BMW officially reveals updated 5-Series
After a series of leaks and teasers, BMW has unveiled the updated version of the 5-Series. As the previous leaks and teasers perfectly matched and pretty much showed us everything, what we didn’t know is that it also gets a host of new powertrain options.
The BMW 5-Series is currently in its seventh generation, codenamed the G30. It has been around since late 2016 and early 2017 in most parts of the world.
The refresh gives the 5-Series looks that are in line with the brand’s current design language which can be seen on the current BMW 3-Series. Just like its smaller sibling, it gets a conjoined kidney grille. It also gets similarly designed LED headlights and new front bumper which make the front fascia look sleeker overall. The rear end gets an updated set of L-shaped LED taillights which have been a BMW trademark for a long time. They are also lightly smoked giving it a sportier look. Overall, the updated BMW 5-Series gives off a sportier vibe than the pre-facelift model.
The 5-Series will also be available with several M Performance Parts such as a carbon fiber front splitter, grille, side air vents, side skirts, and mirror caps, and other M Performance parts and accessories such as floor mats, steering wheel, 20-inch alloy wheels, 19-inch brake rotors, black accent stripes, and exhaust system. All these will bring its sportiness up a notch not only in looks but also in terms of performance.
Changes to the 5-Series’ interior are not as big as those on the outside. Tech is upgraded with the company’s Live Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Android Auto is also now a standard feature as the infotainment only offered Apple CarPlay previously.
A major update in the 5-Series lineup is the availability of electrified powertrains. All four and six cylinder engines are now paired to a mild-hybrid system. The gasoline and diesel powered engines will work together with a 48-volt generator and battery. All powertrains are to be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the mild-hybrid equipped powertrain options, there is a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option as well. Dubbed the 530e, the new variant will be powered by a 2.0-liter four cylinder gasoline engine paired to an electric motor. Combined total output is at 288 horsepower. The electric motor is also equipped with XtraBoost which provides an additional 40 hp for 10 seconds when the accelerator is fully pressed. This enables the vehicle to go from 0 to 100 kph in around 5.7 seconds.
As of now, the top powertrain option for the 5-Series will be a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 530 hp. This puts 0 to 100 kph acceleration time at just 3.6 seconds. Safety features on the 5-Series include those such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and blindspot monitoring.
The new BMW 5-Series is expected to go on sale by the middle of this year. Other markets such as ours will probably see it by 2021.
