BMW 5 Series (2023) – Back to Basics

BMW 5 Series 520i, €65,081

The new BMW 5 series and its electric brother i5 will not be available at dealers until October, but the configurator for both models is already online. In it we find a still somewhat limited range of engines that nevertheless includes diesel, petrol and fully electric powertrains. BMW will expand the range later. In any case, two plug-in hybrid powertrains will be added in the spring of 2024. A more modest electric powertrain and a wider range of petrol are expected.

Whatever you choose; electrified is the new BMW 5 Series anyway. The diesel and petrol engines have a mild hybrid system on board that, in the case of the BMW 520i – the entry-level model highlighted today – provides a total of 208 hp. This enables the 5-series to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and the car has a top speed of 230 km/h. The maximum torque is 330 Nm and the 2-liter four-cylinder turbo is always linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission that you can operate with paddles behind the steering wheel.

Black and white

You can no longer recognize the conventionally driven 5-series from visible exhausts, because the BMW no longer has them. However, the standard wheels are different from those of the i5. The ‘cheapest’ 5 Series rolls on 18-inch ones with Y-shaped spokes – all other options cost extra. There is also only one free paint: a white unilak. Other paint colors have an additional cost of almost €1,300.

From this angle, the grille in the configurator seems quite large.

In the standard interior it is not white, but black. Very black. The chair cover at no extra cost is made of imitation leather that is perforated on the seat and backrest. The interior frames – another thing where ‘premium brands’ offer a good choice – are also painted in a very dark shade with a 5-series without extra cost, so that the interior is almost completely black. There are many other options, but the following also applies: a lot of extra cloth. Which then provides some contrast and does not require any extra money: BMW’s ‘interaction bar’, an LED strip across the dashboard that changes color when operating or using some functions. It’s not real ‘mood lighting’; which can be ordered as a separate extra.

Certainly not scanty

Yet it certainly does not look shabby in the interior of the most affordable BMW 5 series. The times when you recognized a slip-on by a lever for the manual gearbox and the lack of air conditioning or infotainment screen are long gone. The screen that is characteristic of contemporary BMWs is present in full size on the entry-level model and offers access to a navigation function, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while your phone charges wirelessly. The standard audio system has six speakers.

A two-zone climate control is always on it, as well as an armrest with cup holders and USB-C ports for the rear passengers. Even heated seats are standard in the front. The driver keeps an overview through electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors, the left one of which dims automatically. The lighting is LED all around, with the headlights – yes, even on the slip-on – being of the adaptive type.

A slew of safety systems is standard, including a lane departure warning system and an emergency braking function that should not only prevent inner-city collisions, but also keep an eye on when turning left or right. The 5 Series also has parking assistant and front and rear parking sensors. An adaptive cruise control is not on it, but a regular one is.

Waiting for the plugin?

All in all, it is certainly not easy in the new 5 series. Not even in the slipper. Where BMW – not alone, by the way – sometimes had a hand in omitting things that you simply expect on a modern luxury car, take electrically folding side mirrors or LED lighting, that time seems to be behind us. An entry-level 5-series is fully equipped, although it can easily be even more complete.

Especially from the outside, a 520i of 65 grand leaves something to be desired. Bigger wheels and a color already make a significant difference, but require a certain investment. The same applies to things like keyless entry and, for example, adaptive cruise control: pleasures that you may like, but that you will only find in your car if you check entire packages on the option list.

You can live well with a BMW 5-series of €65,000, but with a purchase price of well over €70,000 you are stuck. It may also be interesting to wait a little longer for the 300 hp plug-in hybrid 530e, with an electric driving range of 102 km. That car is expected to carry a similar price tag (because less CO2 emissions), but it offers – at least with its powertrain – more. Or does this 520i already convince you?