The new BMW Series 5, which has so far only been marketed in the weaker 520 version and in two electric versions of the i5, eDrive40, and M60, adds another version, this time with plug-in hybrid propulsion. As in the past, it features a 2.0-liter gasoline engine alongside an electric engine. This time there is a slight increase in power reaching 299 kW (292 kW in the past). The propulsion is rear-wheel drive with an 8-speed gearbox.
In the current generation, the electric driving range has been increased to 100 km, a significant improvement compared to the previous range of only 57 km. The battery capacity has also been doubled to 22.1 kWh. Together with the larger battery, there was an increase in weight that extended the acceleration to 100 km/h in almost half a second. This is now done in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 230 km/h.
The dimensions are the same as the regular Series 5, including the cargo volume of 520 liters, which is significantly larger than the 410 liters of the outgoing generation due to the use of a shared platform with the electric version, where the batteries are located on the car floor.
For the Series 5 Plug-In, there are two levels of finish with adjustable front seats and electrically adjustable steering wheel, a 14.9-inch screen and digital dashboard, a sunroof, wireless charging surface, leather upholstery, and more. At the higher finish level, there is also a head-up display, heated seats, an electrically operated cargo door, grille lighting, a tablet holder on the backs of the seats, and a Harman Kardon audio system, among other features.
In the list of advanced safety systems, there is a deviation correction from the route, adaptive cruise control, off-road vehicle warning including lane departure prevention and door opening warning when detecting passing vehicles, automatic braking, and surround cameras. At the high finishing level, the system assists in emergency lane keeping, offers cross-traffic alert, and front collision warning.
The price of the 5 Series Plug-In starts at NIS 499,000 for the M Sport, and the expressive finishing level raises the price to NIS 545,000. Either way, it is not a cheap car, but compared to the price of the 520 version that struggled to impress in our test, an additional NIS 30,000 only makes this version a better value proposition.
In the Plug-In worlds, the 5 Series Plug-In has one main competitor - the Mercedes E-Class in the 300e version. The data regarding range and performance are very similar, but its price is significantly higher than that of the BMW, starting at NIS 639,000.
Refreshed 4 SeriesAlongside the 5 Series Plug-In, the refreshed 4 Series is also beginning its marketing. The minor external facelift includes slight adjustments in the multimedia systems in the passenger compartment and other changes. The external changes include new front and rear lighting units and new wheel designs. The passenger compartment receives more thorough treatment, the multimedia system and the instrument panel are in the updated layout of BMW - meaning in one unit instead of two separate screens as before. The multimedia screen is 14.9 inches and the instrument panel is 12.3 inches.
In terms of propulsion systems, there are no differences, it will be marketed with the same selection of engines that start at 420 and at 430 - both with a 2.0 liter engine but with different outputs - 184 and 245 horsepower respectively. Both versions will have rear-wheel drive. Above them is the 3.0 liter engine with six cylinders in the M440 lineup. It provides 374 horsepower and twin propulsion.
Above those, there is the M4, which will now only be marketed in the top-tier Competition version. Here, an additional turbocharger is added to the 3.0 liter engine and the output is 510 horsepower. The propulsion is rear-wheel drive, with limited slip differential, adaptive M dampers, ventilated front and rear brakes. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 3.9 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Prices start at NIS 400,000 for the 420 Coupé, the 430 climbs to NIS 495,000, and the 440 to NIS 609,000. For the Cabriolet you will pay NIS 485,000 for the 420 model, the 430 will cost you NIS 535,000, and the open M440 - NIS 649,000.
If you are interested in going for the top - then the M4 Competition is sold for NIS 815,000, and if you are going for the top of the tops, then the open version of it will cost you NIS 920,000.