What are the new BMW 5 Series and i5 going up against?
BMW is introducing its new generation of 5 Series, and faces more competition than ever
For more than 50 years the 5 Series has been an integral part of BMW’s line-up, and now it’s returning for an impressive eighth generation.
No longer is there just the combustion-powered 5 Series, either, as BMW is introducing an important electric version – the i5. Bringing a range of 361 miles, it’s set to be especially competitive in what is becoming quite a crowded field.
But what are the new BMW 5 Series and i5 going up against? Let’s take a look.
Mercedes E-Class
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For decades the Mercedes E-Class has been the key rival that the BMW 5 Series has faced, and that remains the case today. In fact, the fellow German firm has only recently pulled the covers off its new-generation executive saloon, which is set to arrive in dealers at a very similar time to the 5 Series.
Like the new BMW, the latest E-Class has grown in size and gets a manner of new screens and technology to keep it at the top of its game. Its plug-in hybrid derivatives will also be capable of an impressive 69 miles from a charge.
Tesla Model S
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BMW’s smaller i4 has already gone head-to-head with Tesla and its Model 3, and now the i5 must do the same with the larger Tesla Model S. This was the American firm’s first mass-market model, and recent tweaks have only made it better.
In fact, Tesla boasts of a range of more than 400 miles, along with a 0-60mph time of just three seconds. The BMW has a clear advantage over the new Model S, however, as Tesla recently announced it would only be selling left-hand-drive examples of the saloon in the UK.
Porsche Taycan
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The Taycan was Porsche’s first electric model, and it has been a huge success in the UK. Considered one of the most desirable EVs you can buy, it’s a car designed for those that enjoy driving.
With prices starting from £79,000 for the standard Taycan, it’s not significantly more expensive than the standard i5, which is due to have a price tag of more than £70,000. There are a whole range of versions available, too, including a Sport Turismo estate car and Turbo S models that pack an almighty 700bhp.
Mercedes EQE
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Unlike BMW, which sells EVs alongside combustion-powered models, Mercedes creates bespoke cars on a specific platform, with the EQE essentially being the electric version of the E-Class, and a direct rival for the i5.
Featuring a less conventional design than the BMW – we’ll let you make your own judgement on whether it’s better or worse – the EQE’s interior is packed with technology. Its claimed 377-mile range is ever so slightly longer than the i5 too.
Audi A6
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Another tough rival for the 5 Series over the years is the Audi A6 – the brand’s mid-size executive saloon. Packing an exceptionally high-quality interior, the A6 majors on comfort and refinement.
As the A6 has been on sale since 2018, and without any real updates, it is starting to show its age – especially next to the new BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.
Volkswagen ID.7
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It’s been a while since Volkswagen had a true executive model in its line-up, but that is changing now with the introduction of the ID.7. It will be the firm’s flagship EV, and be packed with technology and offer an especially practical interior.
A large 86kWh battery will also give the ID.7 a range of up to 435 miles – one of the longest of any electric cars on sale. There’s no word on this Volkswagen’s pricing yet, but it’s likely to significantly undercut the BMW.
Volvo S90
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Audi, BMW and Mercedes dominate the executive car scene, and it can leave firms like Volvo looking a little stranded. But there are still plenty of reasons to consider the firm’s largest saloon – the S90.
With a striking design and upmarket interior, it certainly stands out and makes a great left-field alternative in this class. These days it’s exclusively available as a plug-in hybrid, but an impressive one at that as it boasts 450bhp and can travel a claimed 55 miles on a charge.