The new BMW 5 Series reaffirms its leading position in the premium executive class thanks to a new look, an interior brimming with refinements, cutting-edge innovations and even greater efficiencies, as most models now feature mild-hybrid technology.
Like the new BMW 5 Series Saloon, the new BMW 5 Series Touring will also be available with a plug-in hybrid drive system from November 2020. The use of mild hybrid technology with a 48V starter-generator will be rolled out to all models with a four- or six-cylinder engine, except PHEV and M550i xDrive models.
Inside, new interior features include a larger 12.3” Central Information Display powered by the latest Operating System 7.0, including BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant and Smartphone Integration. The new 5 Series also benefits from the latest camera- and radar-based driving assistant systems, including features like steering and lane-control assistant and active cruise control to name just a few.
More than 600,000 units of the BMW 5 Series Saloon and Touring have been sold worldwide since the current generation was launched. The market introduction of the new BMW 5 Series is in July 2020 and both models will be produced at BMW Plant Dingolfing in Bavaria. The new BMW 5 Series Saloon will also be built by our production partner Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.
Exterior design
The exterior design of the BMW 5 Series features precise modifications to heighten the car’s distinctive presence and sporting style.
The BMW kidney grille has extra width and height, dropping down further into the front apron and framed by a single-piece surround. The slimmer contouring of the headlights brings a modern twist to the focused look so familiar from BMWs past and present. The standard full LED headlights include two U-shaped daytime driving lights to create a precise and modern light graphic. With the Visibility pack, customers can upgrade to either Adaptive LED headlights with matrix technology or BMW Laserlights including High-beam Assistant – these headlight upgrades are characterised by two L-shaped daytime driving lights. The latest generation of BMW’s Laserlight technology increases the lighting range up to 600 metres and includes a blue laser effect within the eye-brow. On both Adaptive LED and Laserlight upgrades, customers can select the optional ‘BMW Individual Lights Shadow Line’ for an even sportier front profile aesthetic. The front apron of both SE and M Sport trim levels have also been redesigned with larger and more pronounced air inlets.
The LED taillights are now presented with an additional top overhang that transforms the L-motif into a C-shape. Blackened lenses frame the taillights for a more slender, high-tech look, with bold, stepped contours providing a modernised appearance. The rear apron has also been redesigned with trapezoidal tailpipe finishers and a sportier mounted diffuser on Saloon models.
M Sport package features new 19” and 20” Wheels whilst the new limited M Sport Edition comes with exclusive Individual metallic paint and unique 20” Air Performance wheels.
The M Sport package delivers a sportier look from both the front and rear profiles of the car. Typical of our most popular trim level, these models include the M aerodynamics package, M Sport steering wheel and all new 19” and 20” M Sport alloy wheels. A new M Sport Edition version will be available from launch in a limited worldwide production run of 1,000 units. Its exclusive specification includes the M Sport package, model-specific 20” Air Performance Wheels and a choice of two exclusive exterior paints including Donington Grey and Tanzanite Blue.
Interior: 12.3-inch Central Information Display
The Central Information Display has increased in size from 10.25” to 12.3” and is powered by BMW’s latest Operating System 7.0.
Trim levels
The new BMW 5 Series comes in a choice of three trim levels: SE, M Sport and M Sport Edition. For the very first time in the UK, we’ll also be introducing a range-topping M Performance M550i xDrive on Saloon models.
Standard features of the SE include a choice of 17”, 18” and 19” alloy wheels and Steptronic or Steptronic Sport transmission depending on the engine variant. The interior benefits from Dakota leather upholstery, Oxide Silver dark matt trim, Sport leather steering wheel and heated front seats. The SE Touring specification includes split folding rear seats and matt silver roof rails, with all body styles also having an electronic tailgate.
New for the SE are folding mirrors, front electric lumbar support and Parking Assistant. Comfort, convenience and connectivity are heightened with automatic air conditioning, DAB radio, Connected Package Professional and BMW Live Cockpit Professional.
The M Sport trim level adds new alloy wheel designs in 18”, 19” and 20”sizes, the M aerodynamics package and high gloss shadowline exterior trim, which now extends to the roof rails on the Touring. Inside, there is the M leather steering wheel, front sports seats, a distinctive instrument panel finished in Sensatec, anthracite headliner and Aluminium Rhombicle Grey trim details. M Sport suspension is standard except on 530e and 530e xDrive models.
Building on the M Sport, the M Sport Edition boasts exterior and interior enhancements. Finished in either Tanzanite Blue or exclusive Donington Grey, the M Sport Edition features 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with runflat tyres, shadowline adaptive LED headlights, all-new red M brake callipers, extended high-gloss shadowline exterior trim and sun protection glass. The M Sport Edition specification also includes an M rear spoiler and M multifunction seats on the Saloon model.
