BMW 5 Series launches in South Africa

The eighth generation BMW 5 Series sedan has gone on sale in South Africa and the model range is now more digital, more dynamic and includes the BMW i5 derivative for the first time.

The new edition of the BMW 5 Series, the world’s most successful business sedan, features a unique balance between sportiness and driving comfort, innovative equipment features and advanced digital services.

Sporty silhouette and dynamically stretched proportions

The exterior design of the latest model generation reinterprets the sporty elegance of the 5 Series sedan in the brand’s current design language.

Clear, reduced design language and athletic proportions underline the sporty elegance and presence. The front features a modern interpretation of the brand typical features including double headlights, the BMW kidney grille and a brand-typical four-eye face in a new, reduced version.

The side profile is characterised by a dynamically stretched silhouette with two character lines and black side skirts. The Hofmeister kink counter swing is highlighted by an embossed graphic element as well as by an embossed number 5.

A powerful rear end incorporates flat lighting units and precisely defined light sources that are divided by L-shaped chrome strips.

Thoroughly modern interior

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan offers ideal conditions for enjoying hallmark BMW driving pleasure in everyday traffic and a high level of comfort on long distance journeys. Generous space, modern functionality, a high level of acoustic comfort as well as high-quality, precisely processed materials, fine workmanship and advanced digital services characterise the ambience of the interior.

A new interpretation of the typical BMW driver-orientated cockpit design with BMW Curved Display, which includes a 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch control display behind a common glass surface curved behind the driver significantly reduces the number of buttons and controls.
The new BMW Interaction Bar with stylish backlit surface is an innovative combination of interior lighting, decoration and control functions in a single component that extends across the entire width of the instrument panel and into the doors.

A redesigned steering wheel, which is flattened at the bottom, features either two or three spokes and new multi-function keys with active haptics. An atmospheric backlit control panel incorporates a redesigned gear selector switch on the centre console.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is fitted as standard with black Veganza seat surfaces with leather-like properties which are optionally available with decorative perforation and in three other colours. The M Sport package includes Veganza/Alcantara seating surfaces while optional BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery is available in several bicolour variants.

Under the bonnet

A flexibly designed drive architecture allows the BMW 5 Series Sedan to be offered as an all-electric model, with plug-in hybrid systems and with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines.

The BMW i5 represents sustainable premium mobility in the upper mid-range vehicle segment. The i5 M60 xDrive represents all-electric driving pleasure at the top of the model range. This derivative features two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles. This offers a maximum system output of 442kW and 820Nm when the M Sport Boost or M Launch Control function is activated allowing for acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Typical M performance characteristics of the drive system also ensure that the power is delivered continuously.

The BMW i5 eDrive40 offers 250kW and 430Nm which facilitates a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.0 seconds while boasting a range of 497km.

The third model utilises a diesel engine from BMW Group Efficient Dynamics paired with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The BMW 520d Sedan with 145kW is said to use as little as 5,1 litres per 100km. This model is paired with a new eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission.

All petrol and diesel combustions available for the new BMW 5 Series globally are equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The four-cylinder diesel drive of the BMW 520d sedan is combined with a starter generator integrated into the belt drive, which delivers a supporting power output of 8kW and 25Nm.

Maximum sportiness and a high level of long-distance comfort have characterised the BMW 5 Series Sedan since the very first model generation. In the latest edition, the brand typical harmony of dynamic performance and driving refinement is achieved more than ever through the layout of the design and the model specific tuning of suspension and control systems. The latest 5 Series features the longest wheelbase in the upper mid-range vehicle segment along with increased track width, 50:50 axle load generation, intelligent lightweight construction and a body and chassis connection rigidity that has been optimised with specific struts. Both the double-wishbone front axle and the five-link rear axle have undergone extensive further development.

The systems for automated driving and parking available as standard or as an option for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan set standards in the competitive environment with their range of functions, reliability and everyday benefits and underline the brand’s leading role in the field of advanced assistance systems.

Personalisation with BMW ID and My BMW app

In the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, customers benefit from an increasingly automated and personalised used experience based on BMW ID. Once a profile is added to the vehicle, personal settings are loaded and the customer can benefit from the extensive functions offered by the My BMW app.

The My BMW App provides information on the vehicle’s status, charge and available range at all times. Via remote access, it enables the use of functions such as vehicle location, locking and unlocking of the doors. It can also facilitaterecording of the vehicle’s surrounding and interior transmitted to their smartphone courtesy of the Remote 3D View and Remote Inside View functions.

My Modes ensure the overall, harmonious interplay of vehicle functions, displays, ambient lighting and sound. The six modes can also be used to activate specific settings for the power delivery and suspension, the style of the displays on the BMW Curved Display and the interior lighting which includes the BMW Interaction Bar, to suit the current mood or personal preferences.

Model range and pricing

The BMW 5 Series is now available from BMW dealers in the Sovereign BMW network.

BMW 520d                        R1 247 894
BMW i5 eDrive 40 (available from Q2)         R1 842 500
BMW i5 M60 xDrive                    R2 190 000