BMW 5 Series (G60)

Interior with the updated iDrive 8.5 infotainment system and the BMW Interaction Bar.

The G60 5 Series is the first BMW to feature the updated iDrive 8.5 infotainment system based on the Linux software. The interface is sourced through the BMW Curved Display that combines the 310 mm (12.3 in) instrument cluster and 380 mm (14.9 in) infotainment system with a redesigned touch interface within a single unit. The operating system offers additional digital content, including a range of video streaming options and some in-car gaming features via the AirConsole, a free app that uses the smartphone as a controller for the suite of apps on offer.[6]

The BMW Interaction Bar, which debuted in the G70 7 Series, is an optional feature on the base models and standard on the i5. It adds touch-sensitive control points for air conditioning and the hazard light,[6] and a slim, backlit control panel that runs across the entire dashboard and into the front doors.[9]

The G60 5 Series is offered as fully leather-free for the first time. That treatment, which includes Alcantara-wrapped seats and steering wheel, is also available on models with the more aggressive M Sport pack equipped. Sporty seats are standard equipment on most of the G60 5 Series models, but multi-contour seats are standard on the i5 M60 (and can be opted for on other models).[6]

BMW calls its driver-assist option Driving Assistant Professional which includes Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go function.[10] This system, which still requires the driver to hold the steering wheel as it "drives" the 5 Series, comes with Active Lane Change Assistant. The system makes suggestion on how to change lanes to move around slower traffic, but won't act until the driver's eye looks at the corresponding mirror.[2]

In markets where regulations permit (United States, Canada and Germany), the Highway Assistant can relieve the driver of steering tasks on highways with structurally divided lanes at up to 130 km/h (81 mph).[10]

BMW i5 M60 with the M Sport Package Pro

Rear view of the i5 eDrive40 with the M Sport Package Pro

The BMW i5 and BMW i5 Touring are battery electric versions of the 5 Series (G60/G61). The i5 saloon was announced in May 2023 with the conventional G60 5 Series. It is built at the same Dingolfing assembly line as units with combustion engines and plug-in hybrids.[7]

An in-house developed electric motor paired with an 84.3-kWh battery pack makes for 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) (or 430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft) when Sport Boost or Launch Control is active) sent to the rear wheels of the i5 eDrive40,[7] while the addition of an extra electric motor up front on the i5 M60 xDrive allows for 442 kW (601 PS; 593 hp) and 795 N⋅m (586 lb⋅ft) sent to all four wheels (or up to 820 N⋅m (605 lb⋅ft) with Sport Boost or M Launch Control activated).[10] The motors themselves are positioned in the axles, and the axles also house the one-speed transmissions and power electronics.

The i5 can adjust its braking energy regeneration based on battery level and traffic situation, though the driver can manually select low, medium, or high braking regeneration as well.[7] A new Max Range mode optimize the remaining charge in the battery by limiting top speed to 90 km/h (56 mph) and shuts down the climate control, the heated and cooled seats, and the heated steering wheel.[2]

The onboard Combined Charging Unit (CCU) supports AC charging at up to 11 kW as standard, or up to 22 kW as an option. DC fast charging is supported at up to 205 kW, which can take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.[10]

Batteries are packed below the floor, inside the center tunnel and under the rear seats.[13] The i5 saloon has 490 L (17 cu ft) of boot space, 30 L (1 cu ft) smaller than in a conventional G60 5 Series.[14]