New 2023 BMW 5 Series: Prices, specs and release date
Wed, 24 May 2023
- New 2023 BMW 5 Series is eighth generation of the acclaimed executive saloon
- Launches with a single petrol engine – and two new BMW i5 electric cars with an EV range of up to 361 miles
- Next-generation in-car technology, YouTube integration and the first use of BMW AirConsole in-car gaming
- New BMW 5 Series prices from £49,850 and deliveries begin in October 2023
The new BMW 5 Series has been revealed, with the latest version of the highly-regarded executive saloon now offered as a pure electric version called the new BMW i5 for the first time.
The new BMW 5 Series is bigger and more sophisticated than ever, and promises to push in-car technology to new levels. It even becomes the firm’s first car to offer the BMW AirConsole in-car gaming system, plus YouTube video streaming.
The release of the new BMW 5 Series is well-timed to compete with the recently-revealed new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. That too will be offered as a pure EV. The latest Audi A6 saloon is another rival that’s expected to expand into the EV in the future. Other electric alternatives for the new BMW i5 include the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT.
New 2023 BMW 5 Series prices and release date
New BMW 5 Series prices start from £49,850. That’s for the new BMW 520i in M Sport trim. New BMW 5 Series M Sport Pro and M60 xDrive models are also available.
The new BMW i5 eDrive40 EV is priced from £73,200, while the new BMW i5 M60 xDrive range-topper costs from £96,840.
The new BMW 5 Series is open for ordering now, with first UK customer deliveries beginning in October 2023.
In 2024, the range will expand further with the new BMW 530e and BMW 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid models. The new BMW 5 Series Touring estate also arrives in 2024.
New 2023 BMW 5 Series styling, interior and technology
The new BMW 5 Series marks a big step on from today’s car. It is designed to reflect the brand’s current design language, which is clear and less fussy than before. Styling feature lines have been reduced, and the ones that remain are crisper and more well-defined.
The new BMW 5 Series has a large grille, but it isn’t quite as exaggerated as some other new BMWs. This is to reflect the car’s more traditional customer base – but those who do want to stand out can choose to have the grille with a wide surround and ‘BMW Iconic Glow’ contour line lighting; this is standard on M Sport Pro and new BMW i5 M60 xDrive models.
From the side, the new BMW 5 Series’ clear and reduced design language emphasises the elongated proportions, long bonnet and near-upright BMW kidney grille. The A-pillar is steeply raked, while the roofline flows gently rearwards and there’s a slight slope to the bootlid. A high shoulder line gives it a more sporty look. The C-pillar Hofmeister kink also has a graphic detail with the number 5 embossed on the side window surround.
The new BMW 5 Series is very aerodynamically efficient, with a Cd drag factor of just 0.23. It includes features like electric colling air intakes in the front, which can increase the range of the new BMW i5 by up to 16 miles.
The new BMW 5 Series comes with 19-inch alloy wheels on M Sport models, 20-inch alloys on M Sport Pro, with a range of 20-inch and 21-inch designs available as an option. The new BMW i5 M60 xDrive and M Sport Pro models also have lots of high-gloss black detailing, side skirts, a rear apron with integrated diffuser and an M rear spoiler lip.
Inside, the new BMW 5 Series has the fully digital BMW Curved Display as the centrepiece. The frameless design is angled slightly towards the driver, and comprises a 12.3-inch driver display and 14.9-inch touchscreen Control Display. It runs the BMW Operating System 8.5, with a new graphic display and clutter-free start screen.
The new BMW 5 Series’ infotainment includes new features such as video on demand via YouTube when stationary. Front seat passengers can also enjoy in-car gaming from the BMW AirConsole gaming platform. Smartphones act as a controller and BMW currently has a range of 20 games including ‘Go Kart Go’, ‘Golazo’, ‘Music Guess’ and ‘Overcooked’. The portfolio will constantly expand, we’re told.
