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The eighth-generation BMW 5 Series (codename G60) has just hit the streets, over fifty years after the debut of its first iteration. Now measuring more than five meters long with a nearly three-meter wheelbase, you should check if your driveway can handle this beast!
Thankfully, the G60’s design clears the controversial extremes seen in some of BMW’s recent models. It features a more conservative aesthetic, albeit with a touch of flair, thanks to an illuminated grille that ensures it catches eyes—for better or for worse. Its competitors, like the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, might want to take note.
The UK lineup chooses mild- or plug-in hybrids and a fully electric variant. The base model 520i includes a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine enhanced by a 48V electric motor. For more power, the 530e and 550e xDrive plug-ins pair their petrol engines with an electric motor and a 19.4kWh battery, boasting up to 63 and 55 miles of electric range, respectively. All models come equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
While this review focuses on the internal combustion engines (ICE), the all-electric i5 deserves a nod. It’s available in two versions: the eDrive40 and the M60 xDrive, offering power and range that challenge any lingering hesitations about electric mobility.
BMW introduced its Curved Glass display, which integrates a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen into a single sleek unit. This setup is as technologically impressive as it is visually striking. However, integrating climate controls into the touchscreen might not sit well with all—thankfully, the iDrive rotary controller remains.
Starting at £51,000 for the mild-hybrid 520i, the new 5 Series isn’t shy about its premium stature. The plug-in hybrids and the electric i5 variants stretch the budget further, especially with the top-end i5 approaching the £100k mark. And with anticipation building around the forthcoming M5, one can only guess its price tag.
Predictably, the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series upholds its top-tier dynamics, refinement, and quality legacy. Each model is unique, from the entry-level 520i to the high-performance 550e xDrive. Despite a few criticisms about some interior elements and the integrated climate controls, the new 5 Series stands out as a formidable contender in its class. While others may falter, the BMW 5 Series just gets stronger.
