction Bar. The BMW Interaction Bar interacts with the passengers in the form of dynamic light animation and indicates incoming telephone calls, among other things. It also indicates to the driver and front passenger when it is safe to get out the car thanks to the Safe Exit function.
The BMW i5 eDrive40 combines advanced BMW eDrive technology with traditional rear-wheel drive. The electric motor is located directly in the rear axle and generates maximum output of 340hp and maximum torque of 400Nm or 430Nm with the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The zero-to-100km/h sprint is covered in 6.0 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically limited to 193km/h. Its combined power consumption is between 19.5 and 15.9kWh per 100kms.
One of the most positively surprising things about the i5 is how much it feels like a BMW 5 Series. BMW has presented the i5 exactly how you would have thought the 5 Series should have evolved to retain all of the elements one might expect while adding in essential progress needed. Its steering is direct and the driving position is luxurious and comforting, but not unsupportive in corners and under heavy braking. The i5 offers a wonderful balance of dynamics and ride quality that the very best 5 Series models have possessed over the decades.
At no point did I feel the eDrive 40 was lacking traction with rear-drive only, and the two-wheel-drive set-up combined with reasonable torque and decent tyres was a good arrangement. With a motor output of 340hp and 430Nm as mentioned, the i5 isn’t slow and if you need more power then the M60 version with almost 600hp might be for you.
The i5’s power and acceleration is perfectly intuitive, combined with an almost equally well-calibrated brake pedal for both regenerative and conventional braking, the i5 eDrive 40 is extremely easy to drive smoothly and is exceptionally relaxing for all on board as a result.
As you might expect, minimal noise levels certainly contribute to cabin comfort, unless you don’t want near silence – here too the i5 can oblige. The Iconic Sounds option allows a different synthetic sound to be played into the cabin depending on the selected My Drive mode. Designed by renowned composer Hans Zimmer, the sounds are intriguing.
If you’re looking for efficiency when driving you can select Mode Efficient, the range of the BMW i5 can be increased by up to 25 percent by limiting drive power and top speed, combined with reduced comfort functions. The Max Range mode was designed for situations where a planned charging stop is no longer possible. The maximum speed is limited to 90km/h; the air conditioning is deactivated; rear window heating is reduced; steering wheel and seat heating and ventilation are deactivated. The range gained in this way is shown on the Control Display, the speed and power scales are adjusted on the Information Display and the additional range is taken into account in the range forecast.
Conclusion
While traditionalists may gravitate towards the more affordable 520i, those prepared to splash out will be rewarded with a more exciting drive in the i5. The exciting electric four-door plays to the BMW strengths and provides a tempting alternative for those open to a luxurious electric sports saloon.
Model tested: BMW i5 eDrive40
Price: €91,105
Engine: One electric motor, 81.2kWh battery
Transmission: Automatic single-speed, rear-wheel drive
Power: 340 hp
Torque: 430Nm
0-100km/h: 6.0 seconds
Top speed: 193 km/h
Electric Range: 500-580km
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Motor Tax: €120 per year
