The eighth-generation BMW 5 Series was launched in SA last week, competing in a dwindled yet transformed large luxury sedan niche.
Though natural competition includes the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class it also now competes with differently styled, electric-only Mercedes-EQ and Audi e-tron four-door sedans.
BMW’s executive car blends various power trains in a sedan that is both sleek-looking and tolerant enough to most tastes. Initial models sold in SA are the four-cylinder 520d and the full-electric i5 M60 xDrive. A less powerful i5 40 electric derivative is set to join the power train mix at a later stage while it's not yet known whether the six-cylinder petrol version will be made available locally.
There are many new innovations inside the enlarged and more digitised cabin. The 5 Series has grown to a length of 5,060mm with a 2,999mm wheelbase, which means more leg, head and shoulder room than ever and a bigger boot.
Electric adjustability of the seats and a flat-bottom steering make for a fundamentally sound seating position and generous views outside. Better still, in some models the side bolsters automatically move to tighten around torsos in Sport mode. My only gripe is with the rear seat backs which are too upright, unadjustable and not as well-padded as the fronts.
The car is adaptable for convenience, luxury and engines and transmissions from inside, and the cabin is typical modern BMW with its large, digital, colourful and touch-operated curved screen. BMW’s operating system 8.5 polishes things up, including the return of the climate control switches to the fore instead of being inside the digital menus.
Another interesting innovation is the gesture control system. It now has the ability to use a head-nod to command the 5 Series to autonomously change lanes, but this impressive party trick is not available to SA customers. You can store self parking manoeuvres into tricky places that are frequented.
Globally the new BMW 5 Series launched with 10 models including rear and all-wheel drive models, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, full electrics, petrols and diesels. The i5 M60 xDrive flagship is powered by twin electric motors with total outputs of 380kW and 795Nm. This increases to 442kW and 850Nm for 10 seconds when you activate the M Sport boost function, and the vigour is staggering, launching the car from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds and onto a 230km/h top speed.
The 81.2kW/h battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes using a DC charger and gives the i5 M60 xDrive a driving range of between 497km and 582km.
The four-cylinder 520d diesel has a mild-hybrid system and produces 145kW and 400Nm driving the rear-wheels via a new eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW believes the 7.3 seconds to 100km/h dash and 233km/h top end will be more than quick enough for most buyers.
The opportunity to test their dynamic prowess never materialised as the media launch route was mostly straight roads, and the few bends encountered couldn’t test the chassis that’s grown in length, track widths and a 50/50 weight distribution. Both models are well-damped with precise steering responses that make low-speed manoeuvres a joy. They also have good composure at high speeds, particularly the i5 M60 with its all-wheel drive configuration.
Optional M Sport Package, M Sport Package Pro and BMW Individual paints are available to curate your own aesthetics.
The first drive verdict is that both models are an easy steer and well insulated from road and wind noises. The 520d returned a welcome 6.3l/100km fuel consumption average while the myriad enhancements and intelligent driver assistance systems transform the new Fives into lush and sophisticated cruisers.
Pricing
BMW 520d — R1,247,893
BMW i5 eDrive40 (available from Q2 2024) — R1,842,500
BMW i5 M60 xDrive — R2,190,000
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