BMW Malaysia teases the new 5 Series sedan ahead of debut

KUALA LUMPUR: As the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow is around the corner, both local and foreign carmakers are preparing to showcase their latest innovations and technologies. Among them is BMW, which has recently teased several exciting models on its social media handle, including the highly anticipated ICE-powered 5 Series.

BMW introduced the eighth-generation 5 Series In the global market one year ago, which marked the start of a new era for the model as it received the fully electric variant, the i5, for the first time.

Coming back to Malaysia, the automaker introduced the BMW i5 to the local market last November. However, enthusiasts are still eagerly anticipating the launch of the ICE-powered version of the next-generation sedan.

In terms of dimensions, the all-new BMW 5 Series measures 5,060 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height and spans a wheelbase of 2,995 mm. Compared to the predecessor, it is 97 mm longer, 32 mm wider, 36 mm taller, and has a 20 mm longer wheelbase.

As for design, the new BMW 5 Series boasts a combination of classic elements and fresh, cleaner aesthetics for sporty elegance and presence. It retains its iconic silhouette with a longer hood and sloped roofline. 

The front fascia sports a larger, geometric kidney grille with a covered mesh and distinctive lighting, including vertically aligned DRLs. The rear showcases slim 'L' shaped tail lights within a three-dimensional enclosure. The side profiles look clean and feature twin character lines, contributing to the car’s athletic stance. 

The new 5 Series comes equipped with flush door handles and aerodynamic features to achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd.

Inside the upgraded sedan, we can find design cues borrowed from the BMW 7 Series. The dashboard and steering wheel are reminiscent of the larger sedan, lending it a sophisticated and driver-focused layout. The car is kitted with a Curved Display integrating a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment unit powered by BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 system supporting gaming and video streaming capabilities.

No information is yet available on the powertrain options available with the Malaysia-spec 2024 BMW 5-Series. Globally, it comes with the following choices -

• 520i MHEV, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with mild hybrid technology, delivering 190 hp and 310 Nm of torque.
• 530e PHEV, combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a more powerful electric motor, resulting in a total system output of 374 hp and 560 Nm.
• BMW 550e xDrive PHEV, boasting a 3-litre inline-6 turbocharged engine paired with an electric drive system, producing a combined output of 510 hp and 730 Nm 

As for advanced driver-assistance aids, the vehicle gets enhanced partially automated driving and parking systems, and the Highway Assistant and Active Lane Change Assistant, which allow hands-free driving up to 130 kmph. However, whether these features will be offered with the Malaysia-spec model is not clear yet.

Along with the new 5 Series sedan, BMW Group Malaysia is also likely to preview the BMW iX2, the new Mini Countryman, and several BMW Motorrad models at the event. 

Also read: 2024 BMW iX1 eDrive20 M Sport launched in Malaysia; check full details