BMW is preparing its all-new 2024 5 Series, codenamed G60, which will be offered for a first time in i5 fully electric form. Some teaser images and a video have been handed out to generate some excitement.
Don’t worry, ICE fans (combustion engines, not the other stuff), the new model will be available with a range of combustion petrol and diesels, as well as plug-in hybrid options, along with at least two fully electric setups.
We say at least two because in its latest release the company mentions an i5 eDrive40 and an M60 xDrive performance model. The eDrive40 is likely to feature a single e-motor mounted at the rear axle, for rear-wheel drive, potentially generating 250kW and 430Nm like in the i4 eDrive. However, there is a chance the i5 will launch with a revised motor with slightly different specs.
As for the M60, this will probably be a step up from the i4 M50, given the bigger number. BMW does offer the iX with an M60 badge, and it features a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration that combines to generate 455kW and 1100Nm. In the i5, we’re guessing this setup could reduce the iX M60’s 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds, or at least match it.
Handling dynamics will also be taken to the next level as BMW will debut its 9th generation Vertical Dynamics Management system with the G60 5 Series. This technology takes information from various sensors and inputs, including real-time steering angle, wheel speed, and yaw rate, to calculate the optimum damping.
BMW says the new system no longer just uses mathematical models to calculate damping, it also uses (and favours) physical data on the current conditions. The company describes it all as providing “clearly defined body control” and precise suspension response, regardless of the situation.
Going for the i5 M60 variant, and likely the next-gen ‘M550i’ petrol performance model, will get you Adaptive Suspension Professional as standard. This sporty package will be available as an option on “all variants” of the 5 Series as well.
In terms of technology, the G60 5 Series will debut a world-first automated lane change system that takes in prompts provided by simple eye movements. Yep, just look at the side mirrors and it’ll engage an automatic lane change function, checking the surroundings and controlling the steering for you.
As you can imagine, the new model will feature a range of interior and exterior cameras, monitors and radar sensors to be able to perform this. It’ll be part of the Driving Assistant Professional and Highway Assistant package.
For now, engineers are testing prototypes of the new model in varied conditions, including on icy surfaces at the winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden, as well as in city conditions and on country roads, higher-speed motorways, and some test tracks, including the Nurburgring and BMW’s proving ground near Miramas in southern France.
The job behind the testing its to calibrate the integral heating and cooling circuit and heat pump functions for the electric motors on the i5, as well as the high-voltage battery. Handling and dynamics also get a thorough going over to ensure the G60 lives up to BMW’s renowned “sheer driving pleasure” reputation.
BMW will produce the new model at its Dingolfing facility in Germany, starting from mid-2023. It’ll launch overseas in October, likely followed by an Australian launch towards the end of this year or early in 2024. BMW says it will unveil the new model in “a few weeks” from now. Take a look at the preview video below for more.