BMW PH unleashes 2024 5 Series and first ever i5 luxury EV sedan

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February 23, 2024

SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp, the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, is poised to introduce important models to its line-up – the all-new BMW 520i and the first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40. 

The 8th generation follows the modern blueprint of what a mid-size executive luxury sedan should be - embracing the future in internal combustion engines and electric mobility. The all-new BMW 520i and first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40 embody a heightened sense of outward authority, blending a commanding presence with refined interior detailing. These two vehicles redefine the premium end of the executive class, while also embracing the efficiency-enhancing influence of electrification. Cutting-edge innovations in driver assistance, control, and connectivity elevate the driving experience, ensuring a particularly sporty, efficient, and progressive journey for discerning drivers.

Sporty elegance and striking presence with a new design language.

A clear and reduced design language emphasizes the all-new BMW 520i and first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40’s sporty elegance and presence. The front view of the vehicle is characterized by a modern interpretation of the twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. LED elements arranged almost vertically serve as turn indicators and daytime driving lights. The BMW kidney grille, which projects far forward, features a wide surround and BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.

The vehicle profile features a high shoulder line, powerfully designed surfaces and two precisely traced character lines shape the vehicle’s athletic body. Black side skirts, flush-mounted door openers and an embossed number 5 at the base of the C-pillar are further eye-catchers. The dynamically stretched proportions flow into a powerful rear end. Flat rear lights divided by a chrome strip interpret the hallmark L-shape expressively. The BMW 520i is fitted with silver 19” Triplex spoke 933 light alloy wheels, while the BMW i5 eDrive40 comes with bicolor grey 19” aerodynamic wheels. 

There are 6 different kinds of paintwork for both the BMW 520i and the BMW i5 eDrive40. Both models will be available in Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Cape York Green, Oxide Grey, Phytonic Blue, and Sophisto Grey. 

Driving pleasure and travel comfort, combined with a fully vegan interior.

The all-new BMW 520i and first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40 offer ideal conditions for enjoying hallmark BMW driving pleasure in everyday traffic and a high level of comfort on long-distance journeys. Generous space, modern functionality, a high level of acoustic comfort as well as high-quality, precisely processed materials, fine workmanship and advanced digital services characterize the ambience in its interior.

The all-new BMW 520i and the first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40 is the brand's first model to feature a fully vegan interior called Veganza. This includes the surfaces of the newly designed sports seats, the dashboard, and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel for the first time. 

The all-new 520i and first-ever i5 eDrive40 both have a cockpit with a significantly reduced number of buttons and controls compared to its predecessor. This is achieved by consistently digitalizing functions. Adjusting vehicle settings in both models can be done through the BMW Widescreen Display which is comprised of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display.

To further elevate the cabin experience, the steering wheel has been redesigned with a flattened lower section and haptic feedback on the control panels, and the selector lever on the center console. Another highlight present in the BMW 520i and the BMW i5 eDrive40 is the BMW Interaction Bar. The effectively backlit functional unit with crystalline surface structure extends across the entire width of the instrument panel far into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels.

With the inclusion of the HiFi loudspeaker system from Harman Kardon, all passengers inside the vehicle will even get the best audio treatment. The 12 speakers and 205 watts produce an impressive balanced sound that would reach all the corners of the BMW 520i and the BMW i5 eDrive40 for an immersive audio experience, elevating every journey to a symphony of perfection.

Innovative flair. 

In the area of technology, the standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus brings the new BMW Operating System 8.5 to the BMW 520i and BMW i5 eDrive40, together with a host of extra digital services. 

Furthermore, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, now with extended functionality, adds a new dimension of intuitive interaction and personalized assistance to the new models, elevating the driving experience to unprecedented levels of convenience and sophistication. For even better connectivity, the Smartphone Integration function is now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passengers may also conveniently charge their smartphones on the go with the wireless charging tray. 

BMW ConnectedDrive.

BMW establishes itself as a pioneer in the premium automotive segment by being the first and only brand to introduce comprehensive digital services through BMW ConnectedDrive.

Both variants of the BMW 5 Series will be equipped with BMW ConnectedDrive, providing an elevated level of connectivity and convenience for drivers. Through BMW ConnectedDrive, customers gain access to the MyBMW App, empowering them to remotely control vehicle functions and access essential vehicle information directly from their smartphones, ensuring they always stay informed and in command.

This also empowers both models with a series of capabilities including the Remote Software Upgrade and BMW Maps. These allow customers to download improved functions and additional digital services directly into the car over the air and navigate through a cloud-based system with precise route calculations and real-time traffic data updates, respectively. 

Further developed powertrain and chassis technology.

The new BMW 5 Series comes with a choice of petrol and, for the first time, an all-electric engine. The BMW 520i, the internal combustion engine variant of the BMW 5 Series, generates 208 HP and 330 Nm of torque. The 2.0L in-line 4-cyclinder engine allows the vehicle to go from 0 to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds while achieving a top speed of 230 km/h. This engine also links up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission with the use of mild hybrid technology with a 48V starter-generator.

On the other hand, the all-electric variant of the BMW 5 Series generates 340 HP and 430 Nm of torque with a maximum range of 582km. The fifth generation eDrive technology lets the BMW i5 eDrive40 go from 0 to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds while achieving a top speed of 193 km/h.

Driver assistance systems offering additional functions.

The driver assistance systems available for the new BMW 520i and BMW i5 eDrive40 enhance driving comfort on long journeys and increase safety in situations where the driver does not have a clear view. 

The all-new BMW 520i and the first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40 come with the Parking Assistant’s range of functions has been extended with the addition of the reversing assistant, which takes control of the steering while backing up for distances of up to 50 meters. The BMW i5 eDrive40 exclusively features the Lane Departure Warning system with Driving Assistant while also featuring lane return by means of steering assistance. 

The all-new BMW 520i and BMW i5 eDrive40 retail for Php 4,990,000 and Php 5,790,000, respectively. 

Both models come with a 5-year comprehensive BMW Warranty, while the BMW i5 eDrive40 also comes with a 6-year BMW Service Inclusive package, an 8-year high voltage battery warranty, and a BMW Wallbox charger that will be installed by a BMW i partner in the customer’s home.

About the Author

Randolph de Leon
Randy is a person with disability (PWD), a partially-blinded person with only his left eye functioning. Since childhood, the automobile has always been his passion, and is able to express it through photography and most recently, through writing as well. Outside the motoring beat, Randy spends time manning the media aspect of his business which he co-founded with his sister/college classmate. It's called Dragonlight Wellness and Solutions, a multi-business venture centering on improving peoples' lives through earning.