BMW 5 Series (G60) explained

Manufacturer:BMW
BMW 5 Series
Model Years:2024–present
Class:Executive car (E)
Related:BMW 7 Series (G70)
Wheelbase:2995mm
LWB
Length:5060mm
LWB
Width:1900mm
Height:1515mm
Sp:uk
Predecessor:BMW 5 Series (G30)
BMW 6 Series (G32)
Platform:Cluster Architecture (CLAR)
Aka:BMW i5 (electric version)
Designer:Anders Thøgersen

The BMW 5 Series (G60) is an executive car manufactured and marketed by German luxury automaker BMW since 2023. The lineup consists of the G60 saloon, G61 estate (marketed as Touring), and the G68 long-wheelbase sedan. It represents the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series, succeeding the G30 model and the G32 6 Series liftback.

The G60 was officially revealed on 24 May 2023, began production on 21 July 2023, with sales commencing in October. Built upon an updated version of the rear-wheel drive Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, shared with the larger G70 7 Series, it is significantly larger than any of its predecessors. The eighth generation BMW 5 Series is also offered with a battery electric powertrain, called the "i5". Three models are offered; the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 model, the mid-range, all-wheel-drive xDrive40, and the range topping M60 xDrive model.

A long-wheelbase saloon model (G68) exclusive to China debuted in August 2023 and it is assembled at the Dadong plant.[1] The G61 5 Series Touring was unveiled in February 2024.[2] The fastback derivative, the 6 Series Gran Turismo has been discontinued.

Development

Testing

In February 2022, testing of the i5 commenced when engineers drove it from Munich to the test center in Arjeplog. It had to cover about to northern Sweden before undergoing additional testing throughout the year. Prototypes were assessed in and around Munich and in the vicinity of the Dingolfing factory.[3] The testing was implemented to evaluate the efficiency of its electric motors, power electronics, high-voltage battery and integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and battery pack. The development and test engineers chose Arjeplog as the final destination for their testing programme. The snow-covered roads and frozen lakes in northern Sweden, featuring expansive ice surfaces, offered an optimal environment to assess the interactions among chassis components, steering and braking systems, and driving dynamic and stability systems in extreme outdoor conditions.[4]

Following the testing in Arjeplog, the BMW i5 underwent further testing throughout 2022. This included assessments at various BMW Group test facilities and real-world driving scenarios in and around Munich, as well as in the vicinity of BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The focus during this phase was on continual refinement of the car's chassis technology and acoustic properties across multiple conditions. Additionally, efforts were directed toward fine-tuning the power delivery of the drive unit to ensure a well-rounded driving experience. A deliberate part of the development involved testing during colder months on icy and snowy roads in the Alpine foothills. In the winter of 2022, BMW i5 prototypes, featuring reduced camouflage and near-production headlights, were regularly deployed for testing to verify the functionality and reliability of the powertrain and chassis control systems under extremely challenging road and weather conditions. BMW engineers overseeing the project were able to directly assess the current state of development through testing in Bavaria before returning to endurance testing near the Arctic Circle in February 2023.[4]

Launch

The 5 Series was revealed in i5 form on 24 May 2023.[5] [6] [7] The long-wheelbase model, designated G68 and made exclusively for China, was unveiled on 8 August 2023.[8] [9] The 5 Series began production on 21 July 2023 at the Dingolfing plant, followed by its battery electric counterpart four days later.[10] [11] Sales began in October. The estate model began production on 1 March 2024.[12]

Markets

Europe

In Europe, six 5 Series trims were available for its September 2023 arrival, including the petrol 520i, and the plug-in hybrid 530e, and the 550e xDrive. Diesel models, the 520d and 520d xDrive, are available in all European countries excluding the United Kingdom.[13] Pricing was disclosed in October.[14] Four- and six-cylinder PHEV models are slated to follow in 2024.[13]

United States

In North America, six trims were available for its arrival in US dealerships on 28 October 2023.[15] Available 5 Series trims include the 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive, and the 550e xDrive.[16] i5 trims in the US include the eDrive40 and the M60 xDrive.[17]

Specifications

Design and chassis

The basis for the G60 5 Series is an updated version of BMW's Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform. It is the same structure that underpins all BMW models featuring either a longitudinally mounted combustion engine or electric drivetrain.[18] Compared to its predecessor, the G60 is 97mm longer, 33mm wider and 36mm taller, while its wheelbase has been extended by 20mm.[19] This makes the G60 longer than the 2000s E65 7 Series.[20] The G61 Touring is 97mm longer, 32mm wide, and 17mm taller than the previous generation. It also features the longest wheelbase in its class at 2995mm.[21]

