2024 BMW 5 Series G60 - details of new line-up, topped by i5 EVs

BMW’s new saloon will hit the UK in October in EV and petrol forms; PHEVs to follow

Four-wheel drive 593hp i5 is star of new G60 5-Series

The new BMW 5 Series G60 saloon has been unveiled ahead of a planned start to UK sales for the highly anticipated eighth-generation model in October.

It will initially come with a choice of drivetrains: pure-electric and traditional internal combustion engine. The electric line-up at launch will feature in a pair of i5-badged models – the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 and four-wheel-drive M60 xDrive G60 – which have been conceived to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQE V295, Tesla Model S and upcoming Audi A6 E-tron saloon.

Shortly after its launch later this year, BMW also plans to begin offering plug-in hybrid versions of the new four-door in an expanded line-up that will also include a successor to the 5 Series Touring in early 2024.

The basis for the new 5 Series G60 is BMW’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform. It is the same structure that underpins all BMW models featuring either a longitudinally mounted internal combustion engine or electric drivetrain.

Stylistically, the new model adopts the change in design direction at BMW first seen on the iX, with a much more modern look than the model it replaces.

The front is still dominated by BMW’s classic kidney grille. On internal-combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid models, the new-look grille receives 14 vertical louvres, but on the pure-electric i5 it sports a blanked-off design in high-gloss black plastic.

Mirroring the latest 7 Series G70, with which it shares many critical components, the 5 Series G60 has grown in size. Its length has increased by 97mm to 5060mm, width has risen by 32mm to 1900mm and height is up by 36mm to 1515mm. The wheelbase has also gained 20mm, at 2995mm.

Inside, the new 5 Series and i5 follow the lead of the larger 7 Series and i7 with a new triple-layer dashboard supporting a single curved display panel. The unit houses a 12.3in instrument display and a 14.9in infotainment touchscreen.

The UK’s initial eighth-generation 5 Series G60 line-up consists of one combustion-powered model: the rear-wheel- drive 520i. No diesel variants of the new 5 Series will be available in Britain. The 520i runs the latest version of BMW’s familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot mild-hybrid petrol engine with 205bhp and 236lb ft. It’s claimed to reach 62mph from standstill in 7.5sec and attain a top speed of 143mph. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard.

Other new 5 SeriesG60 saloon models set to be launched in the UK by the second quarter of 2024 include the 299bhp 530e and 489bhp 550e xDrive plug-in hybrids.

Both of these plug-in hybrid models benefit from a new gearbox-mounted electric motor developing up to 194bhp and 332lb ft of torque. There’s also a new 19.4kWh lithium ion battery, which provides the 530e with an electric-only range of 54-62 miles and the 550e xDrive with 49-56 miles. BMW has increased the AC charging capacity of its petrol-electric 5 Series models to 7.4kW for faster recharging. In the electric-powered i5 saloon line-up, the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 receives a rear-mounted electric motor developing 335bhp and 317lb ft of torque, giving it a claimed 0-62mph time of 6.0sec and a 120mph top speed.

The four-wheel-drive M60 xDrive G60 uses the same rear-mounted electric motor as the eDrive40 in combination with a smaller front-mounted motor that delivers an added 256bhp and 269lb ft. All up, it develops a combined system output of 593bhp and 605lb ft for a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.8sec and an electronically limited top speed of 143mph. Both i5 models feature an 81.2kWh lithium ion battery as standard. The eDrive40 offers a claimed range of between 296 and 362 miles, while the more powerful M60 xDrive delivers a claimed 283 to 321 miles of range.

Each i5 has 11kW AC charging functionality as standard, although this can be increased to 22kW with an optional on-board charger. The maximum DC charging capability is put at 205kW, with BMW claiming a 10-80% charge within 30 minutes. Together with the eDrive40 and M60 xDrive, BMW has confirmed that a third i5 model is scheduled to arrive in 2024.

Kerb weights for the initial 5 Series G60 line-up range from 1680kg for the 520i to 2305kg for the i5 M60 xDrive. Under its skin, the new BMW retains a double-wishbone and multi-link suspension, with either steel or air springs and single-stroke or dual-stroke dampers, depending on the model. It also offers Integral Active Steering with up to 2.5deg of rear-steer effect, active roll stabilisation and active roll comfort as part of an M adaptive suspension that comes as standard on the i5 M60 xDrive G60.

As with all previous generations, the new 5 Series and i5 for the UK will be produced at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany – the same site that produces the electric motors and battery for other electric-powered BMW models.

UK prices for the new 5 Series G60 start at £49,850 for the 520i – £3745 more than today’s 520i M Sport. The new i5 eDrive40 is £73,200 and the i5 M60 xDrive G60 £98,840. Three trim levels will be available – M Sport, M Sport Pro and, on the i5 M60 only, M Performance.

Entry-level i5 has a claimed range of 296 to 362 miles Longer wheelbase should create space; glass roof optional Cabin design is influenced by the latest 7 Series.

In a first for BMW, the new 5 Series and i5 come with a fully vegan interior as standard.

The i5 M60 xDrive G60 develops 593bhp and 605lb ft for a claimed 0-62mph of 3.8sec. Initial i5s will be the £73,200 eDrive40 and £98,840 M60.

TECH DETAIL

The eighth generation 5 Series has been officially unveiled, and it’s packed with a huge range of impressive features and technology, including the introduction of two all-electric models. The eighth generation vehicle has grown in length by 97mm to 5060mm, in width by 32mm to 1900mm and in height by 36mm to 1515mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 20mm to 2995mm for improved seating comfort, especially in the rear. 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 7 Series is now incorporated in the new G60 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.

