Facelifted BMW 5-Series Gets Updated Tech & More Power

The seventh generation of the BMW 5-Series debuted in 2017 and it just got its first mid-life refresh. The most obvious update was the bigger and deeper kidney grilles but luckily they don’t look as toothy as they do on some of the other new BMWs like the 7-Series or the 2-Series or even the upcoming 4-Series.

Its facelifted front fascia also features sleeker LED headlights and the rear end has been restyled as well to fit the theme of the new 7-er. Overall, the facelift looks alright, giving it wider stance and the new rear looks more sculpted than before.

The 5-Series now gets some form of hybrid technology across all its engine variants apart from the top-spec M550i which is now a baby M5. It gets the latest version of BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 tuned to an output of 523bhp and 750Nm. The new M550i xDrive is no substitute for the M5 but it is a more affordable iteration. BMW is likely to introduce the M5 facelift later this year, probably in August or September.

The mild-hybrid variants feature a 48V starter generator for the 4-cylinder as well as 6-cylinder in-line petrol and diesel engines. BMW has further improved on its TwinPower turbo technology and now all diesel engines feature two-stage turbocharging. Then there are the PHEVs, the plug-in hybrid variants of the 5-er that allow it to drive in pure EV mode as well. All variants of the new 5-Series sedan are available in both sedan and touring body styles except for the M550i and the 545e which are solely available in sedan form. Apart from the V8, there are three petrol and diesel engine options along with two PHEVs, all of which come with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. Here’s a breakup of all the engine variants and their performance ratings for the facelifted 5-Series:

Apart from the improved engines and tweaked cosmetics, the new 5-Series also gets updates for the onboard technology. It now comes with the more driver assistance systems as part of the optional package. The lane departure warning now gets the lane return function as well, adds active navigation with the help of lane change assistant and junction warning functions. Basically, its more clever at the autonomous driving and parking stuff along with introducing over-the-air updates for its software. The new 5-Series also premieres BMW Maps for an in-house cloud-based navigation service with real-time traffic updates.

The cabin seems unchanged with its optional 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as part of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional. The standard fitment is a 10.25-inch touchscreen unit on the dash and 5.1-inch display in the instrument cluster. For the first time, the 5 Series infotainment system will feature Android Auto as well. It also comes standard with the brand’s digital assistant that can be summoned with a “Hey BMW” which can now be used to control the windows and or adjust the climate controls as well.

While the M550i is the precursor to the facelifted M5, BMW is launching the updated 5 Series with a special M Sport Edition. This package will be offered with all engine variants for a limited run of 1000 units worldwide. It includes exclusive paint options, 20-inch Air performance wheels, the M Sport package, M Sport suspension, M branding everywhere, M Sport brakes and an M leather steering wheel.

This 5-er facelift is expected to be launched in European markets by mid-2020 and should be followed up with the updated M5. While the cosmetic differences would likely be the same, I’m excited to see what performance updates BMW might offer to the mighty super sedan.

What do you make of the facelifted BMW 5 Series? If you don’t like it, what would you rather have instead? Share your thoughts in the comments below the gallery and don’t forget to subscribe to The Auto Loons for more cool updates from the car world.