BMW’s eighth-generation 5 Series saloon is now available to order in the UK, complete with its first-ever fully electric version and latest plug-in hybrids.

All-electric drive arrives in the BMW 5 Series Saloon for the first tim

Priced from £51,000, the new model is based on the brand’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, able to underpin combustion engine models as well as fully electric vehicles such as the existing iX1, i7 and i4 – supporting BMW’s sustainability plans.

Headline news is the arrival of the range-topping i5, which brings a rival to the Mercedes EQE and Tesla Model S.

It’s available in two variants: a rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 and the top-rung four-wheel-drive M60 xDrive, priced at £73,200 and £96,840 respectively.

The i5 eDrive40 powertrain features a 340hp electric motor, located directly in the rear axle and generating maximum torque of 400Nm or 430Nm with the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. It’s able to complete the zero to 62mph sprint in 6.0 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically limited to 119mph.

The pinnacle of the range is the i5 M60 xDrive, which features the same rear motor as the eDrive40 but adds in a 261hp front-mounted motor, delivering up to 601hp of power, along with 795Nm of torque or 820Nm when M Sport Boost or M Launch Control is activated. It can complete the zero to 62mph sprint in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 142mph.

Both i5 models feature an 81.2kWh battery, using latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and giving a claimed range of up to 362 miles for the eDrive40 and 320 miles for the M60 xDrive. An 11kW onboard charger is standard for the eDrive40 or drivers can specify a 22kW option, which comes as standard on the M60 xDrive. Maximum DC charging capability is 205kW, giving a 10 to 80% charge in around 30 minutes.

At the other end of the line-up is the entry-level 520i, featuring a four-cylinder petrol engine equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. It delivers 208hp of power, peak torque of 330Nm and a 7.5-second time for the 0-62mph sprint with a 143mph top speed.

From November, the line-up expands further with the launch of the 530e and 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid models. The rear-wheel drive 530e is priced at £59,455 and offers up to 63 miles of range along with 299hp of power, 450Nm of torque, 0-62mph acceleration in 6.3 seconds and a 142mph top speed.

The four-wheel-drive 550e starts from £76,550 and offers up to 55.9 miles of range. It also delivers 489hp and 700Nm, along with a 4.3-second time for the 0-62mph sprint and 155mph top speed.

Also set to join the model family in spring 2024 is the next generation of the 5 Series Touring, which will also be available as a fully electric version for the first time, as well as with plug-in hybrid drive and petrol engines. No diesel versions are being brought to the UK.

M Sport trim is offered as standard in the UK, with M Sport Pro and i5 M60 xDrive models available. Highlights include a leather-free interior as standard from launch – a first for a BMW.

The cabin features a new fully digital Curved Display combining a 14.9-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch driver display.

Other innovations include the Interaction Bar in the instrument panel and door area, already seen in the 7 Series and providing touch-sensitive control panels for ventilation and air con.

The 5 Series saloon is now available with a panoramic roof – the first time in the model’s history – and augments the digital experience with AI-driven servicing notifications and the introduction of in-car gaming.

It’s also the first BMW to feature in-car gaming in cooperation with gaming platform AirConsole, providing over-the-air access to games, including Go Kart Go, Golazo, Music Guess and Overcooked.