BMW: This is how the electric 5 Series drives 🎥
FIVE YEARS AGO In its eighth generation, the BMW 5 Series comes on a platform that is suitable for different powertrains. In addition to pure e-drive, there are still mild and plug-in hybrid systems.
The first 5 Series, the 520 model, was launched in 1972 as the successor to the BMW 2000 with a 90-horsepower gasoline engine. In the new edition, it now rolls into dealerships with 48-volt mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains as well as with pure electric drive in two performance variants. The Touring body variant will then also be presented in February 2024.
Wide range of products
As combustion engines are still primarily in demand in many markets, the Bavarians are offering the 530e and 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid gasoline engines with system outputs of 220 kW (299 hp) and 360 kW (489 hp). However, mild hybrid versions are still available with the 520i and 520d models. The all-electric i5 comes as the eDrive 40 with 250 kW (340 hp) maximum system output and rear-wheel drive, and as the M60 xDrive with two e-motors that together deliver 442 kW (601 hp) to all four wheels in sport mode. The high-voltage battery provides a net energy content of 81.2 kWh, which should enable WLTP ranges of 500 to 580 kilometers in the i5 eDrive 40 and 450 to 510 kilometers in the i5 M60 xDrive.
Longer and also heavier
The new 5 Series sedan has grown in length by 97 millimeters to now 5060 millimeters, and the wheelbase is almost three meters. This results in more comfort space inside, but the vehicle's maneuverability remains good thanks to rear-axle steering. With the drag coefficient cW of 0.23, the 5 Series is also well done in terms of aerodynamics. The curved display is the central element of the brand-typical iDrive, which in the latest generation with Operating System 8.5 offers a new graphic display and simple touch operation with Quick Select quick access. OS 8.5 also includes a wider range of infotainment, faster update cycles and improved info on charging points. Video streaming on the Control Display - now even with current Bundesliga broadcasts - is possible, as is in-car gaming with the Air Console platform. The control panel on the center console has also been redesigned with the iDrive Controller, the gear selector and the My Modes buttons.
Agile comfort sedans
Thanks to the 430 Nm available in boost mode and despite an unladen weight of 2130 kilograms, the i5 eDrive40 accelerates to 100 km/h in just six seconds. In the i5 M60 xDrive, which is even heavier at 2305 kilograms, the sprint to 100 km/h is even achieved in 3.8 seconds. Both drive versions are surprisingly easy to handle on winding roads for such large sedans. This impression is supported by the synthetic drive sound designed by sound engineer Hans Zimmer. On the other hand, by limiting the drive power and comfort functions, the range can be extended with the Efficient and Max Range driving modes. However, initial test drives with the all-electric five-wheelers have shown that it takes a cautious "foot on the gas" to achieve the stated consumption and range values. BMW quotes base prices of 85,200 Swiss francs for the i5 eDrive40 and 123,900 Swiss francs for the i5 M60 xDrive.
