BMW Targets Decidedly Different Customer Base with New 2024 5-Series

• BMW is revamping its 5-Series sedan lineup for 2024 with two electric models, two internal-combustion powertrains, and lots of new technology.

• With prices ranging from $58,895 to $85,095, all five trim levels will be based on BMW's CLAR WE architecture, though chassis tuning will be specific to the weight of each version.

• AirConsole in-car gaming, customizable mood lighting, and reworked seating characterize the new interior design while stretched chassis dimensions help improve passenger comfort.

BMW's midsize 5-Series sedan lineup has always sat in a curious position. Not as limber as the compact 3-Series but not as grown up as the executive 7-Series, the Dingolfing-born middle child hasn't let this imposition stop its success. Outselling the 7-Series through the early 2000s, the 5-Series has maintained consistent US sales figures since 2005, with the decline of sedan demand pushing 3-Series and 5-Series sales units much closer together lately.

And a complete overhaul for the 2024 model year could help the 5-Series hit its middle-aged stride. With five trim levels, a new chassis platform, and an emphasis on modern technology, the 2024 BMW 5-Series is arguably the most exciting version of itself in years, with electrification playing a major role in this redesign.

Gas-powered engines are still available, however, as the starting trim will be the 530i and accompanying xDrive version, starting at $58,895 and $61,195 respectively. A more powerful, performance-oriented 54oi xDrive will also be available for $65,895, though production of this model is delayed until November. Moving up the lineup, the beginning of the electric offering, known as the i5 eDrive40, will start at $67,795, while the cream-of-the-crop i5 M60 xDrive is priced at $85,095.

Despite the significant powertrain difference, all 2024 5-Series units will ride on BMW's modular CLAR WE architecture, which it shares with the current generation 7-Series, which launched a year ago. And every unit will be manufactured in Plant Dingolfing, BMW’s largest European plant, which happens to be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Notably, the first vehicle to leave this plant in 1973 was an E12 5-Series, though the plant has now shifted its focus to electric motor and battery production.

BMW is making strong attempts to keep the sedan alive and the powertrains running the new 5-Series are a testament to that. An in-house developed electric motor paired with an 84.3-kWh battery pack makes for 335 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque (or 317 lb-ft when Sport Boost or Launch Control is active) sent to the rear wheels of the i5 eDrive40, while the addition of an extra electric motor up front on the i5 M60 xDrive allows for 590 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque sent to all four wheels.

That makes for respective 0-60 mph times of 5.7 seconds and 3.7 seconds, though both electrified versions have limited top speeds of 120 mph for the eDrive40 and 143 mph for the M60 version.

Fitted to the underbody of the chassis, BMW's battery is good for 295 miles of EPA estimated range when fitted to the RWD i5 eDrive40, while the AWD i5 M60 xDrive is EPA estimated to go 256 miles. After the road trip to your second home, electrified 5-Series owners will be able to DC fast-charge at a rate of 205 kW or 11kW in Level 2 AC charging, BMW claims.