This is probably one of the most anticipated vehicles in recent history – the 8th generation BMW 5 Series. Dubbed the G60, it follows in the footsteps of a famed legacy, a car that its creators believe is still one of the world’s most beloved executive saloons.

I mean, with 10 million units sold since the first generation launched back in 1972, you cannot argue with success.

But, things are different now, and electric is the new fancy word these days. Therefore, this is also the first time the 5 Series has launched with an electric counterpart, the i5.

The new boy is pitted against stiff competition like the Mercedes EQE, Porsche Taycan and Polestar 2. It’s a crowded room all right, but can the BMW i5 stand its ground against its rivals?

Subdued Wealth

The biggest difference between this G60 5 Series and its bigger G70 7 Series sibling is the omission of a comically large front grille.

Certain BMWs are deliberately ‘louder’ than others (think BMW XM, BMW i7), but the 5 Series is thankfully spared. It may look more subdued and conservatively styled as a result, but I dig this facade more, as it stays true to what is quintessentially BMW.

The kidney grille is modestly sized here but gets the Iconic Glow illumination as standard on this M Sport variant.

This traditional design doesn’t hinder performance too; drag coefficient is just 0.22-0.23cd across the range. This is thanks to innovations like an Air Flap control system that opens intakes in the grille and an Air Curtain that directs turbulent air past the front wheels.

Lightweight alloy wheels also help enhance range, and the omission of tailpipes adds to that sleek dominant look.

The new 5 Series has had a growth spurt too. It’s now over five metres long, with a wheelbase 5mm shy of three metres. Park up next to an older 7 Series, and most people will get confused this is actually a 5-ver.

Plush Innards

BMW has been on a roll with its Curved Glass display, first seen in the iX, and now it’s making its mark in the i5 with some notable upgrades and fresh interior elements. 

The Curved Glass setup features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster blending seamlessly with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen.

It’s also rocking OS 8.5, boasting new graphics, a crisp start screen, and a ‘QuickSelect’ feature that adds shortcuts to key menu items; a very useful addition in practice, since most folks only dabble with audio and navigation.

BMW’s also introducing in-car gaming to the 5 Series with AirConsole. Simply scan a QR code on the Curved Display, and your smartphone transforms into a game controller. BMW offers 20 built-in games, with more on the way. It’s a neat way to pass the time while waiting for your i5 to charge, as BMW openly admits.

New to the i5 (and the 5 Series) is the Interaction Bar, making its debut on the 7 Series. It’s a bit more subtle here, but it’s still a backlit unit that spans the dashboard’s width.

It’s got a crystalline look, flirting with a hint of bling without going full Versace. The trim below it can be customised in aluminum or carbon fibre too.

The Interaction Bar lights up for phone calls or to signal if it’s safe to exit, and can be tweaked to your liking in the My Modes menu. However, I do feel it does go a little overboard sometimes, especially when you turn the hazards on.

The air conditioning controls is another area that the i5 feels foreign. Car designers have been trying to hide air vents for ages without sacrificing function, and even though the touch controls are responsive, the controls for the vents can be frustrating for users who aren’t accustomed to its unorthodox design.

The centre console control panel gets a makeover for the 5 Series, housing the iDrive controller (though you’ll likely use the touchscreen more), a redesigned drive selector switch, stop/start button, My Modes button (Personal, Sport, Efficient), parking brake, and, thankfully, a physical volume control. 

Wireless charging comes standard, and you get a Harman Kardon audio system with a 205-watt amplifier. There are four USB-C ports, with the option to add more.

The 5 Series is BMW’s first vegan model, featuring a leather-like material called Veganza. It covers the seats, dashboard, and door panels. Merino leather is also available for those who want the real deal.

The seats are supportive, with electric adjustment and heating as standard. The rear seats split 40:20:40, and while the regular 5 Series has 520 litres of boot space, the i5 has 490 litres due to its rear axle drive unit.