The drag coefficient is 0.22–0.23 across the range, aided by an air flap control that opens intakes in the grille to add up to to the range, while an air curtain tidies up the air flow past the front wheels. Lightweight “air performance” wheels with inserts also help incrementally reduce emissions and enhance range.[22] [23] The surfacing along the rest of the car is neater than before, with flush-fitting door handles, a sloping boot lid and a closed-off underbody.[24]

The new platform features a double-wishbone front suspension on coil springs and multilink rear suspension on air springs, as well as a torque vectoring system known as near-actuator wheel slip limitation.[25]

Four-wheel steering (Integral Active Steering) that turns the rear-wheels by up to 2.5 degrees is optional,[26] as are active anti-roll bars and adaptive dampers.

Interior and equipment

The G60 5 Series is the first BMW to feature the updated iDrive 8.5 infotainment system based on the Linux operating system. The interface is accessed via the BMW Curved Display that combines the 310 mm (12.3 in) instrument cluster and 380 mm (14.9 in) infotainment system with a redesigned touch interface within a single unit. The operating system offers additional digital content, including a range of video streaming options and some in-car gaming features via the AirConsole, a free app that uses the smartphone as a controller for the suite of apps on offer.

The BMW Interaction Bar, which debuted in the G70 7 Series, is an optional feature on the base models and standard on the i5. It adds touch-sensitive control points for air conditioning and the hazard light, and a slim, backlit control panel that runs across the entire dashboard and into the front doors.[27]

The G60 5 Series is offered as fully leather-free for the first time. That treatment, which includes Alcantara-wrapped seats and steering wheel, is also available on models with the more aggressive M Sport pack equipped. Sporty seats are standard equipment on most of the G60 5 Series models, but multi-contour seats are standard on the i5 M60 (and can be opted for on other models).

BMW calls its driver-assist option Driving Assistant Professional which includes Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go function. This system, which still requires the driver to hold the steering wheel as it "drives" the 5 Series, comes with Active Lane Change Assistant. The system makes suggestion on how to change lanes to move around slower traffic, but won't act until the driver's eye looks at the corresponding mirror.

In markets where regulations permit (United States, Canada and Germany), the Highway Assistant can relieve the driver of steering tasks on highways with structurally divided lanes at up to .

The boot of the G60 5 Series has a volume of 5200NaN0 for both the pure combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid models, which is 10 L (0.35 cu ft) smaller compared to the previous model. Wheel sizes range from 19- to 21-inches.[28] The G61 Touring features the same 5700NaN0 storage capacity that extends to 17000NaN0 with the rear seats folded down as its predecessor. Unlike its predecessors, the G61 Touring no longer features the independent rear glass opening feature on the rear tailgate, as the rear end features a more coupe-like design to improve the coefficient drag and the boot volume is not compromised.[29]

Powertrain

The G60 5 Series is offered with a range of 48-volt mild hybrid turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, plug-in hybrid models as well as all-electric i5 models.[30] All models except the all-electric models are fitted as standard with the ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission produced by ZF Friedrichshafen. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system is optional on some base models and is standard fitment on top-of-the-line models.[31]

The G60 is primarily available with 2.0 litre four cylinder engines with 48 V mild hybrid technology with an integrated starter-generator, integrated into the transmission. Plug-in hybrid models feature a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, paired with an 19.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. The range-topping M560e is available with the 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine.

The 530e PHEV model's all-electric range is, while the 550e PHEV's all electric range is . For both models, the fully electric modes let the driver cruise below speeds of .[32]

