The new 5 Series, BMW’s most popular model in Singapore, is now officially here.
The executive saloon is also one of the brand’s top-selling models – with 10 million units sold throughout the past eight generations. The latest iteration now debuts alongside the i5, its first fully electric sibling.
DYNAMIC LOOKS
Up front, the 5 Series has freshly designed, forward-projected kidney grilles reminiscent of the ones on the 7 Series, albeit shorter and with a slightly different shape. The grille is flanked by new twin headlights, with almost-vertical LED turn indicators that also function as daytime running lights.
Step back and you’ll notice that the 5 Series has grown larger – it is now 97mm longer, 32mm wider and 36mm taller than the previous model, making it over five metres long. Its wheelbase has also been lengthened by 20mm.
A high shoulder line, together with two character lines, shape the surfaces that make up the 5 Series’ flanks. BMW’s iconic Hofmeister kink is again present, though this time it is finished with a panel embossed with the number “5”. The rear end, with its flat and slim tail-lights, are inspired by the 7 Series.
DIGITAL TECH
The interior of the new 5 Series is also similar to the 7 Series.
It, too, has a large Curved Display housing the 12.3-inch digital cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen display, along with a two-spoke steering wheel (on the standard 5 Series), backlit Interaction Bar with its crystalline surface texture, concealed air vents and the crystal control knob on the centre console.
The new 5 Series is the brand’s first model to feature a fully vegan interior as standard. The Veganza material exhibits leather-like properties, though BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery is still available as an option.
At launch, the 5 Series will be available in three trim levels – Standard, M Sport, and the Launch Edition (the latter limited to a total of 20 units with an equal mix of 520is and i5s). There will be a total of two powertrain variants to choose from, with the 520i and i5 eDrive40 available at launch, while the i5 M60 is expected to arrive in Singapore early 2024.
VARIANTS
The internal combustion engine 520i is powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine that puts out 188bhp and 310Nm of torque. It completes the century sprint in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h.
The electric i5 eDrive40, on the other hand, has 335bhp and 400Nm of torque, allowing it to reach 100km/h in just 6 seconds. It has a top speed of 193km/h and a WLTP range of up to 582km.
Keen drivers may wish to consider the i5 M60. With dual motors, it sends 593bhp and 795Nm of torque to all four wheels, blitzing to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h. It also has a respectable WLTP range of up to 516km.
The BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille will be standard across all trim levels of the 5 Series at launch in Singapore, while M Sport cars will get the M Sport suspension, body kit, trim and 20-inch wheels (up from the standard 19-inch).
Based on the standard trim, the limited Launch edition will get 20-inch wheels finished in Titanium Bronze, along with Titanium Bronze interior and exterior trim, and kidney grilles.
At launch, the 5 Series starts from $385,888 for the standard 520i and $417,888 for the standard i5, with the i5 Launch Edition topping the list at $430,888 (prices include COE).