Silent Comfort

When it comes to the BMW i5, its driving characteristic sings a familiar tune – and that’s not a bad thing. Following in the footsteps of the i4, iX, and i7, the i5 is another addition to the competent stable of electric BMWs.

Even if you’re someone who’s deeply acquainted with BMW’s internal combustion engines, especially those charismatic straight-sixes, you might feel a twinge of nostalgia with the way this car handles.

The 5 Series rocks BMW’s modular Cluster Architecture (CLAR), the foundation for all their bigger models. The double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle have been fine-tuned for better refinement, and it shows its worth when pushed enthusiastically. 

The i5’s vibration dampening and acoustics are top-notch, keeping errant noises at bay as you trundle silently along. M Sport suspension is standard, so the springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars are all set a bit firmer. It might feel a tad firm on bumpier roads, but for the most part, it just glides over the bumps like they’re not even there.

This EV is as dynamic as executive saloons come. The eDrive40 is quick without being overly aggressive, rewarding sharper inputs without pushing you to drive like a maniac. It’s more about enjoying the luxurious interior and giving your occupants a smashing ol’ time than throwing the car into corners.

The brakes and regen blend so seamlessly that you hardly notice them, a far cry from what you find in most Mercedes EQ models. Whenever the need arises to prove you’re the fastest off the line, a ‘boost’ paddle shift gives you a 10% energy boost for 10 seconds when you need it. 

Of course, the new 5 Series is packed with every kind of assistance imaginable, including Evasion Assistant and Crossroads Warning with brake intervention.

You can even park the car using your smartphone. Manoeuvre Assistant uses GPS and trajectory data to pull off complex parking moves. Or, you know, just park it yourself.

Range anxiety isn’t an issue either, with the 81.2kWh battery giving sufficient coverage for easily a week’s worth of driving. I managed around 22.2kWh/100km, which equates to about 4.5km/kWh, and this was with driving that wasn’t exactly nursing the throttle.

Expect better returns with less liberal use of the boost paddle.

Luxury Defined

The BMW i5 is a great executive EV saloon. Sure, there are small issues I may dislike with the car, and the tech can come off as a little too aspirant, but these are tiny compared to the overall user experience.

BMW was confident they could combine the dynamism from the 3 Series with the opulence from the 7 Series, and they pretty much nailed it.

Best of all, the price for the i5 is pretty competitive against its rivals, and it feels like you’ve got your money’s worth. 

In a crowded room full of executive EVs, the BMW i5 really makes a strong case for itself. Can’t argue with success, right?

Technical Specifications

BMW i5 eDrive40

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Power: 250kW (335bhp)
Torque: 400Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 193km/h
Battery Capacity: 81.2 kWh
Drive Range: 582 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.1 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$370,888 (eDrive40), S$381,888 (eDrive 40 M Sport), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Performance Motors / Eurokars Auto

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The BMW Group presented a fusion of art and innovation at the Frieze Los Angeles art fair in the form of the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA. The one-of-a-kind vehicle combines colour-change technology developed by BMW with the artistic language of South African artist Esther Mahlangu.

The designer piece, with sections of attached film that can be electronically animated, embodies the latest development in colour-change technology for vehicle surfaces in cooperation with E Ink.

The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA celebrated its world premiere at the fair opening on 29 February. The contemporary tribute recalls the BMW Art Car designed by Mahlangu in 1991.

“The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA honours the history of the BMW brand and continues the story of our global cultural engagement in a unique way. It combines art and design through progressive technology. Here, technology itself becomes art,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

In 1991, Mahlangu designed the 12th BMW Art Car, based on a BMW 525i – becoming the first woman and first African artist to do so.

“Her art inspired me years ago, back when the concept of colour change on a car was just an idea in my head,” said Stella Clarke, Research Engineer Open Innovations at the BMW Group. “Now, being able to realise this idea, and work with Esther Mahlangu, is absolutely surreal.”