Available in three exceptionally well-specified trim levels in the UK – M Sport, M Sport Pro and the exclusive i5 M60 xDrive – the new 5 Series Saloon is available to order now priced from £49,850. The G60 5 Series Saloon range will further expand in early 2024 with the introduction of the 530e and 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid models, which are expected to offer an electric range of 54-62 miles (WLTP) and 49-56 miles (WLTP) respectively. Combined with EfficientDynamics measures such as air flap control, an AirCurtain in the front apron, aerodynamic wheels and a smooth underbody, the new G60 5 Series Saloon achieves an outstanding Cd value of 0.23. Also set to join the model family in spring 2024 is the next generation of the 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.

The front view of the new 5 Series Saloon is characterised by a modern interpretation of the brand’s signature twin headlights and iconic 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. Individual design features give the all-electric 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 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” M light alloy wheel design 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 5 Series Saloon stand out with the illuminated kidney grille with black surround, the dynamic light carpet, high-gloss black exterior mirror caps and a blackpainted M rear spoiler. In addition, there are also the M Shadow Line lights for the front and rear, as well as distinctive red-painted brake calipers. Inside, the fully digital BMW Curved Display represents the heart of the interior redesign. Other innovations include the BMW Interaction Bar in the instrument panel and door area, My Modes for a customisable driving and interior experience, and the new gear selector switch on the centre console.

With its frameless glass surface slightly inclined towards the driver, the BMW Curved Display consists of a 12.3” Information Display behind the steering wheel and a Control Display with a 14.9” screen, which merge into a single fully digital high-resolution display unit. The iDrive experience, based on BMW Operating System 8.5, offers a new graphic display with a particularly clear start screen and “QuickSelect” access for simple and intuitive touch operation. The latest-generation operating system introduces new functionalities, including video on demand via YouTube for the driver and front passenger when stationary (a SIM card reader and separate data plan are required for these functions). The entire rear seat backrest is now divided as standard in the ratio 40:20:40, offering greater versatility when it comes to luggage. The boot compartment of the new G60 5 Series Saloon has a total storage volume of up to 520 litres (490 litres on i5 models). Despite their drive units being integrated into the rear axle, the all-electric i5 models have a luggage compartment volume that is almost equivalent to the other variants. The optional panoramic glass roof is a first for the G60 5 Series Saloon. It covers almost the entire roof surface and extends without interruption from just behind the windscreen to almost the rear window. With a length of 841mm and a width of 818mm, the viewing area is almost 90% larger than the sunroof of the predecessor. An optional interior sunblind provides shading of the interior.

The standard Harman Kardon Surround Sound System provides a high-level 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. Illuminated metal panels for the loudspeakers in the doors emphasise the exclusive character of the sound system.

The new 5 Series Saloon is to be offered for the first time with the choice of all-electric models. The 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 295lb ft or 317lb ft with the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The zero-to-62mph sprint is covered in 6.0 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically limited to 120mph. Its combined power consumption is between 19.5 and 15.9kWh per 62 miles. The i5 eDrive40 has a range of 296-362 miles.

The G60 i5 M60 xDrive is the new top model and combines a 601hp (with M Sport Boost or M Launch Control) electric drive with hallmark M performance and specific design features. Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles form the electric all-wheel drive system. The rear motor generates 340hp, while the front motor produces 261hp. The system torque generated by both motors is 586lb ft or 605lb ft when M Sport Boost or M Launch Control is activated.

This enables the i5 M60 to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 143mph. Its combined power consumption is 20.6 to 18.2kWh per 62 miles. The G60 i5 M60 xDrive has a range of 282-320 miles (WLTP).

The new 520i Saloon features a four-cylinder petrol engine equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology to produce a spontaneous response to every accelerator movement, both when starting off and during acceleration. Its four-cylinder engine produces 190hp and 229lb ft of torque, increased to 208hp and 243lb ft with the support of the 48-volt mild hybrid technology – 24hp and 30lb ft more than its predecessor. The new 520i Saloon takes 7.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 62mph. A new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is standard, with shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Sport Boost function activated by the left paddle.

Both the double-wishbone front axle and the five-link rear axle of the new 5 Series Saloon have undergone extensive development. To optimise the acoustic properties, the front axle support received has an elastic steering gear mount. In the i5 M60 xDrive, noise from the electric drive is insulated by large powertrain mounts, while the all-wheel drive variants feature an aluminium stiffening plate under the front axle support. The rear axle support combines low weight with high rigidity. The vibration damping and acoustic insulation of the i5’s electric drive unit are optimised by a large bearing and specific rubber mounts for the rear axle support. Customer deliveries for the G60 5 Series will commence in October 2023.

PAST 5 SERIES

• E12 1972-1981 First of the breed wore a handsome body penned by Paul Bracq, stylist of France’s TGV trains. Around 700,000 built.
• E28 1981-1987 Introduced the 282bhp M5; also the first to have ABS, an airbag, electronic ECU, catalytic converter…
• E34 1988-1996 The first to sell in huge volumes, with 1.3 million made and spawning the Touring version.
• E39 1995-2004 Often touted as the finest saloon ever built. The M5 upgraded to a 394bhp atmospheric V8.
• E60/E61 2003-2010 Designed by Chris Bangle. Firsts include the original iDrive and the only V10 in a road-going BMW saloon.
• F07/F10/F11 2009-2017 Introduced the Gran Turismo – and first hybrid 5 Series powertrain, with a combined 335bhp.
• G30 2017-2024 Added plug-in hybrid power. M5 CS a fitting last hurrah for booming V8 super-saloons.
• G60/G61 2023-2029 More dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations and, for the first time, all-electric drive — this is how the new BMW 5 Series Sedan G61 steps up to the plate. As the BMW i5 G60, the new edition of the world's most successful business sedan takes the lead on the road to sustainable premium mobility in the upper mid-range vehicle segment.