The history of the BMW 5 Series stretches back to the 1970s. Seven generations of the company’s luxury sedans have come before. An eighth was added today as the all-new BMW 5 Series was shown to the world. The car is known as G60 internally will make its SA debut towards the very end of this year.
Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.
Evolutionary Exterior
BMW has copped a lot of flack over the last few years for its controversial design language (we’re looking at you XM), so it’s no surprise to see that the all-new BMW 5 Series design is far more sedate.
The design is not a step-change from the model it replaces. Images don’t really show it, but the new model has grown in most directions. It is 97 mm longer (at 5 060 mm), 32 mm wider, 35 mm taller and the wheelbase has grown by 20 mm (to 2 995 mm).
Click here to check out other BMW content on our website.
High-Tech Cabin
BMW says: The cockpit of the new BMW 5 Series has a significantly reduced number of buttons and controls compared to the predecessor model.
While the outside is conservative in appearance, the interior has been completely revamped. The fully redesigned facia features BMW’s twin-screen setup. The fully digital display system consists of a 12,3-inch information display ahead of the drive and a 14,9-inch infotainment interface.
The all-new BMW 5 Series features 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 steering wheel has also been redesigned with a flattened lower section. There is now haptic feedback on the steering control panels, and the selector lever on the centre console. Check out more highlights of the cabin treatment of the all-new BMW 5 Series in the gallery below.
Engine Options
There are a whole host of engine options available in the all-new BMW 5 Series, depending on where you live. There are petrol, diesel hybrid and full electric options. SA buyers will have just two options to choose from when the new model goes on sale here later this year. The two powertrain options will be badge 520d and i5 M60 xDrive.
The i5 M60 xDrive will be the performance halo until an M5 eventually arrives. The M60 has a 442 kW electric powertrain. One electric motor per axle makes the model all-wheel drive. When M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated peak torque is up to 820 N.m; it is usually 795 N.m. BMW says the i5 M60 can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
An inline, four-cylinder diesel mill powers the entry-level 520d. The turbocharged unit, which features 48V mild-hybrid technology, produces 145 kW/400 N.m of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear axle.
BMW SA says: The model range will be supplemented in early 2024 by two variants with plug-in hybrid drives of the latest generation. A new in-line six-cylinder diesel engine will be available for the BMW 5 Series Sedan from 2024.
Leave A Comment