BMW unveils new details about the Oct. 2023 launch of its revamped 5 Series sedan lineup. The company will launch multiple new trims come the Fall, the highlight being the first all-electric 5 Series sedan, dubbed the i5.
"In just a few months’ time, the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series sedan will make its debut," BMW says. "The new model boasts a fresh design, BMW Operating System 8.5 with BMW Curved Display, innovative digital services and, for the first time, a purely electric drive system in the guise of the BMW i5."
The news comes just over 50 years since the 5 Series was first manufactured in 1972. Since then, it has grown to become one of the top-rated midsized luxury cars globally.
The 5 Series currently comes in five trims, and the upcoming launch will effectively refresh the whole lineup. The German automaker plans to show off its engineering chops by adding multiple powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and "highly efficient" engines with mild hybrid technology. Mild hybrid means the vehicle is still primarily a gas engine, but has a small electric motor complementing its efficiency.
For even more power and acceleration, the all-electric variant will come in a performance M version following the success of the BMW i4 M50. “The all-electric BMW i4 M50 shows how BMW blends dynamic performance and electric mobility to perfection,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “It was the best-selling BMW M model worldwide in 2022. A fully electric performance version from BMW M will also be included in the new BMW 5 Series sedan line-up.”
Zipse also revealed that a Touring version of the BMW 5 Series is planned. “The BMW 5 Series Touring is very popular, particularly in Europe,” he remarked. “From spring 2024 it will also come in an all-electric version, giving us a truly unique selling point in this segment.”
BMW already offers many plug-in hybrids and three all-electric vehicles: the i4, iX, and i7. The iX, a midsized SUV, will also get a refresh this fall with the launch of the iX2.
The addition of an EV to the 5 Series brings the company closer to its promise to "offer at least one fully electric model in virtually all key segments as early as 2023," leading up to 50% of its sales going electric by 2025.
The company will phase out gasoline vehicles over time, rather than abruptly, as evidenced by the fact that the upcoming 5 Series launch also includes gas-powered versions.