Photos of the refreshed BMW 5 Series were leaked a few weeks prior to its online launch today, and so everything we’re now seeing is pretty much already expected. However, we are genuinely surprised that the new 5 Series gets a host of new, electrified powertrains featuring mild-hybrid and/or plug-in hybrid tech on most of the line-up.
Keeping it in line with the brand’s current design language, the facelifted 5 Series features a conjoined kidney grille, which is similar to what the BMW 3 Series has. Also similar to the 3 Series are its sleeker LED headlights and front bumper design, which gives the 5 Series a sportier character. The new daytime running light design now features two separate LED units, in which the outer LEDs now as the turn signals. At the back, the 5 Series gains new L-shaped LED taillights which are now darkened just like in the smaller 3 Series. The rear bumper looks more chiseled, too, also giving it a sportier look.
Interior changes are quite subtle, though BMW has given the 5 Series a major tech upgrade. BMW’s Live Cockpit digital instrument cluster, which works in conjunction with the latest iDrive 7 infotainment system, is now standard. For the first time ever, Android Auto is now available in the BMW 5 Series on top of Apple CarPlay, which is already offered as an option ever since.
Electrification is the theme for the BMW 5 Series’ latest powertrain updates. All inline-4 and inline-6 combustion engines are now fitted with mild-hybrid technology. The powertrains will work in conjunction with a 48V starter-generator and a second battery. The starter-generator also produces an electric boost effect that instantly puts an additional 11 hp on tap. As usual, the engine range kicks off with the 520i for the petrol engines and 520d for the diesel engines. Regardless of engine choice, the standard transmission choice is an 8-speed automatic.
There are also two new plug-in hybrid variants: the 530e and 545e xDrive. The 530e features a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo petrol engine and an electric motor that produces a total output of 288 hp. The electric motors also feature an XtraBoost function that provides an additional 40 hp for 10 seconds when the throttle is fully pressed, enabling a zero to 100 kph time of 5.7 seconds. Pure electric range is pegged at up to 62 kilometers, depending on the configuration.
The 545e xDrive, meanwhile, combines a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo petrol engine and an electric motor that has a total system output of 394 hp, enabling a zero to 100 kph time of just 4.7 seconds. Pure electric range for the 545e xDrive is pegged at up to 57 kilometers, depending on the configuration.
Not counting the high-performance BMW M5, the range-topping 5 Series powertrain is still the M550i xDrive and its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 which produces 530 hp and a zero to 100 kph time of just 3.6 seconds.
As with every modern car nowadays, the new 5 Series is equipped with a plethora of semi-autonomous driver-assist systems, ranging from full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, just to name a few.
The BMW 5 Series will go on sale as early as July 2020 for global markets. A Philippine launch could happen sometime in 2021, especially given the current circumstances due to the pandemic.
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