BMW will unveil the new 5-Series and i5 on Wednesday, May 24, at 2:00 p.m. CEST (8:00 a.m. EDT/5:00 a.m. PDT). If you plan on being up at that hour, BMW will be live-streaming the unveiling with a video that you can watch below. Either way, you can read our full report with all the details and images that will be out at that same time.
Long anticipated, perhaps the most noteworthy thing about the new 5-Series is that it will be the first one ever to offer an all-electric drivetrain, in the form of the i5. However, all examples of the executive sedan are based on the CLAR platform, to allow BMW to offer customers the choice of a gas, diesel, hybrid, or electric drivetrain.
BMW has already revealed that the all-electric i5 will get up to 293–364 miles (472-586 km) on the WLTP test cycle with the i5 eDrive40 trim that sends up to 335 hp (250 kW/340 PS) to the rear wheels. Meanwhile, the higher-performance i5 M60 will be down on range slightly – 273–333 miles (439-536 km), but will make a hearty 590 hp (440 kW/598 PS). The i5 will also be offered as a wagon, though we expect that variant to be launched at a later date.
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It isn’t the only model that will have some electric assistance, though. The BMW M division’s legendary M5 is expected to feature a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Although official details have not been shared yet, it may get the same powertrain as the XM, which marries a twin-turbo V8 to an electric motor to make 644 hp (480 kW/653 PS).
The less performance-oriented 5-Series models are expected to feature a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines, with varying degrees of electrification. All examples will get advanced infotainment and ADAS tech, and will benefit from a thorough visual update over the existing model, which has been around since 2017.
Although we have only seen the new 5-Series wearing camouflage, some changes are apparent despite that. Sleeker lines, more defined body contouring, and new slimmer headlights will help bring the sedan in line with modern fashions. Although spy photos of the car have shown it with a relatively small grille, teasers (below) seem to show the car with a rather large, illuminated grille.
We’ll know for sure what is going on behind the camouflage when BMW officially unveils the new car tomorrow morning.
