BMW 5 Series Review

What’s new?

While the 5 Series has been available for several years as a plug-in hybrid, this new model introduces an electric model known as the i5, bringing a range of up to 356 miles. There’s no diesel available in the UK, though petrol and hybrid models will continue.

Inside, the new 5 Series features BMW’s latest Curved Display interior layout, as well as an ‘Interaction Bar’ that can display various information, as well as be used to control the ventilation.

What’s under the bonnet?

Electrification is key to this latest 5 Series, with the i5 being the star. There are two versions available – a rear-wheel-drive 335bhp model known as the eDrive40, which brings a range of up to 356 miles, and a sporty dual-motor 592bhp M60 model that’s able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds, and promises a range of up to 316 miles.

The only conventional petrol engine is the 205bhp 520i, with the plug-in hybrid models consisting of the 295bhp 530e and 481bhp 550e, which offer an electric range of up to about 60 miles.

What’s it like to drive?

The driving experience has always been core to the 5 Series, and this latest model is no different. So far we’ve only had a chance to drive the electric i5, but came away impressed. Even this EV feels like a ‘normal’ 5 Series, with brilliant refinement and comfort on the motorway making it ideal for longer journeys. This EV delivers a generous range too.

It’s still impressive through the corners as well and feels lighter and more agile than you’d expect a car of this size to be, though it can feel quite big down narrower streets – not all that surprising given it’s quite a bit bigger than the old version.

How does it look?

BMW’s latest designs have proven quite controversial, but the latest 5 Series is a little more reserved and more conventional – not surprising given it’s a car designed with such broad appeal. It still has the firm’s renowned large kidney grilles, mind, but they’re not as imposing as on cars like the new XM and larger 7 Series.

What’s it like inside?

It’s hard to find fault with the new 5 Series’ interior, which impresses across the board. The adjustability of the seats and steering wheel make it easy to get nice and comfortable in the vehicle, while you sit fairly low down in the vehicle, which enhances that sporty feeling of it.

There’s a huge amount of space available, even on the electric version. Adults will be able to get comfortable in the rear seats and there’s 490 litres of boot space from this saloon. A more practical Touring estate car version is also expected in 2024.

What’s the spec like?

All 5 Series models come with an impressive array of equipment, with the model being the first BMW to feature a Veganza animal-free leather-like upholstery. It also comes with extended ambient interior lighting, wireless smartphone charging and automatic climate control. More high-end touches include a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a reversing assistant that can autonomously reverse the car out of a tight space, for example. The i5 models also feature a heat pump as standard to maximise the electric range, as well as preheating functionality.