Next-gen BMW 5 Series, all-new i5 global debut on May 24

The new BMW 5 Series is set to make its global debut on May 24. Alongside the eighth-generation 5 Series, BMW will also introduce the all-electric i5. Ahead of the debut, BMW has teased parts of the interior as well as the exterior design of the electric sedan. 

1. BMW 5 Series, i5 will come to India in LWB guise
2. It will get a large, free-standing touchscreen
3. The new 5 Series will get EV, ICE, and hybrid powertrains

New BMW 5 Series exterior

In the teaser, only the front of the i5 is partially visible. It shows the kidney grilles on the EV sedan will get illuminated surrounds, like the one on the new 7 Series. Also visible are the sleek headlamps that feature two vertical LED daytime running lamps each. As it is an EV, the i5 will sport an i badge on the grille, similar to other BMW i models. It will also likely have blue accents on various parts of the exterior. 

New BMW 5 Series interior

Inside, the i5 gets a similar dashboard layout as the 7 Series. It gets a large, free-standing touchscreen – running BMW’s new iDrive 8.5 operating system – that seems to house the temperature controls for the air conditioning. Other AC controls are mounted under the screen in a separate housing. The i5 also gets ambient lighting elements similar to the new 7 series, as it stretches across the dashboard and extends onto the doors. However, unlike BMW’s flagship sedan, the ambient lighting bar under the infotainment system is not connected, as per the teaser. 

New BMW 5 Series expected powertrain 

The new 5 Series will be available as an EV – the i5 – as well as petrol and diesel engines with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The new 5 Series will also get a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Power outputs for the i5 are expected to range between 340hp and 544hp, and it will likely get an 80.7kWh battery that will get a range of up to 563km (WLTP).

New BMW 5 Series India launch timeline

We had exclusively reported earlier that BMW will launch the new 5 Series in India in the long-wheelbase (LWB) guise in 2024, and it will rival the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB. Currently, BMW India sells the 5 Series in two trims, the 520d M Sport and 530i M Sport, which are priced between Rs 65.90 lakh-68.90 lakh (ex-showroom). As BMW also sells the i7 in India, we expect the i5 to launch in India alongside the ICE-powered 5 Series.