BMW has been steadily updating its model line with electrification (and bigger kidney grilles) in mind. Just take a look at the G70 7-Series, which launched with a dedicated EV model and an imposing grille to signify itself as the luxury flagship of its lineup.
But if you wanted an executive sedan with sporting ambitions from Munich, then the all-new G60 5-Series is the one for you. And yes, it comes with a reasonably sized kidney grille.
While it is still classified as a midsize executive sedan, the G60 has grown in all dimensions compared to its predecessor, measuring 5,060mm long (+97mm), 1,900mm wide (+32mm), and 1,515mm tall (+36mm), and a lengthened wheelbase of 2,995mm (+20mm).
Sure, it’s starting to encroach on the 7-Series size-wise, but this ensures a more stately appearance with more interior room for passengers all around.
But unlike its more expensive sibling, the 5er adopts a sportier appearance.
A wide grille (with optional illumination), sharp creases, L-shaped elements for the lighting elements and the bumpers, flush door handles, a Hofmeister kink with an embossed ‘5’, and wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches.
The interior of the 5-Series also resembles the 7-Series’ cabin, down to the reduced amount of physical controls, the Curved Display with 12.3-inch and 14.9-inch screens, and the new four-spoke steering wheel with touch controls and haptic feedback. The crystal-like elements on the dashboard house ambient lighting, and you can option it with the Interaction Bar, which has touch-sensitive buttons for vehicle controls.
Other niceties in the cabin include vegan leather upholstery (called Veganza) and front sport seats as standard, but comfort seats and different cabin materials are also available as options along with a panoramic moonroof.
Occupants also get the ability to play games and stream videos on the main 14.9-inch infotainment screen from the brand-new Operating System 8.5. This is only possible when the vehicle is parked, of course. This is another good way to help kill time when you have to charge your brand-new 5-Series.
Yes, you heard that right. It now comes with a dedicated electric model called the i5. Sharing an 81.2kWh battery that can be recharged from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, the two variants differ in performance.
The M60 xDrive comes with 601hp and 820Nm thanks to two electric motors, allowing for all-wheel drive and a blistering 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds, a top speed of 230km/h, and a range of up to 516km.
Meanwhile, the eDrive40 is the tamer variant, with a single rear-mounted electric motor capable of 340hp and 430Nm, a 0-100km/h time of six seconds, and a max speed of 193km/h. Its range goes up to 582km on a single charge.
ICE fans also need not worry as there will still be fuel-burning powertrains available. These are still mated to an eight-speed automatic and are also electrified.
All are mild hybrids that come with a 48V electric motor that can provide additional power when needed. The range starts with the turbocharged 2.0-liter in-line-four, found in the 520i with 208hp and 330Nm, and the 530i with 258hp and 400Nm. There are also diesel variants available for Europe and other regions.
A 3.0-liter in-line-six gasoline (540i xDrive) and plug-in-hybrid models (530e and 550e xDrive) will be available in other regions, with the silky six being a US exclusive. These powertrains are slated to launch in 2024.
Stepping up to the M Sport package has M Sport brakes and suspension as standard, but an Adaptive M Sport Professional suspension grants you active roll stabilization and active roll comfort for tighter handling. The Driving Assistant Professional suite of driver and safety aids now has the active lane-change assistant with eye confirmation.
The vehicle’s launch will start in October 2023, and like previous 5ers, it will still be produced at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, Germany. Are you excited?
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