BMW has today released the first preview of its mid-size next-generation 5 Series model after more than a year of testing.

A cursory look at the released image showed that the Bavarian company has gone all-electric in this model. The Bavarian company also announced the arrival of a battery-powered wagon version, as well as a 5 Series M model with an electric powertrain.

The Munich-based manufacturer disclosed that the global launch of the new 5 Series in sedan form is scheduled for October this year and will also include the i5 Sedan.

Speaking during the company’s annual conference, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW also announced the arrival of an electric M version.

“Next year, we will also see the i5 Touring for the European markets, where the long-roof 5er continues to be very popular.

“The all-electric BMW i4 M50 shows how BMW blends dynamic performance and electric mobility to perfection. It was the best-selling BMW M model worldwide in 2022. A fully electric Performance model from BMW M GmbH will also be included in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan line-up.”
Oliver Zipse

Little Known About The M-Branded Performance

Little is known about this M-branded performance of this electric vehicle so far, though a guess based on the powertrain of the i4 M50 indicates that it would be a dual-motor powertrain. In the i4, it has 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque, giving the vehicle a 0-62 miles per hour sprint of time 3.9 seconds.

However, it unclear whether the M version of the i5 – possibly called the i5 M60, would get more power but that would make sense considering it will sit higher in the brand’s hierarchy and will be bigger and slightly heavier.

For those not ready to switch to a battery-powered 5 Series yet, BMW said plug-in hybrid, gasoline, and diesel engines will also be available for the new generation model depending on the region.

BMW noted that the combustion powertrains will be fitted with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. On the tech front, the recently announced BMW iDrive 8.5 infotainment system will be standard across the range.

For now, BMW has little to say about the particulars but did share that the brand’s new Operating System 8.5 user interface would be on board. On top of that, the new BMW Curved Display seen in the iX and several other recently refreshed BMWs will make an appearance in this segment, as well as “innovative digital services”.