Photo: BMW SrbijaJust a few days after the global premiere, the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series was exclusively presented to the Belgrade audience at The BMW Store, and it is also available for the first time in the fully electric version of the BMW i5. The latest version of the most successful business limousine with a recognizable, elegant design, in addition to innovations, also brings a new level of comfort.
Photo: BMW Serbia
As the new BMW 5 Series represents a kind of unique work of art, BMW Serbia has initiated cooperation with the prestigious gallery "Štab", which is one of the most active galleries in the field of contemporary visual arts in the country. Joint cooperation affirms contemporary art and supports young, talented artists.
The presentation of the new 5 Series was completed by the performance of the famous painter Svetlana Ninković, who during the presentation, inspired by BMW's novelty, showed her personal process of creating sophisticated and exclusive works of art.
The audience also enjoyed the exhibited works of artists Zoran Kuzmanović, Ivana Milev, and Marko Vučković, whose works fit perfectly into BMW's exclusive concept.
The new BMW 5 Series brings an advanced level of digital services and recognizable driving dynamics, which are accompanied by a perfect 50:50 axle load ratio. The BMW 5 Series has the largest dimensions to date, is 5060 mm long, and has a record wheelbase of 2995 mm. The front part is characterized by new headlights with almost vertical LED daytime running lights, while the mask can optionally be illuminated (BMW Iconic Glow).
Photo: BMW Serbia
It is also possible to order the M aerodynamic package as well as its "Pro" version with more black details. Shadow-line headlights with a black background are also available as an option. At the rear, there are typical L-shaped lights with additional chrome moldings, and two characteristic lines stand out on the side surfaces.
For the first time, the BMW 5 Series has a fully vegan interior as standard, including Veganza sports seats. Optionally, it is possible to order the BMW Individual Merino leather interior as well as fully electrically adjustable comfort seats.
The number of switches in the interior has been reduced without affecting the available functionalities. The control center represents a new interpretation of BMW's orientation towards the driver in the form of curved screens of 12.3 and 14.9 inches.
The new BMW 5 Series is the first model to have the improved user interface 8.5 with the Quick Select function that speeds up access to the required submenus. This system enables faster updates, improved monitoring, and travel planning for the electric model, as well as entertainment elements (video streaming and use of the AirConsole platform). Optionally, it is possible to order a functional BMW Interaction Bar with LED backlighting.
Driving comfort is ensured by specially adapted suspension systems that, in addition to the standard package, include the optional Adaptive Suspension Professional package that has electrically controlled shock absorbers, integral active steering, and active stabilizers.
The wheels range in size from 18 to 21 inches, and safe stopping is aided by an integral braking system. Standard equipment includes a steering wheel with a variable transmission ratio as well as a parking assistant with reverse driving support.
The optional Professional package comes with automatic parking and maneuvering using a mobile phone. The new BMW 5 Series also received other improvements, such as support for 5G, personal eSIM, and BMW Digital Key Plus. Standard equipment includes support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Four-cylinder gasoline and diesel versions with the Mild Hybrid system are ready for the start of sales: the 520i, 520d, and 520d xDrive. The gasoline version has 153 kW/208 hp, and the diesel has 145 kW/197 hp.
The standard equipment includes a new version of the eight-speed automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor. For the beginning of 2024, six-cylinder engines, diesel and gasoline, as well as plug-in hybrid versions 530e and 550e xDrive, are being prepared.
Photo: BMW Serbia
The first ever all-electric BMW 5 Series is called the i5, and the base version is called the eDrive40. The drive electric motor is placed at the back and has a power of 250 kW (340 hp). The energy source is a high-voltage battery with a capacity of 81.2 kWh that enables a range of 477 to 582 km according to the WLTP standard.
A more powerful M60 xDrive version with two electric motors with a total power of 442 kW/601 hp, a torque of 820 Nm, and acceleration to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds is available from the start.
The BMW i5 is also the first all-electric model in the range that supports the "Pluchargers it is 11 kW.g and Charge" function. The maximum charging power on 205 kWargers is up to 205kW, and on AC standard 11kW. It is also possible to get 22 kW of AC for an additional fee.
Production of the new BMW 5 Series begins in October this year at the largest factory in Dingolfing, where all components, as well as high-voltage batteries and electric motors, are produced.
Source: BMW Serbia