The 88-year-old artist’s signature colours and geometric patterns are perfect for bringing the innovative Flow technology to life in the BMW i5. The versatility of the electrophoretic colour changes makes the fully-electric sedan a dynamic work of art.

“It is fascinating to me to see how modern technology can expand my art and make it accessible to a completely new audience,” said Mahlangu.

As a globally respected artist, Esther Mahlangu is known for her Ndebele paintings, whose ornamentation originally symbolised major events or festive
occasions.

Mahlangu separated the designs from their original meaning and transferred them for the first time to canvas, carpets and everyday objects, thus preserving them for the future. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA is now reinterpreting this artistic language.

In the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, which is named after Mahlangu’s first son, sections of film that can be electronically animated are applied, with two strips each across the roof, bonnet and rear section, as well as the vehicle’s sides.

Like an e-book reader, there are several million microcapsules in each E Ink film. The structure and arrangement of the colour particles they contain can be changed by applying an electric voltage.

This allows the typical colours and patterns of Mahlangu’s art to be generated in constantly changing compositions.

The animations are also accompanied by an equally extraordinary sound, specially composed by Renzo Vitale, the BMW Group’s Creative Director, Sound, for the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA.

To combine the soundscape of the BMW brand with that of the South African Ndebele culture, Vitale used sequences from Mahlangu’s voice, as well as the sound of the feather brushes she used for painting.

These were combined with sounds produced by the colour pencils employed in the BMW design studio and the acoustic signal heard as feedback when operating the BMW i5’s touch display.

This created a sound mix that starts off softly at the beginning of each colour change and increases in intensity as the animation progresses.

To accurately recreate every detail of the complex ornamentation, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA has been fitted with 1,349 sections of film, each of which can be individually controlled. The laser cutting process used to trim the film and the electronic control design were developed in partnership with E Ink.

The adaptation of the technology for curved surfaces, as well as the programmed animations, are all BMW Group in-house developments.

In presenting this designer car at Frieze Los Angeles, BMW continues its long-standing cooperation with the renowned art fair.

At the same time, the BMW Art Car that formed the basis for this tribute will also be on display in South Africa for the first time in over 30 years, as part of the exhibition hosted by the Iziko Museums of South Africa and the BMW Group in Cape Town “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective.

The exhibition, which runs until 11 August 2024, honours the life’s work of one of South Africa’s most influential artists and cultural ambassadors.

Photo Credits: BMW

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It’s not just your run-of-the-mill 5 Series; it’s got a twist that’s electrifying the Singaporean automotive scene.

First things first, let’s talk numbers. The starting price for the 520i, the base model, kicks off at S$385,888 with COE. And, for the first time ever, BMW is offering the 5 Series in a full-electric i5 eDrive40 variant. This electric variant starts from S$417,888 with COE.

Now, if you like your cars with some sporty touches, you’re in luck. Both the 520i and the i5 eDrive40 are available in the sportier M Sport spec. The M Sport cars come with a lower, sportier suspension setup and some slightly more aggressive design elements. 

BMW is also offering a limited run of 20 Launch Edition units for both models (10 of each). What makes these Launch Edition models extra special? Well, for starters, they come with unique 20-inch wheels that are exclusively finished in Titanium Bronze. That finish extends to the interior and exterior trim and even the grille.

Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter – the design. The new 5 Series has grown in size, now 5,060mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,515mm tall, with a wheelbase that stands at 2,995mm. In simple terms, it’s bigger, bolder, and more impressive than ever before. You’ll feel the difference when you get behind the wheel.

But the design isn’t just about size; it’s about making a statement. The iconic double kidney grille takes centre stage (thank god it hasn’t been elongated), and you can even opt for the Iconic Glow illumination around the frame.

Pair that with the sleek new LED headlights, and you’ve got a front end that means business. And let’s not forget the rear end, which takes inspiration from the latest 7 Series, with its slim LED taillights and that classic Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar. It’s a design that’s both familiar and forward-thinking.

