2024 BMW 5 Series: New Electric Version, Updated Engines, Futuristic Tech

Competes with: Audi A6, Genesis G80, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Looks like: A longer, taller, wider 5 Series with more dynamic styling

Powertrains: 335-horsepower, single-motor EV drive unit with 84.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and rear-wheel drive (i5 eDrive40); 590-hp, dual-motor EV drive unit with 84.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and all-wheel drive (i5 M60 xDrive); 255-hp, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and RWD or AWD (530i); 375-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder (540i)

Hits dealerships: Launch to begin in October, with 540i arriving late

BMW’s mid-size 5 Series sedan was last revised for 2021, and it’s got some big news for 2024: The i5 fully electric version is joining the lineup.

Related: Packages, Paints, Prices Shift for 2023 BMW 5 Series

For 2024, the eighth generation of the 5 Series sees other changes, including revised styling, updated gas powertrains, additional driver-assistance features that take self-driving to another level and a new operating system for infotainment.

Exterior

The 2024 5 Series grows in every direction over 2023. The new model is 3.4 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider and 1.4 inches taller than the outgoing version. The sedan’s wheelbase has been increased by 0.8 inch; BMW says the added dimensions translate to more occupant space and cargo room. The new model’s styling changes are most dramatic in front, with a more upright grille and striking headlight design. Two nearly vertical daytime running lights flank the optional illuminated BMW kidney grille for a more dynamic looking face.

The i5 M60 xDrive wears additional gloss-black exterior styling bits as well as large air intakes, a grille featuring horizontal slats and an M logo, 19-inch M light alloy wheels, and a rear apron with a pronounced diffuser.

Interior

The new 5 Series features a revised interior highlighted by the BMW Curved Display. The setup pairs a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel with a 14.9-inch control display front and center; together they combine to create the look of one sleek, seamless large screen.

The iDrive infotainment system uses the latest version of BMW’s operating system, which the automaker says offers more modern graphics along with a cleaner-looking start screen and more intuitive operation. It can be controlled via the touchscreen, voice commands, steering wheel buttons and on the center console; gesture control functionality is optional, a reversal from its swift purging recently from the BMW lineup.

One new feature is an in-car gaming system via the AirConsole gaming platform. According to the automaker, the driver and passengers can stream content or play video games while the vehicle is stationary via a smartphone connection to the infotainment system. Games currently available include racing, sports and quiz games as well as simulation, strategy, jump-and-run and puzzle games, and BMW says the content will be continuously expanded.

In back, the rear seat folds in a 40/20/40 split, and trunk capacity is greater. According to BMW’s measurements, the i5 has 17.3 cubic feet of storage, while the 530i has 18.4 cubic feet, up from 2023’s 14.5 cubic feet.

Perforated Veganza imitation leather is available for the 5 Series’ seats and surfaces; Merino leather upholstery in several colors is an option. Other options include a giant panoramic Sky Lounge that BMW says has a viewing area almost 90% larger than that of the standard tilt-and-slide moonroof.

Powertrain Specs

The big news is the addition of the all-electric i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive. The rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40 uses an electric motor at the rear axle for a maximum power output of 335 horsepower and maximum torque of 295 pounds-feet or 317 pounds-feet when the Sport Boost or Launch Control functions are activated. BMW estimates its range at 295 miles with the model’s standard 19-inch wheels and says the model will sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The performance-oriented all-wheel-drive i5 M60 xDrive variant adds a motor at the front axle that produces 257 hp for a total system output of 590 hp and 549 pounds-feet of torque (605 pounds-feet when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated). BMW says the M60 xDrive sprints from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and has an estimated range of 256 miles.

The models use a lithium-ion battery pack good for 84.3 kilowatt-hours and have a charging unit that enables Level 2 AC charging up to 11 kilowatts with a 205-kW max charging rate. According to the automaker, when connected to a DC fast charger, the battery can be topped up from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. First-time owners receive two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America DC fast-charging locations.

For 2024, 530i variants use a new generation of BMW’s twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder. For 2024, it makes 255 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque, increases of 7 hp and 38 pounds-feet, respectively. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW also said the 540i xDrive will return to the lineup with a late availability. It will again use a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder good for a maximum output of 375 hp, an increase of 40 hp over the previous generation. The engine’s maximum torque increases by 52 pounds-feet to 384 and can be boosted to 398 pounds-feet with the additional power of the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. BMW says it can accelerate from 0-60 in a scant 4.5 seconds. Production of this model will start in November. The automaker also said to stay tuned for a plug-in hybrid model to join the lineup in 2024.

Safety

Standard safety systems include park assist, forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure steering assist, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert with braking intervention, speed limit sign recognition and a safe exit assist.The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package includes a new feature, Highway Assistant. The system enables hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph where conditions and speed limits allow. The driver’s attention is continuously monitored by the system via an interior camera. It also uses a new feature BMW claims is a world first called Active Lane Change with eye activation: When the vehicle suggests a lane change, the driver can confirm it simply by looking in the corresponding outside rearview mirror.

Pricing and Release Date

BMW said the launch of the new BMW 5 Series will begin in October, with 540i xDrive production following in November. Trim level pricing is as follows (all prices include destination fees):

• 530i: $58,895 (an increase of $1,900)
• 530i xDrive: $61,195 (an increase of 1,900)
• i5 eDrive40: $67,795
• i5 M60 xDrive: $85,095
• 540i xDrive: $65,895 (a decrease of $300)

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