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The redesigned BMW 5-Series will debut in October alongside a new electric variant that will be badged the i5, BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse announced on Wednesday during the automaker’s annual general meeting.
Prototypes for the 5-Series and i5 have been seen being tested. Also out testing are prototypes for the next-generation i5 Touring wagon and M5 super sedan.
The Touring i5 will debut next spring, and the new M5 will appear late next year.
While the i5 won’t be getting a full M variant, BMW will offer a more tame version of the M Performance similar to the current i4 M50, which is BMW M’s top-selling vehicle in 2022.
The new 5 Series and i5 will arrive as 2024 models. The i5 Touring may not reach the US, given BMW’s current reluctance to sell any wagons here. The M5 will likely be a 2025 model.
The new 5 Series represents the eighth generation of the nameplate. BMW says the range will be more dynamic and more comfortable than the current generation, and will feature a digital dashboard running the latest version of the iDrive interface (version 8.5). The updates are aimed at making the interface faster and more intuitive to use.
Underpinning the car will be an updated version of the BMW Group’s CLAR platform for rear-wheel drive vehicles. In addition to the usual gas and diesel powertrains, the platform supports mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric configurations.
Production will be handled at the BMW Group factory in Dingolfing, Germany. The factory, which turns 50 this year, is also where BMW builds the 7 Series, 8 Series and iX.
BMW on Wednesday also confirmed an electric iX2 option for its redesigned X2 compact crossover. The redesigned X2 debuts later this year.
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