More dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations and all-electric drive for the first time, the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series Saloon continues to stand for advanced technology combined with sporty, elegant design and hallmark driving pleasure.
The new generation of the world’s most successful business saloon also intensifies its commitment to sustainability, significantly reducing its carbon footprint by 20 to 25 per cent in the supply chain, and up to 58 per cent across its life cycle compared to its predecessor.
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 eighth 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 the UK 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. 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.
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.
Available in three exceptionally well specified trim levels in the UK – 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 £51,000.
The BMW 5 Series Saloon range has expanded further with the introduction of the BMW 530e and BMW 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid models, which offer an electric range of up to 63 miles (WLTP) and 55 miles (WLTP) respectively. Set to also 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.
Modern interpretation of classic signature styling
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 BMW kidney grille, inspired by the “Sharknose” and projecting far forward, functions as the visual centre. With its wide surround and BMW Iconic Glow standard on M Sport Pro and i5 M60 xDrive models, the BMW kidney grille gives the 5 Series a distinctively sporty appeal.
Flowing lines enhance the sporty side profile of the traditional saloon design
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.
The side profile has a pronounced athletic look thanks to a high shoulder line, powerfully modelled surfaces and two precisely drawn character lines. Black side skirts provide a visual contrast to the rest of the bodywork, while the door openers are integrated flush with the surface. The counter-swing at the base of the C-pillar, known as the Hofmeister kink, is highlighted by a graphic element with the number 5 embossed on the side window surround.
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.
Exclusive design features for BMW i5 M60 xDrive and M Sport Pro models
Individual design features give the BMW i5 M60 xDrive a striking look and emphasise its dynamic performance. A front apron with black surfaces in its centre and large air intakes, a BMW kidney grille with contour line lighting, horizontal slats and M logo, side skirts and exterior mirror caps finished in high-gloss black, a unique 20-inch M light alloy wheels and a rear apron with a pronounced diffuser insert signal the top-of-the-range model’s sporty character. An M rear spoiler lip is also standard on M Sport and i5 M60 xDrive models.
M Sport Pro variants of the BMW 5 Series Saloon stand out with the illuminated BMW kidney grille with black surround, the dynamic light carpet, high-gloss black exterior mirror caps and a black-painted M rear spoiler. In addition, there are also the M Shadow Line lights for the front and rear and red-painted brake calipers.
Optimised aerodynamics deliver real-world range improvements
Combined with EfficientDynamics measures such as air flap control, an AirCurtain in the front apron, aerodynamic wheels and a smooth underbody, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon achieves an outstanding Cd value of 0.23.
The air flap control can increase the electric range of the new BMW i5 by up to 16 miles, by only opening the cooling air intakes in the BMW kidney grille, the lower cooling air intake, and brake cooling ducts as required. The Air Curtains, meanwhile, direct the airflow from the front apron past the front wheels, thereby reducing turbulence at the wheel arch, increasing range by up to 1.25 miles.
The light alloy wheels with optimised inserts combine optimum aerodynamics with low weight. Their design makes a significant contribution to reducing air resistance and increases the electric range by up to 6 miles.
In the new BMW 5 Series Saloon, the underbody is closed off as far as possible thanks to the optimised panelling and air control elements, reducing air resistance. At the rear, the rear axle cover and aerodynamically shaped diffuser contribute to optimising the underbody airflow. These efforts can achieve an additional reduction in CO2 emissions and increase the electric range by up to 6 miles.
