√Electric BMW 5 Series teased ahead of October 2023 reveal

BMW is preparing to take the covers off its new-generation 5 Series later this year, with an electric variant confirmed to join the model’s range for the first time.

German car-maker BMW has teased the upcoming 5 Series before it unveils the new-generation petrol, diesel and electric-powered model in October 2023.

In an announcement overnight, BMW confirmed the upcoming 5 Series – codenamed G60 – is set to include an electric variant for the first time, joining its growing range of battery-powered models.

BMW says the electric 5 Series will be badged as an i5 – following the electric grades of the 4 Series (i4) and 7 Series (i7) – while both sedan and wagon (or Touring) body styles are set to be available.

Overseas, BMW will continue to offer petrol and diesel-powered variants of the 5 Series, which will include a pair of petrol plug-in hybrids – though specific details such as engine capacities, power and torque outputs, plus fuel economy won’t be revealed until October.

According to BMW insider and BimmerPost forum user ‘ynguldyn’ – who has a solid track record for accurately revealing future BMW model plans – the outgoing 5 Series’ twin-turbo V8-powered M550i variant will be replaced by an electric flagship, badged as the i5 M60 xDrive.

The forum user claims the BMW i5 M60 xDrive will be powered by the same electric motors as the iX’s range-topping grade, which develop up to 455kW and 1100Nm in the SUV.

Compared to the i4 M50 – which BMW says was the best-selling M model in 2022 – the i5 M60 could develop up to 55kW and 205Nm more than its smaller battery-powered sibling.

The 2024 BMW M5 has been spied testing in Germany

As previously reported, a new BMW M5 is also in the works, with ‘ynguldyn’ claiming it is expected to borrow its engine and transmission from the BMW XM super SUV, which uses a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 coupled with a high-performance electric motor to send 550kW and 1000Nm to all four wheels.

More details about the new BMW 5 Series are expected to be released closer to the model’s full reveal in October 2023.

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