On the 24th local time, BMW unveiled the next-generation premium business sedan, the new 5 Series, which embodies eco-friendliness and digital innovation.

The BMW 5 Series, first launched in 1972, is a representative premium business sedan of BMW, with over 8 million units sold worldwide. The all-new 5 Series returns as a fully revamped eighth-generation model, boasting a unique design, sporty yet comfortable driving experience, innovative convenience features, and advanced digital services.

The all-new BMW i5, the first pure electric model in the 5 Series lineup, sets a new standard for sustainable mobility in the premium mid-size segment through emission-free electric driving.

The exterior of the BMW new 5 Series showcases a sleek and restrained design language, along with dynamic proportions that exude sporty elegance and a strong presence. The body grows by 97 mm in length, 32 mm in width, and 36 mm in height compared to the previous generation, while the front and rear axle distance also increases by 20 mm, providing a more spacious interior.

The front design modernizes the defining features of BMW, such as the double headlights and BMW kidney grille. The headlight design, consisting of four lights, has been changed to be more striking and simplified, while the ‘BMW Iconic Glow’ grille lighting—borrowed from the 7 Series—harmonizes with the new BMW kidney grille, presenting an even stronger presence.

The side view emphasizes a dynamic silhouette with black side skirts and two character lines. The elongated C-pillar’s ‘Hofmeister kink’ features a graphic representing the number 5 embossed into it, while the rear lights incorporate an L-shaped chrome strip to enhance a powerful rear design.

For the first time in the history of the 5 Series, the interior will feature fully vegan materials. Standard offerings include vegan seats that mimic the texture of leather in three different colors, with the option for BMW Individual Merino leather available as an extra.

The dashboard features BMW’s Curved Display, composed of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display. The center console introduces a newly designed gear selector, minimizing physical buttons.

The BMW Interaction Bar, with a crystal design stretching from the instrument panel to the door, harmonizes with the stylish backlit control panel to convey a more luxurious feel.

The new 5 Series comes equipped with advanced autonomous driving systems and the latest BMW operating system, providing a completely new level of futuristic mobility experience. The BMW Driving Assistant Professional, featuring Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and the BMW Parking Assistant Plus, which includes automatic parking features and a 3D surround view, are standard on all models. Additionally, the optional Parking Assistant Professional allows drivers to park and control the vehicle using their smartphone from outside the car.

The latest BMW iDrive features the ‘Quick Select’ function and debuts the newest operating system, BMW Operating System 8.5. With Quick Select, drivers can select their desired functions immediately without navigating through submenus, enabling faster and more intuitive操作.

Moreover, through collaboration with the AirConsole gaming platform, the vehicle now supports gaming features, and video streaming capabilities allow passengers to enjoy various media like YouTube while the car is stationary, making waiting for battery charging less tedious for the BMW new i5.

This new 5 Series is available with a variety of powertrains, ranging from internal combustion engines to plug-in hybrids and pure electric models. The all-new BMW i5, as the first pure electric model in the 5 Series, offers a new alternative for sustainable mobility based on electric vehicles’ distinctive quietness and powerful performance.

The BMW i5 M60 xDrive is the top-of-the-line model in the new 5 Series lineup, featuring two electric motors on the front and rear axles, delivering a combined peak output of 601 horsepower and a maximum torque of 83.6 kg·m. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

The rear-wheel drive model, BMW i5 eDrive40, with one electric motor, boasts a peak output of 340 horsepower and a maximum torque of 43.8 kg·m, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds. Both the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and BMW i5 eDrive40 can travel up to 516 km and 582 km, respectively, on a single charge (WLTP standard).

Additionally, the BMW new i5 can secure up to 156 km of range with a quick 10-minute charge at DC fast charging stations with a maximum output of 205 kW. The Max Range function can extend the driving distance by up to 25% by limiting power, speed, and deactivating convenience features.

All internal combustion engine models of the BMW new 5 Series are equipped with the new BMW Group Efficient Dynamics modular engine, featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology for enhanced driving performance and fuel efficiency.

The 520i sold in the European market features a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a peak output of 208 horsepower, while the 520d is powered by a diesel engine that delivers up to 197 horsepower, with a new plug-in hybrid model set to be unveiled later. (Domestic launch model to be announced later)

The BMW new 5 Series and new i5 will be officially launched in Korea and global markets this October.

Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr