The latest generation of the BMW 5 Series has been unveiled to the Irish market with a showcase event of the i5 electric version, writes Trish Whelan. With more than 10 million units of the model produced since it was launched in 1972, it currently represents some 22 per cent of the brand’s sales. First deliveries of the car in Ireland, in both BEV and internal combustion variants, will be in October.
The new saloon is longer, wider and higher than before with a longer wheelbase for improved seating comfort, especially in the rear. The exterior features a long bonnet and almost upright BMW kidney grille, a panoramic sky roof for the first time in the model’s history, Adaptive LED lights, and high-gloss black elements, slim rear LED light, and a sporty rear apron. Boot capacity is 490 litres.
Interior features include a BMW’s fully digital 12.3-inch curved driver’s information display and 14.9-inch screen which merge into a single unit, a new Interaction Bar from the brand’s 7 Series with touch sensitive control panels, and a Harmon Kardon surround sound system. Vegan upholstery on seats, dash and door panels is standard, and there’s a gaming feature to while away the time when waiting for the battery to charge.
The two all-electric model variants at launch are the i5 M60 xDrive performance version at the the top of the model series that, with a combined power output of 601hp, can deliver a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 3.8 seconds and with a range of 455-516kms; and the i5 eDrive40 outputting a combined 340hp with a claimed range of 477-582kms (WLTP). With DC charging the battery at up to 205 kW from 10-80pc takes around 30 minutes.
Addition of plug-in hybrid models expected to offer an electric range of up to 100kms comes early in 2024. The next generation 5 Series Touring will join the model family in spring of next year. The 5 Series range is priced from €69,850. The i5 eDrive40 is priced from €90,110 while the i5 M60 xDrive is from €119,210.
(Pictured with the car is Helen Westby, new Managing Director for BMW Group Ireland.)
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