Eighth-generation BMW 5 Series Confirmed For Global Launch In October, Will Spawn An All-electric i5 Derivative In 2024

• Eighth-gen BMW 5 Series global launch confirmed for October 2023.

• The carmaker will launch its all-electric i5 derivative in the first half of 2024.

• Powertrain options will include petrol, diesel, mild- and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

• The i5 will also get an M performance variant for the enthusiasts.

• Likely to be India-bound post launch in global markets.

The BMW 5 Series is due for an update this year and it’ll get one in the form of a whole new generation (eighth), which will be launched globally in October 2023. BMW has been anything but generous in giving us dope about the new sedan; however, there is one big revelation, i.e  the new sedan will also spawn an all-electric derivative that has just been teased, called the i5 in Spring 2024.

Not only this – the new 5 Series will also have hybrid-powered (both mild- and plug-in hybrid) iterations along with the standard gasoline and diesel variants. In fact, just like the i4 M50, the i5 too will have an M performance variant with polished dynamics.

If the specifications of the i4 are anything to go by, the i5 should offer a WLTP-claimed range north of 590km and is likely to pack a battery pack in the same size or bigger than the i4’s 80.3kWh. 

Fun fact: The 5 Series marked its half century in 2022 with more than one crore units produced

The teaser reveals a similar silhouette with illuminated vertical DRLs beneath the drapes. Any further intricacies on how the new 5 Series will look is still in the marque’s locker, but given the recent BMW offerings and their corresponding design language, we reckon this one will also be a bold take to say the least. The marque says and we quote ‘’boasts a fresh interpretation of its signature elegantly sporting design’’ so we won’t rule out the chances of the controversial kidney grille making its way to the 5 Series as well. Love it or hate it; BMW is sticking with it.

Keeping in line with BMW’s brand identity, the new 5 Series will feature the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 with curved displays for the infotainment system and digital driver’s display. Other features are unknown at the moment, but expect a profuse brochure list in terms of creature comforts. 

Also Read: The Upcoming Hyundai Verna 2023 Takes Safety To Another Level

All these speculations will be put in place once BMW actually reveals the new sedan. Global launch will commence in October 2023 and it is likely to make its way to India soon after. Its electric derivative, however, will break cover in 2024 and bridge the gap between the two all-electric i4 and i7 sedans, the latter of which was recently launched in the country. 

Expect a price bump over the outgoing 5 Series, which was sold between Rs 65.40 lakh and Rs 74.50 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. While the new-gen 5 Series will rub shoulders with the Mercedes-Benz E Class, Audi A6, and Volvo S90, the electric i5 will be a rival to the Mercedes EQE and Audi A6 E-tron.