The new BMW 5 Series is the firm’s first car to feature Veganza upholstery, a sustainable choice, for the seats, dashboard and door panels. The BMW Interaction Bar, first seen on the new BMW 7 Series, is available. This is a backlit unit with crystalline surfaces that extends across the bottom of the instrument panel into the doors. It includes touch-sensitive climate controls and dynamic lighting features. The new BMW 5 Series is also the first in eight generations to have a panoramic roof.
The new BMW 5 Series has a standard 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. An 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is optional. The new BMW i5 also has the BMW IconicSounds Electric accompaniment, as created by famous composer Hans Zimmer.
Other details in the new BMW 5 Series include almost invisible vents for the climate control (electric models have a standard heat pump), a new design of steering wheel, improved onboard space and a 520-litre boot in the new BMW 520i; electric models shrink only slightly, to 490 litres.
New 2023 BMW 5 Series engines, electric motors, performance, fuel economy and EV range
The new BMW 5 Series is currently available with a single petrol engine. The new BMW 520i has a 190ps 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo which, thanks to 48-volt mild hybrid technology, receives a power boost to 208ps. It has a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox and drives the rear wheels. 0-62mph performance takes 7.5 seconds and peak torque of 330nm gives good pulling power. It has a top speed of 143mph.
The engine in the new BMW 5 Series comes from a new modular family and uses the Miller combustion process. This shortens the opening times of the intake valves to boost efficiency. It helps it average up to 49.5mpg, with CO2 emissions starting from 130g/km.
The new BMW 5 Series is offered in two pure electric versions, called new BMW i5. The new BMW i5 eDrive40 has a 340ps electric motor driving the rear wheels. 0-62mph performance takes just 6.0 seconds, and peak torque of 430nm (when Sport Boost or Launch Control modes are used) gives strong pulling power. The top speed is electronically capped to 120mph.
The new BMW i5 eDrive40 has an 81.2kWh battery. It is fitted under the floor. It gives a WLTP electric range of up to 361 miles, depending on spec.
The new BMW i5 M60 xDrive is the range-topping new BMW 5 Series. It has a thrilling 601ps from its two motors, and a colossal 820nm of torque, for 0-62mph acceleration in just 3.8 seconds. This is aided by grippy xDrive all-wheel drive. Using the same 81.2kWh battery, it still delivers a range of up to 320 miles.
Both new electric BMW 5 Series have a shift paddle marked ‘Boost’ near the left-hand steering wheel spoke. If it is pulled for more than 0.8 seconds, Sport Boost mode is engaged, which delivers maximum acceleration.
The electric new BMW 5 Series both allow DC charging speeds of up to 205kW. This will charge them from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. Starting with a 10% range, 97 miles of range can be added in 10 minutes at a suitable DC fast-charging station. The sat nav also pre-conditions the battery ahead of planned charging stops.
The new BMW 5 Series has double wishbone front and five-link rear suspension. Sport steering is standard, which has a steering angle-dependent ratio. Integral Active Steering is optional, which steers the rear wheels either against or in the same direction as the front wheels, according to speed. It can reduce the turning circle by more than 0.6 meters, to 11.7 metres.
All new BMW 5 Series come with lowered M sport suspension as standard. It has firmer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, and an 8mm lower ride height. Clever stroke-dependent dampers are standard, with optional Adaptive Suspension Professional electronic dampers available as an option. The new BMW i5 M60 xDrive also has Active Roll Stabilisation.
New Cars Coming Soon
Before you step into a showroom, read our in-depth guide to all the new cars coming in the next 12 months and beyond – some are well worth the wait.
What is the new electric BMW 5 Series called?
The new BMW 5 Series is available as a pure model called BMW i5. Choose from either the new BMW i5 eDrive40 or BMW i5 M60 xDrive.
How big is the new BMW 5 Series?
The new BMW 5 Series is the biggest ever. It measures over 5 metres long and 1.9 metres wide, with a 2995mm wheelbase.
What trim levels will the new BMW 5 Series be available with?
The new BMW 5 Series will be sold in M Sport, M Sport Pro and i5 M60 xDrive trims at launch.
What performance estate should I buy?
