An all-electric estate car will be part of a new BMW 5 Series line up due to be launched later in 2023, the Bavarian carmaker has announced.
It has also confirmed that the new range will include an all-electric M Performance model.
The BMW i5 will be part of a new generation of 5 Series models that are due for release later in the year, with the electric versions coming on stream in 2024.
Oliver Zipse, BMW chairman, announced at the company’s annual conference in Germany further details of the new BMW 5 Series model range, indicating that the 5 Series Saloon would also be made available as an all-electric BMW M Performance model.
“The all-electric BMW i4 M50 shows how BMW blends dynamic performance and electric mobility to perfection,” said Mr Zipse. “It was the best-selling BMW M model worldwide in 2022. A fully electric performance version from BMW M GmbH will also be included in the new BMW 5 Series Saloon line-up.”
The new 5 Series will feature the BMW Curved Display instrumentation package and its latest operating system as well as being offered in all-electric and plug-in hybrid variants as well as powered petrol and diesel engines with 48V mild hybrid technology.
Mr Zipse revealed that a new variant would also be added to the familiar choice of engines for the new BMW 5 Series Touring.
“The BMW 5 Series Touring is very popular, particularly in Europe,” he added. “From spring 2024 it will also come in an all-electric version, giving us a truly unique selling point in this segment.”
The arrival of the BMW i5 Saloon in the premium executive segment, followed by the BMW i5 Touring in 2024, will see the BMW Group continue the expansion of its all-electric offering.
The new 5 Series is due to be launched in October 2023 one year on from the model’s 50th anniversary.
Up to early 2023 more than 10 million 5 Series have been produced, and the new model will be the eighth generation.