TypeModelEngine codePowerTorqueCombinedsystem outputElectric motorBatteryLayoutModel years
Petrol mild hybrid520i[33] B4819981NaN1 I4Engine: ---- Motor: Engine: ---- Motor: -Integrated starter generator20 Ah lithium-ion7.5 s8-speed ZF 8HP automaticRWD
2024–present
Petrol mild hybrid530i[34] B4819981NaN1 I4Engine: ---- Motor: Engine: ---- Motor: -5.9 s
2024–present
Petrol mild hybrid530i xDrive[35] B4819981NaN1 I4-5.8 sAWD
2024–present
Petrol plug-in hybrid530e xDrive[36] [37] B4819981NaN1 I4Engine: ---- Motor: Engine: ---- Motor: / 1x Permanent-magnet synchronous motor22.1 (18.7 usable) kWh, 348V lithium-ion6.3 sAWD
2024–present
Petrol mild hybrid540i xDrive[38] [39] B5829981NaN1 I6Engine: ---- Motor: Engine: ---- Motor: -Integrated starter generator20 Ah lithium-ion4.5 sAWD
2024–present
Petrol plug-in hybrid550e xDrive[40] [41] B5829981NaN1 I6Engine: ---- Motor: Engine: ---- Motor: / 1x Permanent-magnet synchronous motor22.1 (18.7 usable) kWh, 348V lithium-ion4.3 sAWD
2024–present
Petrol plug-in hybridM560e xDriveB5829981NaN1 I6 / 2x Permanent-magnet synchronous motor22.1 (18.7 usable) kWh, 348V lithium-ion4.0 sAWD
2025–present
Diesel mild hybrid520d[42] B4719951NaN1 I4Engine: ---- Motor: Engine: ---- Motor: -Integrated starter generator20 Ah lithium-ion7.5 sRWD
2024–present
Diesel mild hybrid520d xDrive[43] -AWD
2024–present
Diesel mild hybrid540d xDriveB5729951NaN1 I6Engine: ---- Motor: Engine: ---- Motor: -Integrated starter generator20 Ah lithium-ion5.3 s
2025–present
The table above does not include specifications of the all-electric models. For specifications of the all-electric models, see the section about the BMW i5 below.

BMW i5

The BMW i5 and BMW i5 Touring are battery electric models of the 5 Series (G60/G61). The i5 saloon was announced in May 2023 with the conventional G60 5 Series, while the i5 Touring was unveiled in February 2024. It is built at the same Dingolfing assembly line as units with combustion engines and plug-in hybrids.

An in-house developed electric motor paired with an 84.3 kWh battery pack makes for and (or when Sport Boost or Launch Control is active) sent to the rear wheels of the i5 eDrive40, while the addition of an extra electric motor up front on the i5 M60 xDrive allows for and sent to all four wheels (or up to with Sport Boost or M Launch Control activated).[44] This electric motor is part of BMW’s fifth-generation e-drive kit, utilizing a current-excited synchronous machine that eliminates the need for permanent magnets and rare earth.[45] The motors themselves are positioned in the axles, and the axles also house the one-speed transmissions and power electronics. The M60 also gets standard adaptive suspension, a 7.62mm lower ride height than the base model, and upgraded brakes.[46]

The i5 can adjust its braking energy regeneration based on battery level and traffic situation, though the driver can manually select low, medium, or high braking regeneration as well. A new Max Range mode optimize the remaining charge in the battery up to 25 percent by limiting top speed to and shuts down the climate control, the heated and cooled seats, and the heated steering wheel.

The onboard Combined Charging Unit (CCU) supports AC charging at up to 11 kW as standard, or up to 22 kW as an option. DC fast charging is supported at up to 205 kW, which can take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. BMW introduced a "Plug & Charge" function that automatically authenticates itself and eliminates the need for account access through the provider’s app or card at compatible public charging stations.[47] Customers can store up to five individual Plug & Charge-enabled accounts from different providers in BMW’s iDrive system.[48]

Batteries are packed below the floor, inside the center tunnel and under the rear seats.[49] The 84.3 kWh high-voltage battery is composed of four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with 12 cells each. It is a 400-volt lithium-ion battery, which has a 211 amp-hour capacity.[50] Due to electrical components such as the battery and motor, boot space decreases from 5200NaN0 on the pure combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid models to 4900NaN0 on the i5 saloon.[51] [52] However, the i5 Touring features the same storage capacity as its pure combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid models, 570 L (20 cu ft) of storage capacity that extends to 1,700 L (60 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down.

Models

Models introduced at launch include the high-performance AWD M60 and RWD model eDrive40. The xDrive40, a mid-range AWD model, was announced in early February 2024 as a 2025 model for the saloon model.[53] Later in February 2024, the BMW i5 Touring was launched with the M60 and eDrive40 variants, while the xDrive40 is expected for late 2024.

Specifications!Model!eDrive40!xDrive40!M60 xDrive
PowertrainRear-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD)Dual-motors all-wheel drive (xDrive)
Motor3-phase electrically excited synchronous electric motor (ESM)3-phase electrically excited synchronous electric motor (ESM) front and rear
Battery capacity (usable)84.3 kWh (81.2 kWh)
Range (BMW i5)WLTP
EPA
WLTPWLTP
EPA
Range (BMW i5 Touring)WLTPTBAWLTP
Electric power consumption (WLTP)18.9–15.9 kWh/100 km19.3–16.5 kWh/100 km20.0–17.2 kWh/100 kmTBA20.6–18.2 kWh/100 km20.8–18.3 kWh/100 km
Power (peak)
Torque (peak)
Top speed
Acceleration0–1000NaN05.7 seconds6.1 seconds5.2 secondsTBA3.8 seconds3.9 seconds
DC fast charge (DCFC) SpeedUp to DC 205 kW via CCS Combo 2
AC on-board charge speedAC 11 kW via J1772 (North America) or 3-phase AC 11 kW via Type 2 (elsewhere), while an optional 22 kW charger is available.
Weight (EU)

