The BMW 5 Series has long been a class-topping executive luxury sedan. BMW is giving it a significant overhaul for 2024, bringing a new i5 all-electric sub-model, updated safety and driver-assistance tech, and larger dimensions that provide better interior space. The 5 Series walks the line between sporty driving and a luxury experience. For 2024, BMW introduces a host of updates it says will improve the car on both fronts.
BMW offers the new 5 Series in five main configurations, including 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive, i5 eDrive40, and i5 M60 xDrive. The base 530 models get a new 4-cylinder engine for 2024, and BMW increases the 540i's power output by 40 horsepower to 375. The i5 comes with a choice of two electric powertrains and up to 590 hp. BMW will start production of the new 5 Series later this year, with a planned on-sale date in late 2023.
Thankfully, BMW avoided slapping its comically large grille onto the new 5 Series' nose, instead giving it more angular styling similar to the lines on the new XM SUV. The lower grille and fascia feature large geometric shapes, and the car retains a more traditional BMW kidney grille. Exterior dimensions grow for 2024, with the car seeing a 3.4-inch bump in length, a 1.3-inch increase in width, and a 1.4-inch bump in height.
The car draws an athletic look from its steeply sloped windshield, and the sides feature a high shoulder line and black skirts that help highlight the paint color. Around the back, new LED taillights feature chrome accent strips and plenty of horizontal lines to accent the car's shape.
BMW's interior designs tend to be more subdued than the tech-heavy cabins seen in Audi and Mercedes-Benz models, but the new 5 Series refines the formula with clean lines and few physical controls. The flat-bottom steering wheel offers a few buttons and touch-sensitive controls. The automaker integrated most of them into the infotainment display or center console. BMW hid the air vents in a dash seam, and the automaker offers a panoramic glass roof with more open space than the available sunroof.
Depending on the configuration, BMW offers a leather-free upholstery option. Sport seats are standard, and the i5 M60 gets multi-contour seats. BMW positioned the seats as far to the car's sides as possible, giving passengers more interior space. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat opens up to 17.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the i5 and 18.4 cubic feet in the 530.
The new 5 Series is available with one of four powertrain configurations. The base setup is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 255 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. According to BMW, that enables a zero-to-60-mph time as quick as 5.8 seconds for the 530i xDrive.
The 540i gets a turbocharged inline-6 making 375 hp and 384 pound-feet of torque—improvements of 40 hp and 52 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the addition of a mild-hybrid system. BMW says the 540i with this powertrain can reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
Sport steering comes standard, and BMW says it improved the 5 Series with more lightweight construction and near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The car also gets a near-actuator wheel-slip limitation system that the automaker says helps prevent traction loss and improves handling. The car comes standard with 19-inch wheels, and up to 21-inch wheels are available.
Electric i5s also offer two powertrain choices, including the base setup with 335 hp, 295 pound-feet of torque, and rear-wheel drive. Stepping up to the i5 M60 brings 590 hp and 549 pound-feet of torque. The car offers a boost mode that pushes torque to 605 pound-feet. BMW says its zero-to-60-mph time flies by in just 3.7 seconds.
The i5's battery includes four modules with 72 cells each. With 84.3 kWh of usable energy, BMW claims the car can travel up to 295 miles in base form and 256 miles in the M60 on a single charge. BMW says charging the car's battery from 10 to 80 percent can take as few as 30 minutes. The new i5 also comes with two years of free 30-minute charging sessions for first-time buyers.
Adaptive M suspension comes standard on the M60, along with rear-wheel steering and height-adjustable suspension. An active roll stabilization system is available as well. BMW says it reduces body movement and helps improve stability on straight roads or when one part of the surface is lower.
Though neither i5 configuration offers mind-blowing range, BMW includes a Max Range function that limits top speed and drive power to deliver the best range. BMW says it's mostly for people who can't stop to charge mid-journey where they'd planned to. The mode limits speed to 56 mph and deactivates climate controls to help the car limp to the next charging station. Updated battery thermal management software with optimizations for DC fast charging also improves range and charging times. Plug and charge is also onboard for the first time, making charging at public stations much easier and faster.
BMW equips the 2024 5 Series with a host of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard equipment. The list includes automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, a safe-exit system, and traffic-sign recognition. The available ADAS package includes an Active Driving Assistant function that offers attentive, hands-free driving at up to 85 mph.
As of this writing, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested the crashworthiness of the 2024 BMW 5 Series. Be sure to check the IIHS website and the NHTSA website for the latest 2024 BMW 5 Series safety ratings.
BMW went screen-crazy with the new 5 Series. The car gets a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch center touchscreen. The automaker mounted both displays behind a single piece of curved glass, giving the car a big-screen feel. BMW's newest Operating System 8.5 runs the show, bringing configurable widgets and more intuitive navigation than before. BMW says the updates allowed it to cut the number of buttons and controls in the car, leaving only the ones that make the most sense. Other interface improvements include a new quick-select function that gives one-touch access to the most-used apps and functions.
BMW announced a new AirConsole feature for the 5 Series that brings gaming and entertainment to the car when parked. Passengers' smartphones are the controllers, pairing with the vehicle via a QR code. According to BMW, there will be 20 games available at launch, including "Go Kart Go" and "Music Guess." There's no word on costs or subscriptions, but it wouldn't be surprising to see BMW slap a monthly fee on the gaming function.
The 2024 5 Series competes primarily against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is also getting a complete overhaul for 2024. The i5 will compete with Mercedes' latest EQE electric sedan. Buyers may also look at the Audi A6, Cadillac CT5, or Genesis G80. The Caddy, in particular, is a compelling buy with an available V8-powered performance trim.
BMW is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of May 24, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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