2020 BMW 5 series updates sporty design with electric technologies

the updated designs of the BMW 5 series reveals a more sporty exterior sculpture coupled with further detailed refinements in its interior. since first launching 1972, the car has balanced the german brand’s renowned dynamic styling and performance with luxury for its passengers. however, most significantly, the 2020 models – the sedan and touring – have now added electrification to the mixture. in total, there are five hybrid options.

all images courtesy of the BMW group

immediately from the front and the rear, the updates of the BMW 5 series are clear. smooth and clearly structured surfaces run across the sporty design, only with defined accents interrupting them. a taller and wider kidney grille with a single-piece frame, sits prominently on the front with new adaptive, L-shaped LED headlights on either side. this form is mirrored in the new rear lights, which also highlight a deep 3D structure. the rear itself has reduced lines to elegantly emphasize its wide road stance. trapezoidal-shaped exhaust tailpipes then conclude the updated exterior.

the front views of the sedan (top) and touring (bottom)

inside, the cabin has been rebuilt to create an enhanced premium feel. the driver benefits from a sports leather steering wheel, where the multifunction buttons have been rearranged for ease. the seats are also upholstered in a top of range texture with a perforated trim. a 10.25-inch standard control display rises from the center of the dashboard. with two new interior trim options, this strip divides the calming two-tone architecture of the cabin, especially visible on the dashboard.

the rear views of the sedan (top) and touring (bottom)

to balance dynamic performance with luxury, the updates are fitted with a host of advanced technologies. it debuts the BMW maps – a new cloud-base navigation system – and their operating system 7, which supports many new applications, connectivity options and the intelligent personal assistant. it also offers an abundance of driver assistance features, including parking assist, lane change and – a first – the automatic formation of emergency lane.

the charging point for the five hybrid models is located after the front wheel

its advanced technologies continue into the power of the BMW 5 series. in fact, the plug-in hybrid line-up has been expanded to five models. this helps increase efficiency and dynamism to range, with 11 hp (8 kW) added to lighten workload and boost power. as a neat feature, the edrive zone function automatically switches the car to its all-electric mode when entering ‘green zones’ within cities.

a two-tone scheme splits the upper and lower sections of the cabin

all four- and six-cylinder models offer the hybrid option. this includes the 530e sedan and touring; 530e xdrive sedan and touring; and the 545e xdrive sedan. their combined output ranges from a low of 292 hp (215 kW) and 420 Nm of torque to 394 hp (290 kW) and 600 Nm as a premium. likewise, the models differ in acceleration with a fastest 0-62 mph (100 km/h) of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). the electric range shifts from a low of 54-57 km to 62-67 km overall.

high-gloss black adorns the control panel at the center of the cockpit