BMW presents the renewed 5-series. The seventh generation of the ‘Fünfer’, which has been running since 2017, has been given a tighter look and also benefits from a number of welcome innovations in the technical field.
On average, a generation of the BMW 5 series lasts about seven years. So it is completely in line with the tradition that now, after 3.5 years, the G30 generation is getting a rejuvenation cure. The design of the 5-series dates from a different time than the little brother 3-series, but that corrects this facelift. Starting with the front; there we find completely new, sharper shaped headlamp units with a completely new layout. The LED units are now optionally available with matrix technology. They connect seamlessly to the ‘kidney grille’, which has grown slightly in height and width. That keeps BMW, moreover, clearly more subtle than, for example, the 7-series and the upcoming 4-series. Also at the rear, it is mainly the lamps that offer a different look. Here also applies that a completely new layout of the light units brings the 5-series more in line with the current design language of the brand.
BMW is more subtle in the interior. As standard we find a slightly revised variant of the 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Those who prefer a larger screen can draw for a 12.3-inch one. On the steering wheel, the layout of the buttons has been slightly changed and BMW reports that there is now a more extensive climate control standard in the 5-series. The controls on the center console are always framed in high-gloss black ‘piano lacquer’. BMW’s Personal Assistant is now standard and the navigation functions of BMW Maps can now also be used as standard. This automatically optimizes routes based on traffic. The infotainment system can now also use Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard. In terms of safety, the updated 5-series benefits from, among other things, a more extensive Lane Departure Warning. Also new: the 5-series will be available with a function that puts the car as far as possible against the road marking in a traffic jam, for example. The goal: to make space available for the emergency services.
Mild hybrid and plug-ins
The biggest news under the new hood is the expansion of mild-hybrid technology. From now on, all four and six-cylinder engines in the 5 series are equipped with a 48V system. A starter generator, coupled with its own battery, can provide up to 11 hp extra power. This is addressed, for example, during acceleration or during intermediate sprints, but during quieter driving it can also ease the work of the combustion engine to reduce consumption. Regenerative braking ensures that the battery is charged.
BMW will keep the detailed engine range under control, but talks about three petrol and three diesel versions (four and six cylinders) that deliver between 184 hp (520) and 340 hp (540) of power. The 150 hp 518d still shines for a while due to absence, but may return at a later stage. At the top of the range, the 530 hp M550i xDrive Sedan remains available, with the 4.4-liter V8 blown under the hood. Not a word is said about the M550d, so we may not see that diesel again. Incidentally, the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is standard in all cases except the entry level (520). Naturally, the renewed 5-series will also be available as a powerful M5, although BMW will keep all the ins and outs of that Überfunfer for a later time.
Great news in the field of plug-in hybrids. A number of new plug-ins will be added to the international engine list of the 5-series. Until now there was only a choice between the 530th and 530th xDrive Sedan, but it is joined by the 530th and 530th xDrive Touring. In it, the 184 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder is supported by a 109 hp electric motor, to (with XtraBoost mode) a maximum system power of 292 hp. BMW specifies a full electric range of between 58 and 62 kilometers for the new 530e in sedan form and 53 to 56 km for the 530e xDrive Touring. The 545e xDrive Sedan is completely new. In it, a 286 horsepower six-in-line does the job along with the same 109 horsepower electric motor as in the 530e. The system power is 394 hp according to BMW. In this case, an electric driving range of between 54 and 57 kilometers is possible.
The renewed 5-series will be released next fall. Prices will follow in the run-up to the market introduction.