The range-topping M550i XDrive Saloon is distinguished from the core 5 Series models with a 4.4 litre V8 TwinPower turbocharged powertrain, exclusive 20” wheels, cerium grey exterior detailing, Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System, an M Sport differential and adaptive M suspension.
Engines
A choice of plug-in hybrid models with the latest fourth-generation battery technology including an all new six-cylinder 545e xDrive Saloon and four-cylinder 530e sDrive/xDrive Touring from November 2020.
From November 2020, the latest-generation BMW eDrive technology will be combined with a four-cylinder petrol engine on the new BMW 530e Saloon and – for the very first time – the BMW 530e Touring.
5 Series Saloon – Technical data
| Model | Maximum Power (hp) | Peak Torque (Nm) | Acceleration (0-62mph) | Top Speed (mph) | Fuel economy (mpg) | CO2 emissions (g/km) |
| 520i | 184 | 290 | 7.9s | 146 | TBC | TBC |
| 520d | 190 | 400 | 7.2s | 146 | TBC | TBC |
| 520d xDrive | 190 | 400 | 7.2s | 144 | TBC | TBC |
| 530d xDrive | 286 | 650 | 5.4s | 155 | TBC | TBC |
| 530e | 292 | 420 | 5.9s | 146 | TBC | TBC |
| 530e xDrive | 292 | 420 | 5.9s | 143 | TBC | TBC |
| 545e xDrive | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| M550i xDrive | 530 | 750 | 3.8s | 155 | TBC | TBC |
5 Series Touring – Technical data
| Model | Maximum Power (hp) | Peak Torque (Nm) | Acceleration (0-62mph) | Top Speed (mph) | Fuel economy (mpg) | CO2 emissions (g/km) |
| 520i | 184 | 290 | 8.3s | 140 | TBC | TBC |
| 520d | 190 | 400 | 7.6s | 140 | TBC | TBC |
| 520d xDrive | 190 | 400 | 7.6s | 138 | TBC | TBC |
| 530d xDrive | 286 | 650 | 5.6s | 155 | TBC | TBC |
| 530e | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| 530e xDrive | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| 540i xDrive | 333 | 450 | 5.2s | 155 | N/A | N/A |
48V mild-hybrid technology for all four- and six-cylinder models
Mild-hybrid technology, first introduced in the BMW 520d and BMW 520d xDrive models in autumn 2019, will now offer enhanced performance combined with lower fuel consumption and improved driving comfort in all four- and six-cylinder variants of the new BMW 5 Series. Fitting a powerful 48V starter-generator and a second battery enables a significant increase in the amount of brake energy that can be regenerated and stored. This energy is used not just to supply the electrical system, but also to lighten the combustion engine’s workload and boost its power.
The starter-generator produces an electric boost that instantly makes an additional 8 kW/11 hp available, enhancing overtaking and off-the-line acceleration. The starter-generator also increases efficiency by assisting the engine when driving at constant speeds and improves comfort when the Auto Start-Stop and coasting functions are in use.
Further developed powertrain and chassis technology
Alongside the 530hp V8 found in the range-topping BMW M550i xDrive Saloon, the new BMW 5 Series comes with a choice of three additional petrol and three diesel engines producing between 184hp and 340hp. The direct injection system in the petrol units operates at increased pressure, meaning greater efficiency, while the two-stage turbocharging technology now fitted in all diesel variants makes for even sharper power delivery. All the engines are complemented with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is also offered on select variants including the 520d, 530d, 530e, 540i, 545e and M550i models.
There is a choice of sophisticated chassis systems designed to enhance either agility and dynamism or driving comfort. M Sport suspension, Adaptive M suspension and Adaptive M suspension Professional including active roll-stabilisation can all be found on the options list. Red M callipers are now available as an alternative to blue with the M Sport Pro pack on M Sport models and are standard on M550i xDrive Saloon models.
Driver assistance systems offering additional functions
The driver assistance systems available for the new BMW 5 Series serve both to enhance driving comfort on long journeys and increase safety in situations where the driver does not have a clear view. As part of Driving Assistant Professional, updates to Steering and Lane Control Assistants are included, which in turn introduces Active Navigation. This system uses navigation data to spot in advance when a lane change will be required, and this can then be performed simply in advance notice, using the Lane Change Assistant.
The newly standard Parking Assistant’s range of functions has been extended with the addition of the reversing assistant, which takes control of the steering while reversing for distances of up to 50 metres.The new Drive Recorder option coupled with Parking Assistant Plus, uses in-built cameras to record video footage from different points around the vehicle, before storing the recordings so they can be either watched later on the control display or exported via the USB port.