The interior of the new 5 Series borrows cues from the 7 Series too, with the usual BMW Curved Display double-screen setup. You’ve got a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver instrument display, creating the illusion of one massive screen.

The BMW Interaction Bar is present too; a backlit element with a crystalline effect, complete with adjustable lighting and touch-sensitive control panels. It’s like stepping into the future.

And speaking of the future, the new 5 Series comes equipped with the latest BMW Operating System 8.5. It’s got a revised user interface and something called “QuickSelect,” which lets you access functions without diving into submenus. Convenience at your fingertips, quite literally.

Plus, you get the Parking Assistant Plus package as standard, which includes nifty features like Parking View, Panorama View, and even a Remote 3D View function that lets you see a 3D live image of your car and its surroundings on your smartphone.

Now, let’s talk power, because what’s a BMW without some serious oomph under the hood? The 520i packs a 2.0-litre turbo inline-four engine that churns out 190hp and 310Nm of torque. It’s no slouch, going from 0-100km/h in a respectable 8.1 seconds and hitting a top speed of 230km/h.

The i5 eDrive40 is the first-ever full-electric 5 Series, and boasts 313hp and 400Nm of torque, which can be boosted to a whopping 340hp and 430Nm of torque with the My Mode Sport and Sport Boost/Launch Control functions activated.

Translation? 0-100km/h in a lightning-fast 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 193km/h. Electrifying in more ways than one.

And let’s not forget the range. The i5 eDrive40 is equipped with an 81.2kWh battery that can take you up to 582km on a full charge. That’s a lot of kilometres between charging stops. 

Plus, it’s an eco-warrior with an electric power consumption rate of just 19.5kWh/100km. And if you’re in a hurry, no worries – it can handle up to 205kW in DC fast charging, which means you can go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 30 minutes.

The all-new BMW 5 Series is bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than ever. It’s a car that combines the best of BMW’s design, technology, and performance, all wrapped up in a sleek and stylish package.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Ever had a situation where you were in your car, and desperately had to play a video game? No? Well, BMW has got you covered anyway.

Picture this: You’re cruising in your BMW or MINI, and suddenly, you’re not just driving; you’re in the hot seat, ready to tackle trivia questions that could make you a millionaire. Yes, you heard that right, the iconic “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” is coming to your BMW, and it’s brought to you by none other than gaming platform developer AirConsole.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “In my car? Really?” Well, buckle up, because the future is here. BMW and AirConsole are teaming up to bring this classic game show straight to your car’s dashboard, and it’s all set to roll out through 2024.

But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill “Millionaire” game. Oh no, it’s been reimagined and tailored specifically for in-car gaming. Imagine the excitement of answering those million-dollar questions while waiting at a traffic light or parked by the curb. It’s like having a game show studio right in your vehicle.

BMW is taking this to a whole new level. They’re not just telling you about it; they’re showing it off. At the recent Gamescom, in the heart of Cologne, Germany, a special BMW i5 took centre stage. It’s not there to be ogled at; it’s there to be played in. Yes, you can hop in, take the wheel, and dive into a world of gaming right inside the BMW i5. It’s like a dream come true for gamers and car enthusiasts alike.

Now, let’s talk games. The AirConsole platform is packing a punch with a range of titles. We’re talking everything from Go Kart Go for the speed demons to Golazo for the soccer fanatics. And if you’re a music lover, Music Guess is there to challenge your earworm knowledge.

But it doesn’t stop there; they’ve got Overcooked, the ultimate cooking chaos game. It’s a smorgasbord of gaming genres, and BMW promises that they’ll keep expanding this gaming portfolio.

So, there you have it, BMW and AirConsole are turning your car into a gaming haven. Who would’ve thought your daily commute could turn into a quiz show extravaganza? It’s gaming on the go, and it’s changing the way we see our vehicles. What a time to be alive.

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