New BMW 5 Series Is More Dynamic Than Ever

The 8th generation of the world's most successful premium sedan, the BMW 5 Series, takes a huge leap in terms of technology and innovations, along with a sharper, bolder, and more muscular exterior coupled with an even more sustainable interior. Then there is also the new electric i5, which debuts alongside the premium sedan, but that’s a separate conversation altogether. The new BMW 5 Series still employs a diesel mill along with its petrol sibling, while in a few select markets, the company is offering a plug-in hybrid version as well.

BMW is known for an extremely brash front section, but that is not the case with the new BMW 5 Series as the façade is slightly smaller but wider and chrome-laden. As an option, BMW also offers its glow contour lighting. The twin headlights are sharper than before, with LED elements arranged almost vertically to serve as turn indicators and daytime driving lights. In profile, the car still oozes power. Black side skirts, flush-mounted door openers and an embossed number 5 at the base of the C-pillar are further eye-catchers. The stretched proportions flow into a powerful rear end with flat rear lights divided by a chrome strip interpreted as an L-shape.

In terms of dimensions, the new BMW 5 Series has grown in length by 97 mm to 5,060 mm, in width by 32 mm to 1,900 mm and in height by 36 mm to 1,515 mm. Its wheelbase was lengthened by 20 mm to 2,995 mm.

Inside, the BMW 5 Series has a significantly reduced number of buttons and controls compared to its predecessor. The BMW Curved Display has a fully digital system that consists of a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. 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 sports seats in the new 5 are standard equipment and feature a fully vegan interior. This includes the surfaces of the seats, the dashboard and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel. The seat surfaces in the Veganza version with leather-like properties are also optionally available with perforations. Further optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in several bicolour variants.

The new BMW 5 Series comes in both petrol and diesel options coupled with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The 520i is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder developing 205 bhp while the 520d and 520d xDrive models feature a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 197 bhp. BMW will also introduce the 530e, and 550e xDrive PHEV for Europe soon.

With the BMW 5 Series, the company also offers optional Driving Assistant Professional including Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control with Stop & Go function. The Active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation is a new addition, achieving a new level of interaction between the driver and the vehicle. How it works is that the vehicle suggests a lane change and this can be carried out 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. Quite cool right?