The development of the next-generation BMW 5 Series – codenamed G60 – is well underway as proved by the camouflaged prototypes spied for the first time. The new sedan will be offered with a choice of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains as confirmed by BMW last year. The decals and charging ports on the prototypes suggest they are fully electric and plug-in hybrid.
This will probably be the last 5 Series available with internal combustion engines and the first one with a fully electric powertrain.
The latter will be called i5 to match BMW’s naming strategy for their electric range (i3, i4, iX, iX3, etc). Sharing components with the rest of the electrified BMWs, the i5 will be fitted with one electric motor at the rear, and some versions will have a second one upfront offering all-wheel drive. The BMW i5 will also get an M version, similar to the i4 M50, with more power and sportier styling courtesy of the M Package.
We expect the i5 to be fitted with 70 kWh and 100 kWh battery packs offering a range of more than 400 km (249 miles). This will help it rival the next-generation Tesla Model S, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE, and the Audi A6 e-tron.
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Judging from these first images, the new 5 Series has classic proportions, looking longer and more imposing than the current model while retaining signature elements like the long nose, the short front overhang, the muscular fenders, and the Hofmeister kink on the window line.
The front end is characterized by a pair of aggressive headlights under the bonnet line reminiscent of Chris Bangle’s E60 5 Series (2003-2010). Between them, there is a large and connected kidney grille that will be completely covered in the electric i5. There is too much camouflage on the front bumper but we can see the functional central intake on the lower part.
At the back, the taillights appear slimmer and more elongated, probably connected with a LED strip. There is also an integrated spoiler on the heavily inclined rear deck.
Given that the current seventh-generation 5 Series (G30) was unveiled in 2016 and received a facelift in 2020, a brand new model should be expected to hit the market by 2023 or 2024. While BMW hasn’t confirmed it yet, a 5 Series Touring is likely to follow the four-door sedan offering added practicality and keeping up with the tradition.
