Here are some exclusive spy shots of the prototypes of the next-generation BMW 5 Series which is currently at an early stage of development. Although the vehicle seen here is tightly camouflaged, lacking normal headlights and taillights, the form factor does reveal the sedan's new shape.
Overview
Come the fall of 2023, BMW will introduce the G60 generation of the BMW 5 Series and for the first time, BMW’s popular mid-size sedan will also be available with an electric powertrain. Dubbed the BMW i5, the all-electric 5 Series is a significant component in the BMW Group’s road to electrification.
The BMW i5
From these spy shots, the upcoming i5 appears to have a flatter front end when compared to the G30, which first debuted in 2017. The broad grille bears no resemblance to the huge kidneys seen on either the BMW M3 or 4 Series. The BMW 5 Series is anticipated to inherit the design and lighting from the iX.
Moving to the side, you’ll notice that the passenger compartment is set back somewhat, the door handles with recessed grips are from the i4, and the roof slopes softly toward the rear and merges into a trunk lid. On the i5, you can expect a body-colored diffuser instead of exhaust pipes. The rear windows have BMW's signature Hofmeister kink. Overall, the proportions of the car seem to have grown, with overhangs that are far more prominent than before.
On the inside, occupants can expect to find the next generation of I-Drive 8, which BMW previewed earlier this year at CES 2021. It might be similar to the BMW iX but may employ a different user interface that is supposed to be easier to operate. Expect a range of screens to debut on the i5 that provide everything from driver information to infotainment duties.
Platform and Powertrain
The 2023 BMW 5 Series will be based on the improved CLAR platform (Cluster Architecture II), which supports plug-in hybrids and pure electric variations in addition to combustion engines with mild hybrids. Hence, similar to the BMW 7 Series/i7 and 4 Series/i4, the upcoming G60 5 Series also comes with an electric counterpart in the form of the i5, although it still remains unclear whether the i5 will inherit the powertrains of the BMW i4 or i7. But to give you some context, the BMW i7 is equipped with a variety of battery capacities ranging from 30 to 120 kWh.
In addition to rear-wheel-drive models like the i5 eDrive40 and more powerful all-wheel-drive ones like the eDrive50 and the 600-plus horsepower i5 M60, and long-range versions are certainly a possibility. As far as the range is concerned, BMWs current fifth-generation eDrive technology now has a WLTP range of 373 miles. The sixth eDrive generation is already in the works and is scheduled for 2025.
Conclusion
When the i5 eventually hits the market in 2023, it will join other electric vehicles from BMW including the i4, iX, iX1, iX3, and i7 in helping the Munich-based automaker is offering a diverse range of products to customers.
With the competition in the EV space, now more fierce than ever before, it was only natural for BMW to take one of its most celebrated and popular sedans down the electric route. The Mercedes Benz EQE and Audi A6 e-Tron are already in the works and the 5 Series couldn’t be left behind, could it? Let's just hope that the i5 retains and captures some of the essence of its internal combustion counterparts.