Over 600,000 units of the BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring have been sold worldwide since the market launch of the current model generation. Their eye-catching design aesthetic, hallmark BMW driving pleasure, trailblazing semi-automated driving technologies and unmatched digital services imbue the two models with standout appeal. And now, with a new wave of carefully judged optimisations carried out in these key areas, all the necessary pieces are in place to extend the illustrious history of the sporty business sedan and equally dynamic Touring all-rounder.
The new BMW 5-Series, like every one of its predecessors since 1973, has been produced primarily at BMW Plant Dingolfing in Bavaria - the Group's centre of excellence for the production of large BMW models. Among the other cars manufactured here are the BMW 7-Series and BMW 8-Series luxury sports car. The new BMW 5-Series Sedan will also be built by production partner Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The long-wheelbase version of the Sedan is made exclusively for the Chinese market at joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive's Dadong plant in Shenyang.
Stepping up the road presence: the new exterior
The exterior design of the BMW 5-Series is headlined by sporting grace and clean surfaces. Precise modifications showcase the Sedan and Touring's presence and exquisite sporting style even more vividly. Large, tautly drawn surfaces at the front and rear, the bold BMW kidney grille and new headlights and rear lights ensure the 5-Series exudes considerable visual impact.
Slight increase in vehicle length, but proportions otherwise unchanged
With their long bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, short overhangs, a long wheelbase and wide tracks, the familiar BMW proportions of the new BMW 5-Series Sedan and new BMW 5-Series Touring make no secret of the cars' dynamic character. Their width, height and wheelbase are unchanged, but the extra 27 millimetres (BMW 5-Series Sedan) / 21 millimetres (BMW 5-Series Touring) of exterior length - both models now measure 4,963 millimetres - underscore the sweeping elegance on display.
he new BMW 545e xDrive Sedan likewise comes equipped with the very latest BMW eDrive technology available for plug-in-hybrid models. The electric motor stands out with its instantaneous power delivery, most notably when pulling away, but also as it progresses unabated into the upper echelons of rotational and road speed. Intelligent energy management ensures the engine and electric motor work together to optimum effect, in terms of both dynamic performance and efficiency.
48V mild hybrid technology for all four- and six-cylinder engines
The mild hybrid technology with 48V starter-generator, first introduced in the BMW 520d and BMW 520d xDrive models in autumn 2019, will now offer enhanced performance combined with lower fuel consumption and improved driving comfort in all four- and six-cylinder variants of the new BMW 5-Series.
The mild hybrid system helps to both lighten the combustion engine's workload and boost its power, bringing a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions while sharpening performance.
Fitting an extremely powerful 48V starter-generator and a second battery greatly increases the ways in which Brake Energy Regeneration can be utilised. When the driver releases the accelerator, the generator transforms the kinetic energy into electricity to be stored in the 48V battery. Energy recuperation on the overrun is particularly intense when the Driving Experience Control switch is set to SPORT mode. The additional deceleration generated over and above the engine braking effect is also harnessed when the brakes are applied. A specially designed braking system previously only fitted in plug-in-hybrid models enables the combination of electrical and mechanical deceleration to be deployed as required and with maximum efficiency at all times.
The recuperated energy accumulating in the 48V battery is also supplied to the 12V electrical system and used for powering the associated vehicle functions, from the lights, steering and power windows to the ventilation, audio system and seat heating. In addition, the stored energy can be used for generating additional drive power when it is fed back to the 48V starter-generator.
The starter-generator then acts likes an electric drive unit that assists the engine, allowing it to operate within an efficiency-optimised load range as frequently as possible and ensuring there are fewer peaks in fuel consumption. When the car is accelerating, the 48V starter-generator is also able to offer the driver an electric boost effect that can instantly put an extra 8 kW/11 hp on tap for more dynamic power delivery. The result is even sharper response off the line and even quicker bursts of speed when already on the move.
One special feature of the mild hybrid system in the new BMW 5-Series range is the ability to charge the 48V battery from the generator while driving at a constant speed. This method of generating electricity by raising the engine's load point is only employed when the battery charge is low and during phases when it does not have a detrimental effect on engine efficiency.