The new BMW 5 Series, expected to launch in mid-2023, offers a choice of internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and all-electric powertrains as part of BMW’s “selectivity” strategy.
Autocar reports that the 5 Series will ride on an evolved version of the current rear / all-wheel drive cluster architecture (CLAR), which underpins most of the BMW lineup.
While the range of plug-in hybrid options may expand, it is expected to retain the current G30 generation turbocharged 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.
The M5 has the potential to acquire next-generation plug-in hybrid technology.
BMW said the CLAR-based PHEV can support electric motors with up to 149kW of power.
One possibility is the powertrain available in the next X8M competition / XM. A V8 engine with a twin turbocharger and a plug-in hybrid system allegedly yield a total system output of 552kW.
The sad news for V8 enthusiasts is that the Autocar reports that the M550i xDrive could lose its twin-turbo 4.4-liter petrol V8 engine.
Powertrains date back to the first generation X6 in 2008, and the cost of complying with Euro 7 emission regulations can be exorbitant.
It can be replaced with an upgraded version of the 545e’s plug-in hybrid in-line 6-cylinder powertrain.
The 545e, which is not currently sold here, combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder with an 80kW electric motor and a 12kWh battery to deliver a system output of 290kW and 600Nm of torque. This is the same powertrain found on the 745e and X5 xDrive45e sold here.
The CLAR architecture has two electric motors on the rear axle and one on the front axle to support a three-motor electric setup with an overall system output of 596kW, but whether such a model will be released or not Unknown. Instead, the Electric 5 Series, called the i5, is almost certainly reported to use the same 84kWh battery and electric powertrain as the smaller i4. It is a single motor rear wheel drive eDrive40 with 250kW output and 430Nm torque. Dual motor, 400kW and 795Nm AWD M50.
The electric model is visually distinguished by using its own grille, restyled rear bumper, various wheel designs, and available blue trim, as the i4 and iX3 did. Electrical options are already joining the vast range of 5 Series powertrains.
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