The new BMW 5 Series and i5 debut in Singapore

BMW launched the latest generation of its most popular sedan, the 5 Series, at Performance Motors in Singapore. With 10 million units sold throughout eight generations of 5 Series, the world's most successful executive sedan has been refreshed with the addition of its latest iteration - along with the first-ever fully electric 5 Series, the i5.

From the outset, you'll immediately notice the larger size of the new BMW 5 Series. Indeed, the executive sedan has grown in all dimensions - it is now 97mm longer, 32mm wider, 36mm taller, while its wheelbase has also been lengthened by 20mm. As such, the 5 Series is now over five metres long!

The 5 Series gets a set of new forward-projected kidney grille with Iconic Glow illumination as standard in Singapore

Up front, the 5 Series gets a freshly-designed forward-projected kidney grille that is reminiscent of the one on the current 7 Series, albeit shorter and with a slightly different shape. At the sides of the grille are modern interpretations of the BMW twin head lights, featuring almost vertical LED elements to serve as turn indicators and doubling as daytime driving lights. While modernised, the front-end of the 5 Series retains the conventional BMW look, and that is a good thing.

The side profile of the new 5 Series is defined by a high shoulder line and two character lines, resulting in a car that looks like it is in motion even when standing still

BMW's iconic Hofmeister kink gets a new interpretation in the form of a panel embossed with the number 5

A high shoulder line works together with two character lines to shape the surfaces that make up the side of the 5 Series. At the base of the C-pillar, BMW's iconic Hofmeister kink is once again present, although this time it comes finished with a panel embossed with the number 5. The rear reminds of the current 7 series, with the similarly shaped flat and slim taillights.

Featuring the same large Curved Display and the backlit Interaction Bar with crystalline surface texture, the interior of the new 5 Series looks almost identical to the 7 Series'

Step into the new 5 Series and the inspiration from the 7 Series is clear to see. The large Curved Display that houses the 12.3-inch digital cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen display, along with the two-spoke steering wheel (on the standard 5 Series), the backlit Interaction Bar with its crystalline surface texture, the concealed air vents and the crystal control knob on the centre console all look like they could have been lifted right from the 7 Series' interior.

The standard upholstery in the new 5 Series and i5 is now fully vegan

What's new, is the upholstery within - the new 5 Series is the brand's first model to feature a fully vegan interior as standard. The Veganza material used exhibits leather-like properties, allowing owners to enjoy the same plush and comfortable texture without harming any animal. BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery is still available as optional equipment.

At launch, the 5 Series will be available in three trim levels - standard, M Sport, and the Launch Edition (the latter limited to a total of 20 units with an equal mix of 520is and i5s). There will be a total of two powertrain variants to choose from, with the 520i and i5 eDrive40 available at launch, while the i5 M60 is expected to arrive in Singapore early 2024.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the 520i puts out 188bhp and 310Nm of torque

The internal combustion engine equipped 520i will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that puts out 188bhp and 310Nm of torque, it will complete the century sprint in 8.1 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 230km/h.

The electric i5 eDrive40 puts out 335bhp and 400Nm of torque allowing it to reach 100km/h in just 6 seconds, it has a WLTP range of up to 582km

The electric i5 eDrive40, meanwhile, will put out 335bhp and 400Nm of torque, allowing it to reach 100km/h in just 6.0 seconds. It has a top speed of 193km/h and as a WLTP range up to 582km. The i5 M60 is the one to get if you are looking for performance - with dual motors, it sends 593bhp and 795Nm of torque to all four wheels, blitzing to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h. The i5 M60 also has a respectable WLTP range of up to 516km.

The BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille will be standard across all trim levels of the 5 Series at launch in Singapore, while M Sport cars will get the M Sport suspension, body kit, trim and 20-inch wheels (up from the standard 19-inch). Based on the standard trim, the limited Launch edition will get 20-inch wheels finished in Titanium Bronze, along with Titanium Bronze interior and exterior trim, and kidney grilles.

At launch, the 5 Series starts from $385,888 for the standard 520i and $417,888 for the standard i5, with the i5 Launch Edition topping the list at $430,888 (prices include COE).