BMW Debuts All-New 5 Series; Available First-Ever Fully Electric

BMW has revealed the 8th generation of its midsize 5 Series sedan, which will go on sale in late 2023 as a 2024 model boasting fresh looks, more tech and an available fully-electric powertrain for the first time in 5 Series history.

That’s the aptly named i5, following the naming conventions of other all-electric BMW vehicles. There are still internal combustion offerings, which we’ll get into shortly, spread across a variety of models.

The new 5 Series lineup consists of the 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive, i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive. There’s also an unspecified plug-in model arriving stateside in 2024.

At the top of the range is the i5 M60 xDrive. Its electric powertrain is capable of 590 horsepower, made possible by the 335 horsepower rear motor and 257 front motor. Total system torque is rated at 549 lb-ft of torque, up to 605 lb-ft with M Sport Boost or M Launch Control. The M60 is capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and with enough track ahead, an electronically-limited max speed of 143 mph when riding on performance tires– 130 with all-seasons.

The i5 eDrive40 is a bit more tame, generating 335 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from the rear axle-mounted motor, upped to 317 lb-ft with Sport Boost or Launch Control active. In this case, a 0-60 mph time can be achieved in 5.7 seconds, while top speed is limited to 120 mph.

The i5 uses an 84.3 kWh battery pack and, as expected, range is dependent on a few factors. For example, the i5 eDrive40 with standard 19-inch wheels can travel an estimated 295 miles on a single charge. The M60 xDrive, however, is estimated closer to 256 miles. When it’s time for a recharge, a proper DC fast charger at 205 kW can complete a 10-to-80 percent charge in approximately 30 minutes. First-time owners will receive two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America stations.

Back to internal combustion, the 530i and 530i xDrive are powered by a new generation 2.0-liter inline-4, turbocharged to the effect of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, 7 horsepower and 38 lb-ft more than the outgoing generation. The 540i is powered by a 3.0 liter turbocharged inline-6, which now makes 375 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque—increases of 40 horsepower and 52 lb-ft over the previous model, although the 540i can be temporarily boosted to 398 lb-ft of torque. This comes courtesy of a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system which comes standard on both the four- and six-cylinder engines. In addition, both engines come with an electronically operated VANOS camshaft phasing system for greater fuel efficiency.

All 5 Series models have grown in some meaningful ways, including an extra 3.4-inches added onto the overall length, now 199.2-inches total. That extra length rests on a longer wheelbase, just 0.8-inches longer now up to 117.9-inches total. This is said to improve rear seating comfort. The 5 Series has grown wider by 1.3-inches, now at a total of 74.8-inches; and they’ve gotten taller by 1.4-inches, now at 59.6-inches total.

These new dimensions are encapsulated by a new, more modern design, starting with the newest interpretation of BMW’s kidney grille bookended by LED headlights. The two LED elements which appear to be almost completely vertical encompass the daytime running lights and turn signals. The rear is defined by flat L-shaped taillights with four narrow LED strips, divided by chrome.

Interior photos point towards the luxurious and tech-savvy experience we’ve come to expect from modern BMWs. The biggest flex here may be digital real estate, specifically BMW’s Curved Display consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch control display, all encompassed by one large unit and operating with BMW Operating System 8.5. Another piece of tech, found standard on the i5 and available on others, is the Interaction Bar. First presented on the latest 7 Series, it features touch-sensitive control panels for various functions, like HVAC and hazard lights.

And one last technological showcase is the AirConsole in-car gaming system. Yep, drivers and passengers can now play games while stationary. It syncs up to the user’s smartphone, which then acts as the controller. There will be “20 or so” titles available for occupants to play.

The 2024 BMW 530i is expected to start at $58,895. That’s for the entry-level 530i and includes the $995 destination charge. The 530i XDrive is next at $61,195, followed by the 540i xDrive at $65,895. The all-electric i5 eDrive40 starts at $67,795, with the range-topping M60 xDrive starting at $85,095.