BMW Australia will launch its new eighth generation 5 Series “later this year” with no inline-six or V8 variants and simply a single petrol four-cylinder 520i.
BMW unveiled the new G60/G61/G68 5 Series overnight with the 153kW 520i being the only option, while it also revealed electric i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive models.
The only combustion model revealed so far is the 530e plug-in hybrid
Inline-four only option for now
BMW Australia has not announced replacements for models in the current line-up such as the plug-in hybrid four-cylinder 530e, turbodiesel 3.0-litre inline-six 530d or the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 M550i.
Overseas, Chasing Cars understands BMW is planning to offer a four-cylinder turbo-diesel 520d, four-cylinder turbo-petrol 530e plug-in hybrid and 530i, turbo 3.0-litre inline-six 540i xDrive and a plug-in hybrid 360kW turbo inline-six 550e xDrive.
There is currently no word whether any of these will come to Australia. Chasing Cars contacted BMW Australia for comment.
Eighth-generation 5 Series nearly 100mm longer
Intended to do battle with cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, the new 5 Series has grown in every way. It’s 97mm longer (5060mm), 32mm wider (1900mm) and 36mm higher (1515mm) while its wheelbase is now 20mm longer at 2995mm.
The 520i confirmed for Australia is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 153kW and 330Nm and sends power to the rear wheels only.
There’s an eight-speed torque converter automatic, while 0-100km/h takes 7.5 seconds. The engine is mated to a 48-volt electrical system helping reduce fuel economy to a claimed 5.7-6.4 litres per 100km (WLTP).
The exterior is now very baby i7, porting across BMW’s latest sedan styling language. A short front overhang precedes a long front-axle-to-A-pillar ratio, stretching out a generous wheelbase to a compact rear end with a subtle Hofmeister kink.
Mercifully, BMW has spared enthusiasts a vertical twin nostril design, sticking to exaggerated kidney grilles.
BMW Australia confirmed all 5 Series models sold locally would be fitted with the M Sport package as standard.
A huge 14.9-inch touchscreen sits up front
iDrive controller survives to new interior
The iDrive hand controller, in what could be a small win for BMW purists, remains.
Inside, a single panel stretches from behind the steering wheel to the centre of the dash comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest Operating System 8.5 software.
The much-loved physical knob has remains amid a push to touchscreen-only interfaces
Pricing is yet to be confirmed. The current 5 Series range starts at $107,700 for the 520i M Sport and stretches to $169,000 for the M550i xDrive.
