ULTRA STYLISH NEW BMW 5 SERIES
BMW recently unveiled their new 5 series range starting with two variants: an all-wheel drive electrified BMW i5 M60, embodying the premium brand’s commitment to future-forward mobility, complemented by a BMW 520d with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.
Sporty elegance epitomises the design of the new BMW 5 series with its streamlined brutish features thanks to its distinctive twin headlights and newer larger kidney shaped grilles accentuating the black side skirts and flush door openers. Rounding off the sleek slender look are 19-inch rims which can be upgraded up to 21-inches.
Streamlining is the theme as it flows further into the cabin of the new 5 with a minimalistic approach to design with hardly any buttons visible on the new dash. This is all due to the new BMW curved display which integrates a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display which offers a plethora of features via BMW’s new Operating System 8.5 enhanced by “QuickSelect”. The screen offers faster navigation through the various functions. A standout feature of the new BMW 5 Series is its fully vegan interior, which is a first. With the seats, dashboard and door panels now adhering to a more ethical standard of use of materials, although buyers can still opt for the BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery if one wishes. I can honestly say that I would not have noticed if it wasn’t pointed out as the interior is in no way compromised.
Under the bonnet, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive boasts a 442 kW and 795 Nm drive accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. With two drive units on the front and rear axles making up an electric all-wheel drive, the drive experienced while engaging the M Sport Boost (paddle) while accelerating almost feels like a hyper-drive sequence aboard the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars! The combination of direct pure electric thrust combined with the sound effects from the boost function give it a game-like simulation feel, I felt like I had been teleported into to the future!
Innovative features such as adaptive recuperation and heat pump technology ensure optimal range and efficiency for the i5 with a range between 455-516 kilometres. The BMW i5 also comes equipped with new tech eCharging solutions, allowing for rapid charging capabilities with the Combined Charging Unit, drivers can replenish the battery from 10-80% in just 30 minutes thanks to the pre-cooling of the battery enroute to chargers.
The new BMW 520ds is driven by a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and an 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. The engine produces 152 kW and 400 Nm of torque with claims of a consumption figure of 5.6-5.1 1/100 km. This model is surely the pick of the pack when it comes to longer distances, all in the lap of luxury with more than enough power for overtaking at a moment’s notice.
In terms of automated driving, the new BMW 5 also features, as an option, Highway Assistant and Active Lane Change Assistant. Only currently available in the U.S., Germany and Canada for now, these new camera and safety technologies allow the ‘The Highway Assistant’ to relieve the driver of steering tasks on highways with structurally separated directional lanes. At speeds of up to 130 km/h, it is possible to take your hands off the steering wheel and position them comfortably – as long as you keep an eye on the traffic.
The new BMW 5 Series redefines luxury and innovation and really defines our new technological age with the addition of its electrified i5 powertrain, digital innovations, and commitment to sustainability.
The new 520d costs R1 240 000 while the BMW i5 M60 xDrive starts at R2 190 000.
By Jay Groat
