By Malusi Msomi

The new BMW 5 Series was unveiled last year in May last year and we recently headed down to Cape Town for the launch of the newly designed Beemer. Now in its eighth-generation, the newcomer ushers in a fully-electric powertrain (diesel and petrol engines are still available(no petrol models for SA)), BMW latest design philosophy, groundbreaking technologies, heightened levels of luxury using sustainable materials and advanced driver assistance systems.

New Design

In terms of design, the German sedan boasts a new modern and athletic exterior look. When it comes to the 520d, it comes standard with M Sport package, LED head/taillights and wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21-inches.

BMW’s i5 M60i xDrive comes with unique design cues such as M exterior mirrors, M Specific diffuser and BMW M grille with Iconic Glow. BMW also offers the optional M Sport Package Pro with Carbon exterior package for an even sportier look.

Update Interior

Inside, the new 5 Series features a curved display incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen running BMW’s latest Operating System 8.5. It also comes with full vegan leather and a redesigned multifunction steering wheel. The displays are crisp, there’s plenty of head and legroom for all passengers. You are cocooned in a premium cabin with soft-touch materials and is honestly a great place to be. You can customize the cabin quite a bit thanks to an extensive options list and BMW have really outdone themselves with this cabin.

For an elevated cabin experience, the i5 M60i xDrive comes with a M Leather steering wheel with red 12 o’clock marker, M specific display, M pedals, and standard Harman Kardon sound system (Bowers and Wilkins optional).

Powertrains

the 520d has a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine making 145kW/400Nm of torque and features 48-volt mild hybrid tech. We have to admit that this motor is a gem, not only is it smooth but also pulls pretty well. The mild-hybrid system adds to the efficiency (over 1000km on a tank) and acceleration.

The i5 M60i xDrive on the other hand is something special. The party piece is its electric-powertrain which produces 442kW/820Nm, and will do a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in a blistering 3.8 seconds and will top out at 230 km/h. Despite the mega performance figures, it’s very comfortable to drive on most road surfaces. BMW claims an electric range of between 477-582 km.

Safety

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers an extensive selection of partially automated driving and parking systems, available either as standard features or optional upgrades. The standout feature is the Driving Assistant Professional, which includes Steering and Lane Control Assist along with Distance Control featuring Stop & Go functionality. Additionally, it comes with Parking Assistant, including Reversing Assist, as a standard inclusion. Opting for the Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking and maneuvering of up to 200 meters, controllable from within the vehicle or via smartphone from outside

Verdict

The new 5 Series is a powerhouse and is ready to do battle with its closest rivals such as the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The new design might not be for everyone, but the under the skin advancements and solid powertrains make it quite the package.

Pricing

BMW 520d: R1,240,000

BMW i5 M60 xDrive: R2,190,000