BMW 5 Series (2023) – Back to Basics

BMW 5 Series 520i, 65,081 euros

The new BMW 5 Series and its electric i5 sibling won’t be available at dealers until October, but the component for both models is already available online. In it we find a fairly limited range of engines which however includes diesel, petrol and fully electric motors. BMW will expand the range later. In any case, two hybrid powertrains will be added in the spring of 2024. A more modest electric powertrain and a larger range of petrol are expected.

whatever you choose; Electrified is the new BMW 5 Series anyway. The diesel and petrol engines have a mild hybrid system on board which, in the case of the BMW 520i – the base model featured today – delivers a total of 208 hp. This allows the 5 Series to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 230 km/h. Maximum torque is 330Nm, and the 2-liter turbo four-cylinder engine is always linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission that you can engage with paddles behind the steering wheel.

black and white

You can no longer recognize the traditionally driven 5 Series from the visible exhaust, because BMW no longer has them. However, the standard wheels are different from those on the i5. The “cheaper” 5-Series rolls on 18-inch cylinders with Y-brakes—all other options cost extra. There is also one free paint: white mono. Other paint colors cost about 1,300 euros.

From this angle, the network in the configurator looks very large.

In the standard interior it is not white, but black. very black. The chair cover at no additional cost is made of perforated faux leather on the seat and backrest. The inner bezels—another thing for which the “premium brands” make a good choice—are also painted a very dark shade on the 5 Series at no extra cost, so that the interior is almost entirely black. There are many other options, but the following also applies: Lots of extra fabric. Which then provides some contrast and requires no extra money: the BMW Interaction Bar, an LED strip across the dashboard that changes color when turned on or certain functions are used. It’s not a true “mood lighting”; which can be ordered as a separate add-on.

Certainly not scanty

However, it sure doesn’t look shabby in the interior of the more affordable BMW 5 Series. Gone are the times when you knew manual transmission lever slippage and the lack of air conditioning or an infotainment screen. The signature display of contemporary BMWs is full-size on the entry model and provides access to the navigation function, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while charging your phone wirelessly. The standard audio system has six speakers.

Dual-zone climate control is always available, as well as an armrest with cup holders and USB-C ports for rear passengers. Even heated seats are standard up front. The driver maintains a general view through the outside mirrors, which are heated and electrically foldable, and the left-hand mirror automatically darkens. LED lighting is everywhere, with headlights – yes, even on a slide – of the adaptive kind.

A large number of safety systems come as standard, including a lane departure warning system and an emergency braking function that should not only prevent collisions within the city, but also monitor them when turning left or right. The 5 Series also has a parking assistant and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control isn’t on it, but it is on a regular basis.

Waiting for the plugin?

All in all, it’s definitely not easy in the new 5 Series. Not even in slippers. When BMW—not alone, by the way—sometimes has a hand in omitting things you’d simply expect in a modern luxury car, taking away electrically folding side mirrors or LED lighting, it seems like it’s too late. The Level 5 series is fully equipped, although it could easily be more complete.

Especially from the outside, the 520i from the 65 grand leaves something to be desired. Big wheels and color really do make a big difference, but they do take a certain investment. The same goes for things like keyless entry and, for example, adaptive cruise control: pleasures you may like, but which you won’t find in your car unless you check out the full packages in the options menu.

You could live well with a €65,000 BMW 5-series, but with a purchase price of over €70,000 you’re stuck. It might also be interesting to wait a little longer for a 300-hp 530e hybrid, with an electric driving range of 102 km. This car is expected to command a similar price (because the CO2 emissions are lower), but it offers—at least with its powertrain—more. Or does this 520i actually convince you?