2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled
The all-new BMW 5 Series has been globally unveiled and this is the eighth generation model of BMW’s popular sedan. To take on its traditional rivals, namely the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (which recently received a generation change as well, the 2023 BMW 5 Series sports an all-new design and is powered by an all-electric powertrain for the first time, in addition to the mild-hybrid petrol and diesel models and a plug-in hybrid.
2023 BMW 5 Series design
We have seen BMW’s new design language on models like the BMW XM and the i7, and it is one that is bound to polarise opinion. The all-new 5 Series sedan continues to take this edgy design language forward, albeit in a form that is easier on the eyes and will likely find appeal among larger audiences. In terms of dimensions, the 5 Series is longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces – by 97mm, 32mm and 36mm respectively. The 5 Series also gets a 20mm longer wheelbase, which will likely translate to more room for the passengers in the rear seat. BMW has employed a ‘reduced’ design language for the 5 Series and the result is a contemporary-looking sedan with LED headlamps, a sensibly-sized double kidney grille which can be specced with BMW’s Iconic Glow contour lighting. The 5 Series will be offered with 18-inch alloy wheels on the ICE-powered models, while the all-electric i5 models will be running on larger 19-inch alloy wheels. The slim LED tail lamps are reminiscent of the BMW i7 and that is no bad thing, with the overall design of the new 5 Series looking very striking. Buyers will also be able to spec their 5 Series with the optional M Sport or M Sport Package Pro body kits and Individual paint finishes.
2023 BMW 5 Series interiors and features
Step inside and the cabin of the new 5 Series features a reduced number of buttons as compared to the outgoing model. You get a 12.3-inch curved infotainment screen with iDrive OS 8.5 and a 14.9-inch digital cockpit for the instruments. The steering wheel of the 5 Series has also been redesigned with a flattened lower section. You also get the BMW Interaction Bar as an option, which is effectively a crystalline surface that extends across the entire width of the instrument panel far into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels. You get new sports seats as standard while comfort seats are optional, with a wide range of electric adjustment. The new 5 Series is also the first BMW model to feature a full vegan interior upholstery, while Merino leather can be had as an option. In addition to features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 5 Series also gets an integrated e-SIM for 5G connectivity and the capability of enabling in-car gaming for the first time when the vehicle is stationary.
2023 BMW 5 Series powertrains
The new 5 Series is offered in two electric variants and three ICE-powered variants. The ICE variants include the petrol 520i which is powered by a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces a combined power output of 205bhp with 330Nm of torque. This is the sole petrol variant offered at the moment, until the plug-in hybrid version is introduced. The diesel-powered 520d can be had in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions and both of them are powered by the same 2-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 194bhp and 400Nm of torque. All of these engines are mild-hybrids and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
When it comes to the electric range, the base i5 eDrive40 is powered by an electric motor that develops a max output of 335bhp and 430Nm with the Sport Boost function, accelerating from 0-100kmph in 6 seconds. In terms of the battery, the i5 gets an 81.2kWh battery pack that is claimed to be good for a WLTP range of 497 to 582km. The range-topping i5 M60 bumps these figures up by a notch. Unlike the base eDrive 40 which is rear-wheel-drive, the M60 is powered by a dual-motor setup that gives it electric all-wheel-drive. The max power output produced by the dual-motor setup is 592bhp along with 820Nm of torque, when M Sport Boost is activated. 0-100kmph comes up in 3.8 seconds with the M60 and it shares the same 81.2kWh battery back with the base i5, albeit with a reduced claimed range figure. As per the WLTP cycle, the i5 M60 is good for a range of 455 to 516km.
2023 BMW 5 Series rivals
The BMW 5 Series has always gone head to head against the likes of the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and with the introduction of all-electric models, it is bound to heat up competition in the luxury sedan segment. The only thing that remains is for us to verify whether the new 5 Series is as engaging to drive as the ones that preceded it – we cannot wait to find out!
