The New BMW 5 Series. Moving Forward with Style and Tech

Sheer driving pleasure with a sleek and modern design, enough to capture anyone’s attention. It has a really striking presence. More dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations and, for the first time, all-electric drive – this is how the new BMW 5 Series Sedan steps up to the plate. As the BMW i5, the new edition of the world's most successful business sedan takes the lead on the road to sustainable premium mobility in the upper mid-range vehicle segment. Consistent electrification, advanced BMW iDrive display and control system with “QuickSelect“, new digital services, and increased sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle characterise the progress made in the fields of the future that are centrally important in the current transformation of the BMW Group.

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Elegantly Sporting

Compared to the predecessor model, the new edition has grown in length by 97 millimetres to 5,060 millimetres, in width by 32 millimetres to 1,900 millimetres and in height by 36 millimetres to 1,515 millimetres. Its wheelbase was lengthened by 20 millimetres to 2,995 millimetres.

The front view of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is characterised by a modern interpretation of the twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. LED elements arranged almost vertically serve as turn indicators and daytime driving lights. The BMW kidney grille, which projects far forward, features a wide surround and optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.

 

Sheer Driving pleasure and travel comfort combined with innovative flair.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers ideal conditions for enjoying hallmark BMW driving pleasure in everyday traffic and a high level of comfort on long-distance journeys. Generous space, modern functionality, a high level of acoustic comfort, as well as high-quality, precisely processed materials, fine workmanship and advanced digital services characterise the ambience in its interior.

The cockpit of the new BMW 5 Series has a significantly reduced number of buttons and controls compared to the predecessor model. This is achieved by consistently digitalising functions. The BMW Curved Display reinterprets the brand's hallmark idea of driver orientation. The fully digital display system consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display. The steering wheel has also been redesigned with a flattened lower section and haptic feedback on the control panels, and the selector lever on the centre console. The optional BMW Interaction Bar is another highlight. The effectively backlit functional unit with crystalline surface structure extends across the entire width of the instrument panel far into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels.

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Fully vegan interior

Newly designed sports seats are standard equipment. The optional comfort seats offer a wide range of electrically operated adjustment options. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is the brand's first model to feature a fully vegan interior as standard. This includes the surfaces of the seats, the dashboard and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel for the first time. The seat surfaces in the Veganza version with leather-like properties are also optionally available with a decorative perforation. Further optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in several bicolour variants.

 

All-electric BMW i5 M60 xDrive as the top model.

The all-electric BMW i5 eDrive is equipped with extensively enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive (combined power consumption according to WLTP: 20.6 - 18.2 kWh/100 km) combines a 442 kW drive with hallmark M performance and specific design features. Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles make up an electric all-wheel drive. The system torque generated is up to 820 Nm when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated. This enables the BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, its top speed is electrically limited to 230 km/h.

 

New petrol and diesel engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

Petrol and diesel engines from the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines will be offered in a market-specific selection. They now feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology throughout and are combined with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard. BMW has re-introduced the diesel derivative in SA. The BMW 520d Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 5.6 - 5.1 1/100 km; CO emissions: 147 - 133 g/km according to WLTP) and the BMW i5 M60 xDrive.  

 

World First

As a world first, the system in the new BMW 5 Series now also includes the Active Lane Change Assistant with eye activation. This comfort feature now achieves a new level of interaction between the driver and the vehicle. 

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The vehicle suggests a lane change and this can be carried out for the first time by looking in the exterior mirror to confirm the lane change. The Active Lane Change Assistant takes over the necessary steering movements automatically, the traffic situation permitting.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is equipped with Parking Assistant, including Reversing Assist, as standard. With the optional Parking Assistant Professional, automated parking and manoeuvring of up to 200 metres can be controlled in the vehicle or by smartphone outside the vehicle.

Verdict

Everything about the new 5 series is typical BMW. Good looks and the drive absolutely smooth. Instant power in the electric model but the diesel edition was also fast when you needed it to go quick. The interior with sports seats very comfortable indeed. I loved everything about the new 5 series.

Price

BMW 520d R1,247,893.60

BMW i5 eDrive40 R1,842,500.00

BMW i5 M60 xDrive R2,190,000.00