Why The BMW 5 Series Will Never Be The Same Again

BMW is all set to bring a diverse lineup of powertrains to one of its most popular models and here's what it means for the future of the 5 Series

As one of the market's most popular mid-size luxury cars, the BMW 5 Series is known for its style, performance, and luxury. BMW has found a way to continue to offer "sheer driving pleasure" for over five decades with the 5 Series lineup. Having been first crafted in 1972, the BMW 5 Series is now in its 7th generation and is still the king of the executive mid-size sedan market. The much anticipated revamp of the 5 Series lineup's official announcement is upon us.

With BMW's global sales of its fully-electric vehicles showing significant growth in the first quarter of 2023 with a whopping 83.2% increase, we are definitely going to see more zero-emission options dominating their sales floor in the years to come. The next generation of the BMW 5 Series (G90), is sure to make technological leaps over the previous generation. With the release of the 8th generation 5 Series, BMW is about to bring some exciting changes that further elevate the vehicle's already impressive reputation. Here is what we know so far and what changes are expected.

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Certainly, BMW's most significant unveiling of the year, the eighth-generation 5 Series sedan, is set to debut on May 24th and to hit the market in October. The 5 Series is the perfect all-rounder, larger than the 3 Series and less flashy than the 7 Series. This makes it ideal for the average buyer. The teaser from BMW shows the prototype in camouflage, still perfectly recognizable as the luxury midsize sedan king that it is. Keeping a sleek and conventional design is the right way to go if BMW is trying to appeal to the global market as a whole.

As per Marco Schmidt-Head of Functional Integration for the BMW 5 Series, two electric models will be added to the lineup, the i5 eDrive 40 and the i5 M60 xDrive. Other power plant options are most likely to follow later this year if not included in the May 24th unveiling. BMW seamlessly merges its legendary driving experience with the efficiency of an electric motor-as shown in the currently offered electric models: the i4, iX, and i7. If the EVs in the 5 Series lineup are anything like the fully electric derivatives for sale now, then we can be sure that the driving experience will remain thrilling as ever as the 5 Series joins the EV family.

With BMWs focus on continuing to ramp up electromobility, we can expect the EVs in the 5 Series to hit the ball out of the park. The entry-level i540e comes with a rear wheel motor making 250kw of power, with an estimated maximum range of 361 miles, and is expected to have 340 horsepower. The sporty i5M60 will pack a dual motor all-wheel drive, making 440kw, with an estimated maximum range of 320 miles, and is expected to have 590 horsepower.

BMW's Efficient Dynamics system ensures maximum efficiency and range, with optimized aerodynamics, including air vent control, air performance wheels, and perfectly optimized proportions. The 5 Series EVs also come with MaxRange mode, which we already know from the 7 Series.

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A heavy focus is always on the drivers' experience when it comes to the design of the 5 Series. Because of that, the line up of BMWs only gets better with each generation. Luxury at your fingertips is expected at this point. In saying that, here is what we know will be implemented for the 8th generation 5 Series to achieve that mark further.

We know from teasers that the operating system will be upgraded to iDrive 8.5, which is currently offered in the i7 M70. This new OS boasts a redesigned home screen and newly implemented QuickSelect features to help you avoid those pesky submenus. With newly enhanced high-tech software applications and algorithms, the drivers’ experience will indeed be that of luxury and tech.

With the new OS comes new driver assistance systems. You can now seamlessly switch between Hands-on and Hands-off modes. BMW promises the highest comfort through longer hands-off journeys. But the most exciting is the Automated Lane Change with eye activation as an industry premier. All you need to do is turn your head towards the side mirror toward the lane change, and the eye-tracking software does the rest!

That is all part of the Highway Assistant program, which also includes active lane guiding and urban cruise, as well as active cruise control with traffic light recognition. As for safety, that is getting an upgrade too. BMWs practices the highest safety standards through precise driver monitoring, HD Live Maps, and second lane guard. Also worth noting is that the NCAP 2023 requirements are met ahead of schedule with the recognition of motorcycles and scooters.

Also included are updated systems like exit warning, collision warning with brake function for oncoming traffic, and emergency braking when reversing. Driver-assisted parking also got some love with updates to maneuver assistant with remote control parking via the MyBMW App, parking assistant professional, and reversing assistant professional. All of these features should work together to offer one of the best driving experiences in a 5 Series yet.

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So we know of the two electric 5 Series models to be announced, but what about gasoline-powered options? The new 5 Series is rumored to have a myriad of engine selections to choose from, including combustion engines, mild hybrids, and plug-in hybrids with the legendary M5 all set to go hybrid., changing the 5 Series lineup forever.

Wanting to improve upon the already sporty and responsive feel that they are known for, BMW put some extra love into the chassis on the base configuration for the combustion engine models. Nicolai Martin, Senior VP of BMW Driving Experience, recently did a technical workshop where engineers dive into the upcoming BMW 5 Series' specs.

Part of his presentation touched on Boost/Ease, which means direct driving and intelligent driving, and how they plan to achieve a balance of the two. Some of the added systems to help obtain those goals are an integrated braking system with high-pressure dynamics and reduced weight, a double-wishbone front axle, a five-link rear axle, 17-inch rear brakes, and directly controlled wheel slip limitation. Also added for stability are front and rear anti-roll bars.

The BMW 5 Series has always been one of the most popular cars on the market, and with the 8th generation model being released, it should be a dominant force in the EV market as well. In terms of this launch, they have hit all the right notes and we can't wait to see how it compares aginst models like the recently unveiled Mercedes-E Class, the Audi A6 and the Genesis G80 sedan.

Sandra Sandel is a freelance writer with a passion for cars. She grew up going to car shows and later developed a taste for imports. While she appreciates all builds, her heart and soul lie in anything fast with a manual transmission. When not writing about cars, you can probably find Sandra hanging out with her cats, looking at the stars, or gaming.