Redesigned 2024 BMW 5 Series Debuts Alongside All-Electric i5
BMW today unveiled the eighth generation of the 5 Series midsize sedan, the first to ever include a fully electric variant called i5.
Sales will begin this fall with only two models—the 530i xDrive (base MSRP of $70,500) and i5 M60 xDrive ($95,000)—available in Canada at launch. Others will join the lineup next year including a plug-in hybrid.
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Larger and Sharper
More elegant than the compact 3 Series and sportier than the full-size 7 Series, the 2024 BMW 5 Series embodies the German automaker’s latest design language. It is longer (+88 mm), wider (+33 mm) and taller (+35 mm) than its predecessor, with a wheelbase (+20 mm) that stretches nearly three metres.
The redesigned kidney grille grabs most of the attention up front. Overall, the lines are sharper and the surfaces appear tauter. Black side skirts provide contrast, while the signature Hofmeister kink is highlighted by a graphic element with the number ‘5’ embossed on the side window surround. The rear end of the car has not been overlooked. In particular, the taillights feature four narrow LED strips aligned horizontally and divided by an L-shaped chrome insert.
Of course, a plethora of body colours and options are available. The M Sport Package with 19-inch wheels is included as standard (20- and 21-inch alloys can be specified, too), and another package adds an illuminated grille. Also, a fixed panoramic roof can replace the standard tilt-and-slide sunroof.
State-of-the-art Tech with Gaming in Mind
The interior of the 2024 BMW 5 Series boasts increased levels of space, comfort, style, convenience and technology, starting with the BMW Curved Display—a combination of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen. It’s powered by version 8.5 of the iDrive infotainment system, offering a new graphic display with a clear start screen and QuickSelect access for more intuitive touch operation.
The control system is designed to be operated primarily by means of the touchscreen and natural language, but also includes steering wheel buttons and the iDrive controller on the centre console, next to the new gear selector. Gesture control is available as optional equipment. And thanks to a cooperation with gaming platform AirConsole, front-seat occupants can play casual games using their smartphones and the centre display while the car is stationary—a great way to kill time during a stop at a DC fast charger, for instance.
Other innovations include the BMW Interaction Bar with ambient lighting in the instrument panel and door area. As for the seats, they’ve been redesigned for extra support and comfort, especially the optional Multi-Contour Seats. Animal lovers will no doubt select the fully leather-free interior with Veganza. The rear seats fold 40/20/40 to increase the trunk’s capacity (490 litres or 520 litres depending on the model).
Gas or Electric
Under the hood of the 2024 BMW 530i is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that’s now rated at 255 horsepower (+7) and 295 lb-ft. of torque (+38). Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in 6.1 seconds.
Meanwhile, the i5 M60 xDrive becomes the new flagship of the 5 Series until the return of the almighty M5. The dual electric motors combine to generate 590 horsepower and 586 lb-ft. of torque (or 605 lb-ft. with M Sport Boost or Launch Control activated). Expect 0-100 km/h sprints in just 3.8 seconds.
The 81.2kWh battery under the floor doesn’t affect passenger space at all. More importantly, it can draw 205 kW of power from a DC fast charger, going from 10-80 percent in 30 minutes. Maximum range is estimated at 412 km based on the EPA test cycle in the U.S., and the rating in Canada should be similar. Great news for those living in colder climates: a heat pump is part of the package.
What else can we tell you about the 2024 BMW 5 Series? Well, both the double-wishbone front axle and the five-link rear axle have undergone extensive development, the company says. The i5 even gets a standard adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, not to mention four-wheel steering.
One last thing, and it’s pretty cool: the available highway driving assistant with active lane change can suggest a lane change and the driver needs only to look at the corresponding outside rear-view mirror to accept it. This is a world first.
The new BMW 5 Series is set to continue its never-ending battle against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is also brand new for 2024.