"Reflecting the Importance of the Korean Market, Released First Worldwide"
BMW Korea launched the new model of the mid-to-large sedan 5 Series on the 5th. It was introduced first in Korea, ahead of Germany, where the headquarters is located, and the United States.
This is the 8th generation full model change, coming six years after the previous model was released in 2017. The 5 Series is classified as an E-segment vehicle overseas and has been the brand's representative model, selling over 8 million units worldwide since its debut in 1972.
The body has grown larger. The length increased by 95 mm, width by 30 mm, and height by 35 mm. The wheelbase, which affects interior space, also extended by 20 mm. The headlight and grille designs have been changed, and the daytime running lights have been refined to give a sleeker impression. The side design emphasizes a dynamic look. Inside, a curved display combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch control display has been installed.
The steering wheel has a flat bottom, and the gear selector has been changed to a switch type. Fully vegan materials are used inside. These are standard on the seats, dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel of the 520i and 523d models. This model comes standard with newly designed sports seats.
The pure electric vehicle i5 is released in two versions: the rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40 with one electric motor, and the i5 M60 xDrive with two electric motors. The i5 M60 delivers a combined maximum output of 601 horsepower and torque of 81.1 kg·m. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The driving range per charge is 384 km for the base model and 361 km for the high-performance model. With a maximum 205 kW DC fast charger, it can secure up to 156 km of driving range in just 10 minutes.
The internal combustion engine applies 48V mild hybrid technology. It provides an additional 11 horsepower momentarily during acceleration or start depending on the situation. Features such as a direct control wheel slip limitation device, integrated brake system, and a sports steering system with variable steering ratio are standard equipment.
The top trim, the new i5 M60 xDrive, includes Integral Active Steering that steers the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees. The rear wheel steering direction and angle are organically adjusted according to speed, which is advantageous for parking, cornering, and high-speed driving.
The infotainment system includes a Quick Select function that allows the driver to access desired features immediately without navigating through submenus. The vehicle has a built-in YouTube application, enabling video streaming without connecting a separate smart device. There is a dedicated video streaming app, and it supports in-car gaming linked with the Air Console gaming platform.
The vehicle detects the driver within a 3-meter distance and activates the welcome scenario. From the moment of detection, interior and exterior lights and the light carpet illuminate. When approaching within 1.5 meters, the vehicle doors automatically unlock, and lights on the exterior mirrors and interaction bars turn on along with a welcoming sound. Upon boarding, a greeting and start animation are displayed on the screen.
The domestic release includes preferred options as standard. All models come with adaptive LED headlights, a large panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, the Travel & Comfort system, an electric trunk, and wireless smartphone charging.
The price starts at 68.8 million KRW to 73.3 million KRW for the 520i, and 75.8 million KRW to 83.3 million KRW for the 523d. This is about 600,000 KRW lower than the pre-order prices last month. The 530i xDrive is priced from 84.2 million KRW to 88.7 million KRW, the same as during pre-orders. The electric i5 eDrive ranges from 93.9 million KRW to 101.7 million KRW, and the i5 M60 eDrive is priced at 138.9 million KRW. Electric vehicles receive a maximum acquisition tax reduction of 1.4 million KRW.
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