Recordings can be up to 40 seconds in length, comprising the 20 seconds of video saved immediately prior to the Drive Recorder being activated and the next 20 seconds. In the event of a collision, the 20 seconds up to the moment of impact and the next 20 seconds are automatically recorded and saved.
New digital services: BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Smartphone Integration and Remote Software Upgrade
The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional brings in the latest BMW Operating System 7.0 and a host of digital services as standard.
The new BMW 5 Series includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with the latest extended functionality. This technology learns routines, habits and preferences to help the driver get the best out of the in-car functionality. Smartphone Integration is offered as standard, without any runtime limitations, and is now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Offered for the first time on the new BMW 5 Series the Remote Software Upgrade functionality keeps the vehicle up to date with the latest software. All updates can be imported over the air, either on a smartphone via BMW Connected or directly into the car using its built-in SIM card. Installation is much like a smartphone update. The content of the upgrades can vary, from new software services to improved vehicle functions and the possibility to purchase additional technology via the BMW ConnectedDrive online store.
Pricing
5 Series Saloon
| Variant | SE | M Sport | M Sport Edition | M Performance |
| 520i | £37,480 | £40,980 | £45,480 | N/A |
| 520d | £38,500 | £42,000 | £46,500 | N/A |
| 520d xDrive | £40,500 | £44,000 | £48,500 | N/A |
| 530d xDrive | £48,820 | £52,320 | £55,510 | N/A |
| 530e | £47,130 | £50,630 | £53,820 | N/A |
| 530e xDrive | £49,130 | £52,630 | £55,820 | N/A |
| 545e xDrive (from 11/20 production) | £54,945 | £58,445 | TBC | N/A |
| M550i xDrive | N/A | N/A | N/A | £67,595 |
5 Series Touring
| Variant | SE | M Sport | M Sport Edition |
| 520i | £39,730 | £43,230 | £46,730 |
| 520d | £40,750 | £44,250 | £47,750 |
| 520d xDrive | £42,750 | £46,250 | £49,750 |
| 530d xDrive | £51,070 | £54,570 | £56,760 |
| 530e (from 11/20 production) | £49,380 | £52,880 | £TBC |
| 530e xDrive (from 11/20 production) | £51,380 | £54,880 | £TBC |
| 540i xDrive | £51,795 | £55,295 | £57,485 |
Options
| Option | Saloon | Touring |
| M SPORT PRO – M Sport brakes in blue high-gloss (or M Sport brakes in Red high-gloss), Adaptive Suspension (excluding 520d/520i models), M seat belts, sun-protection glass*, extended high-gloss shadow line contents, 20-inch M light alloy wheels Y-spoke style (19” or 20” M light alloy wheels on 530e sDrive/xDrive Saloon models), M rear spoiler (Saloon only) | £2,495 (£2,995 on 530e sDrive/xDrive Saloon models with 20” wheels) / £2,795 with Red M brakes (£3,295 on 530e sDrive/xDrive Saloon models with 20” wheels) | £2,495 / £2,795 with Red M brakes |
| VISIBILITY – High beam assist, Adaptive LED headlights / or Laserlights | £1,000 / £2,000 with Laserlights | £1,000 / £2,000 with Laserlights |
| TECHNOLOGY – Head-up display, enhanced telephone and wireless charging, WIFI, gesture control, Harman Kardon / or B&W as alternative | £2,495 / £4,995 with B&W | £2,495 / £4,995 with B&W |
| TECHNOLOGY PLUS – Technology Pack, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus*, Drive recorder* | £4,995 / £7,495 with B&W | £4,995 / £7,495 with B&W |
| COMFORT – Steering wheel heating*, Comfort access, powered tailgate (standard on Touring only), luggage compartment pack (excluding Saloon), comfort seats | £2,495 | £2,495 |
| COMFORT PLUS – Comfort Pack, Active seat ventilation, 4-zone air conditioning, seat heating front/rear, front massage seats | £4,995 | £4,995 |
| ENTERTAINMENT – Rear-seat entertainment, TV function plus | £2,995 | £2,995 |
| Steering wheel heating | £270 | £270 |
| Trailer tow hitch | £995 | £995 |
| BMW Individual lights shadow line | £350 | £350 |
| Sunroof | £1,095 | £1,495 |
| Sun-protection glass | £390 | £390 |
| Throughloading rear seats | £395 | £395 |
| Parking Assistant Plus with Drive recorder | £650 | £650 |
| Harman/Kardon Surround Sound system | £820 | £820 |
| Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound system | £4,220 | £4,220 |
