Electric BMW i5 to lead new 5 Series range

Unlike rival Mercedes, BMW has adopted a multi-powertrain strategy to electrify its model line-up. The new BMW 5 Series, traditionally one of its most profitable models, is the latest to adopt this, with first deliveries now beginning in the UK.

In the UK, the lead model will be the electric BMW i5. This, explained product manager Nicola Verrall, will be used in marketing and communication campaigns. But for those not ready to go electric, there will also be a petrol-powered BMW 520i, along with a range of plug-in hybrids. However, although a new 5 Series diesel is available in Europe, it is not going to be sold in the UK.

Verrall says that while corporate customers will naturally dominate BMW i5 sales, more cost-conscious retail buyers without the benefit of huge electric car Benefit in Kind savings may be drawn to the petrol model. The difference in price is significant; the 520i M Sport costs from £51,000, while i5 prices open from £74,105. This is in line with rival Mercedes-Benz, whose new E-Class starts from £55,290, and electric EQE costs from £68,810.

The new 5 Series benefits from a “simplified customer offering” claims Verrall. There are five steps to configuring one. Customers select their trim grade, then pick the powertrain – again, this is in line with the agnostic approach to powertrain type. Then, choose interior and exterior, an options pack, and then from 10 single options. “We’re calling it the 5 Series in five steps,” said Verrall.

Tesla-style ‘Plug and Charge’ functionality is standard. This allows users to simply plug in at a compatible charge point, without the need to use apps, contactless credit cards or other payment types. Ionity is the first network in the UK to activate it and others will follow. Up to five contracts can be stored onboard the car, said Verrall.

The car will also offer ‘proactive care’, an AI-driven tool that recognises service needs at an early stage. “We call it being there before you need us.” Customers are alerted via in-car messages, through the app, via email or telephone. If assistance is required, a retailer can be contacted, and a service appointment automatically booked. The scope of this digital diagnostics service will continuously evolve.

The new BMW 5 Series range, the eighth generation of 5 Series, has the latest BMW OS 8.5 infotainment. This has an improved menu structure that’s easier to use. It also offers over-the-air updates, and Verrall revealed there are now more than 400,000 UK BMWs receiving over-the-air updates (and several million more globally).

The company also continues to evolve its subscription-style ‘functions on demand’ proposition, with a growing suite of features offered for purchase in the BMW store. The new focus is on software and service-related features, rather than activating hardware already in the car, such as heated seats, an approach that has proven controversial.

A spokesman added that, next year, a BMW i5 Touring estate will arrive, “that rare thing, an electric estate”. But those who want a last hurrah with high-performance petrol power won’t be disappointed, either; BMW is planning to also launch a new M5 Touring alongside the upcoming new M5 saloon. The powertrain will be electrified, with an element of plug-in hybrid pure electric driving, but it’s also likely to boast over 700hp, ensuring performance will be fearsome.