(April 27, 2023) The development process for the first-­ever BMW i5 is entering the home stretch with the fine­ tuning of its suspension control and driver assistance systems. Just a few weeks ahead of the BMW i5’s world premiere, it is clear the all ­electric version of the new BMW 5 Series sedan will deliver an outstanding driving experience.

Innovative Vertical Dynamics Management elevates the 5 Series’ renowned balance of confidence-inspiring handling and ride comfort to an even higher level. The 5 Series’ automated driving capability has also been taken into a new dimension with the Highway Assistant, which can now execute lane changes through eye activation.

Over the course of more than a year, the BMW i5 has negotiated a diverse program of testing — from the snow-covered and icy surfaces of the winter test center at Arjeplog, Sweden, to regions offering extreme heat and dry conditions, in city driving and on country roads, on motorways and hand­picked test tracks. The fine­ tuning work for all the components involved in the driving experience was then carried out at BMW’s proving grounds outside Miramas in southern France.

This included ensuring the integral heating and cooling circuit with heat pump function for the drive system, the high-voltage battery, and the interior of the BMW i5 can be controlled as required at all times. The predictive heat management capability of the high-voltage battery paves the way for rapid and efficient charging at DC fast charging stations.

The flexible drive system technology offered by the new BMW 5 Series range— which now gives customers the choice between internal combustion, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric drive systems — leads to wide variations in vehicle weight. With this in mind, model-specific chassis tuning and corresponding application of all control systems deliver signature BMW driving pleasure, regardless of the drive concept involved.

As the range-topping model, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive is fitted as standard with Adaptive Suspension Professional including electronically controlled dampers. This suspension system can also be specified as an option for the BMW i5 eDrive40. Thanks to an innovative form of BMW Vertical Dynamics Management, it offers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness during high performance driving combined with a level of ride comfort that represents a clear step forward from its predecessor.

The latest version of BMW’s Vertical Dynamics Management, now in its ninth generation, is making its debut in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. This technology is based on a newly developed, extensively networked control logic, and factors in all the available input variables – such as wheel speeds, steering angle, yaw rate and acceleration – to establish the ideal damping forces. The system no longer calculates the required damping forces using mathematical models, but instead favors physical calculation of data based on the current driving situation. This ensures precise body control and suspension response in every driving situation. 

Adaptive Suspension Professional ensures the customary driving pleasure of BMW. The new generation of the business sedan blends ride comfort approaching BMW 7 Series levels with the sporting agility familiar from the BMW 3 Series.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan also raises the bar in its segment with its extensive array of systems for automated driving and parking. High-resolution cameras, high-precision radar sensors and control units, plus a software application refined over countless miles of testing, provide the ingredients for an automated driving experience featuring innovative highlights that further enhance safety and comfort.

The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan includes Highway Assistant, which allows attentive, hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph when traffic conditions and speed limits allow, now adds Active Lane Change with eye activation.

An interior camera monitors the driver’s level of alertness. In suitable situations, the system offers a lane change, which can be accepted by the driver. Looking in the side mirror initiates the lane change process and carries out the necessary steering movements. The purely visual action complements the use of the turn signal lever, which is also available as an alternative.

Production of the new, eighth-generation BMW 5 Series Sedan will begin this summer at BMW’s Plant Dingolfing. The 5 Series market launch will commence in October .