TBA

Model years2024–present2025–present2024–present

References

  1. Web site: 2024 BMW 5 Series, i5 Debut In China With Longer Wheelbase, Exclusive Features . 2023-08-08 . . en. Angel. Sergeev.
  2. Web site: Capparella . Joey . 2023-02-07 . BMW 5-Series and i5 Touring Revealed with a Lovely Wagon Shape . 2023-02-08 . Car and Driver.
  3. Web site: 2024 BMW i5 Sedan Teased In Mega Gallery During Harsh Winter Testing. Motor1.com. 29 March 2023. Adrian. Padeanu. 11 January 2024.
  4. Web site: From the Arctic Circle to the foothills of the Alps: The new BMW i5 performs impressively in winter testing on ice and snow.. BimmerPost. 29 March 2023. 11 January 2024.
  5. Web site: 2024 BMW 5 Series sedan unveiled as electric i5. Drive. Greg. Kable. 24 May 2023. 11 January 2024.
  6. Web site: New BMW 5-series revealed: G60-generation exec loaded with tech. Ben. Barry. CAR. 24 May 2023. 11 January 2024.
  7. Web site: The 2024 BMW 5 Series Gets EV Variant, On-Board Video Games, and an Eye-Controlled Driving Assistant. Mack. Hogan. Road and Track. 24 May 2023. 11 January 2024.
  8. Web site: Stretched BMW 5 Series with 'theatre screen' unveiled in China. Derek. Fung. CarExpert. 8 August 2023. 11 January 2024.
  9. Web site: 2024 BMW 5 Series, i5 Debut In China With Longer Wheelbase, Exclusive Features. Motor1.com. 8 August 2023. 11 January 2024. Angel. Sergeev.
  10. Web site: "Eight times five is 50": Plant Dingolfing celebrates start of BMW i5 production during anniversary year . 2023-08-23 . www.press.bmwgroup.com . en.
  11. Web site: BMW begins production of fully electric i5 sedan, marking a major EV milestone. The Driven. 25 July 2023.
  12. Web site: New BMW 5 Series Touring Starts Production at Plant Dingolfing. 1 March 2024. 17 March 2024. BMW Blog. Horatiu. Boeriu.
  13. Web site: 2024 BMW 5-Series Launched In Europe With No 6-Cylinder ICE Option Until Next Year. Chris. Chilton. 24 May 2023. 11 January 2024. Carscoops.
  14. Web site: New BMW 5 Series priced from £51,000 in the UK. Autocar. 24 October 2023. 11 January 2024. Greg. Kable.
  15. Web site: 2024 BMW i5 Electric Sedan Arriving At US Dealers On October 28. InsideEVs. 19 October 2023. 11 January 2024. Dan. Mihalascu.
  16. Web site: 2024 BMW 5-Series. https://web.archive.org/web/20240104135831/https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/5-series. 4 January 2024. Car and Driver. 11 January 2024. Drew. Dorian.
  17. Web site: 2024 BMW 5-Series. https://web.archive.org/web/20240105053452/https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/i5. 5 January 2024. Car and Driver. 11 January 2024. Drew. Dorian.
  18. Web site: 2024 BMW i5: electric saloon arrives with up to 593bhp . 2023-06-02 . Autocar . en.
  19. Web site: 2023-05-24 . 2024 BMW i5 Gives EV Shoppers a 5-Series, Including the Most Powerful One . 2023-06-01 . Car and Driver . en-US.
  20. Web site: 2023-05-24 . 2024 BMW i5, 5 Series First Look: Finally, a Design We Don't Immediately Hate . 2023-06-01 . Edmunds . en-us.
  21. Web site: Johnson . Peter . 2024-02-07 . BMW introduces gorgeous i5 Touring, its first all-electric luxury wagon, but not in the US . 2024-02-08 . Electrek . en-US.
  22. 2023-10-18 . The i5 Is BMW's Best EV Yet . 2024-01-10 . WIRED . en-US.
  23. Web site: New BMW 5-series revealed: G60-generation exec loaded with tech . 2024-01-10 . CAR Magazine . en.
  24. Web site: New BMW 5-series: 482bhp 550e hybrid announced . 2024-01-10 . evo . en.
  25. Web site: 2023-05-24 . BMW Targets Decidedly Different Customer Base with New 2024 5-Series . 2023-06-22 . Autoweek . en-US.
