BMW 5 Series: These Versions Are Still to Come

BMW is starting with the presumably most popular versions, but more will follow: So far, the plug-in hybrid 530e has been confirmed, available from spring 2024: According to WLTP, it should consume 0.6 to 0.8 – 0.6 l/100 km plus 18.9 to 21.4 kWh/100 km of electricity, which means 14 to 19 grams CO2/km. Those who value the inline-six gasoline engine can opt for the 550e xDrive from spring 2024, which needs 0.8 to 1.1l/100 km plus 20.1 to 22.5 kWh/100 km of electricity, which translates to 19 to 24 g/km of CO2.

Inline six-cylinder without a big battery? In the future, only as a diesel

The 530 i (also as xdrive) and 540 i will remain exclusive to the USA, which at least allows for an inline-six (almost) without a battery - all of them have mild hybrid technology with 48 volts. However, Europe may also get this later in the form of a 530d. The data is known from the 7 series: We calculate: The diesel alone delivers 286 hp at 650 Nm of torque (from 1500 to 2500 rpm), with the 48-volt electric support resulting in 220 kW (299 hp) and 670 Nm system power.

M5: Probably for the last time with V8 – but as a plug-in hybrid

BMW could indeed design the M5 as a pure electric vehicle, but this generation is not there yet: After all, former BMW M bosses Markus Flasch explained in an interview that not only the inline-six cylinders but also the V8 could be made more efficient to keep them in production until 2030.

If you combine this statement with the four exhaust pipes of some 5 Series prototypes, you end up with the V8 plug-in drivetrain of the XM "Red Label," which currently produces 550 kW or 748 PS, of which 145 kW (197 PS) are contributed by the electric motor. Torque? 1,000 Nm. When we asked the responsible parties about this, they became conspicuously silent and explained that various possibilities had already been hinted at.

What does this mean?

To be honest: when the development of the G60 started a few years ago, we would have planned the engine portfolio like this: Always at least mild-hybridized. The foundation is formed by the proven 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines as petrol and diesel, above them are the smooth electric motors with a significant price and power increase, and then you fill any potential "gaps" off the mainstream. While plug-ins probably won't have a big future anymore and one has to ask whether the M5 shouldn't just be fully electric? But as mentioned, the world is turning fast these days, and with the planned portfolio – including the Touring, one should be able to cater to everyone worldwide. And since all 5 Series cars are produced on one line in Dingolfing, they can immediately respond to demand fluctuations. Forecast as of 2023: the i5 will account for at least 50% of sales in Europe.