  26. Web site: 2023-04-26 . BMW i5 Prototype Drive Reveals a Surprisingly Good Ride . 2023-06-05 . Autoweek . en-US.
  27. Web site: New BMW i5 unveiled: the first pure-electric 5 Series . 2023-06-22 . Auto Express . en.
  28. Web site: Car . Alfa Rent a . 2023-07-01 . BMW has just unveiled the new 5 Series and i5 G60 models . 2024-01-12 . alfarentacar.ro . en.
  29. Web site: Boeriu . Horatiu . 2024-02-13 . Why Did BMW Remove the Tailgate Window Opening in the 5 Series Touring? . 2024-06-17 . BMW BLOG . en-US.
  30. Web site: 2023-10-18 . BMW locks in reveal timing for 5 Series and i5 Touring wagons . 2024-01-09 . CarExpert . en.
  31. Web site: Fields . Teiryn . 2023-06-19 . 2024 BMW 5 Series: Performance, Price, And Photos . 2024-01-10 . TopSpeed . en.
  32. Web site: 2023-05-24 . 2024 BMW 5-Series Launched In Europe With No 6-Cylinder ICE Option Until Next Year . 2023-07-27 . Carscoops.
  33. Web site: Specifications for BMW 520i Sedan Steptronic, 208hp, 2024 8-speed. Car.info. 11 January 2024.
  34. Web site: Specifications for BMW 530i Sedan Steptronic, 258hp, 2024 8-speed. Car.info. 11 January 2024.
  35. Web site: Specifications for BMW 530i xDrive Sedan Steptronic, 258hp, 2024 8-speed. Car.info. 11 January 2024.
  36. Web site: Specifications for BMW 530e Steptronic, 299hp, 2024 8-speed. Car.info. 11 January 2024.
  37. Web site: 2023 BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 530e (299 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid Steptronic. Auto-Data.net. 11 January 2024.
  38. Web site: Specifications for BMW 540i xDrive Sedan Steptronic, 381hp, 2024 8-speed. Car.info. 11 January 2024.
  39. Web site: BMW G60 5 Series Sedan 540i xDrive Specs. Ultimate Specs. 11 January 2024.
  40. Web site: Specifications for BMW 550e xDrive Steptronic, 490hp, 2024 8-speed. Car.info. 11 January 2024.
  41. Web site: 2023 BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) 550e (489 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic. Auto-Data.net. 11 January 2024.
  42. Web site: Specifications for BMW 520d Steptronic, 197hp, 2024 8-speed. Car.info. 11 January 2024.
  43. Web site: Specifications for BMW 520d xDrive Steptronic, 197hp, 2024 8-speed. Car.info. 11 January 2024.
  44. Web site: 2023-05-24 . BMW i5 and 2024 BMW 5 Series G60 - M60 xDrive with up to 601 hp; AirConsole brings in-car gaming - paultan.org . 2023-06-22 . Paul Tan's Automotive News . en-US.
  45. Web site: BMW i5: The electric sedan that means business electrive.com . 2024-01-03 . www.electrive.com.
  46. Web site: 2023-05-25 . 2024 BMW i5: Electric 5-Series starts at $67,795 and 295 miles . 2024-01-03 . Green Car Reports . en.
  47. Web site: Lowery . Lurah . 2023-05-26 . BMW to launch first all-electric 5 Series, includes eye-directed lane change . 2024-01-03 . Repairer Driven News . en-US.
  48. Web site: Booth . David . 24 May 2023 . First Look: 2024 BMW 5 Series and i5 . 4 January 2024.
  49. Web site: 2024 BMW i5 Preview Drive: The 5 Series is going electric . 2023-06-22 . Autoblog . en.
  50. Web site: 2023-10-02 . BMW i5 first drive: all the luxury you expect, electrified . 2024-01-03 . Digital Trends . en.
  51. Web site: Samuel . 2023-08-24 . G60 BMW 530e & 550e to debut in September - Up to 489hp, 350Nm, 101km EV range . 2024-01-12 . AutoBuzz.my . en-US.
  52. Web site: Manthey . Nora . BMW i5: The electric sedan that means business - electrive.com . 2023-06-01 . www.electrive.com/ . en-US.
  53. Web site: BMW model update measures for spring 2024. . 2024-02-06 . www.press.bmwgroup.com . en.