Two months after it was introduced to the world, the newest generation of the BMW 5 Series started production in BMW’s Dingolfing factory. The combustion-powered model is produced alongside the all-electric i5 thanks to a flexible production process.

With the i5, the Dingolfing plant is now producing three electric models, including the iX and i7. BMW estimates that the EV share of its most prominent European manufacturing location will grow to 40 percent by 2024. The plant can adjust its powertrain mix according to customer demand thanks to previous investments of more than one billion euros.

Dingolfing becomes ‘iFACTORY’

The new 5 Series and i5 are launched first as sedan models, with the Touring and M5 variants, which are yet to be revealed, starting production in 2024.

BMW estimates a yearly output of over 300 000 vehicles in Dingolfing, the only 5 Series production facility for now. The 5 Series has been in production at Dingolfing for 50 years, starting in September 1973 with a tangerine-colored 520i.

The Dingolfing factory is now being transformed into a ‘BMW iFACTORY‘, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste while promoting biodiversity on plant grounds and sourcing green power and locally-produced heat from biomass.

Electric, hybrid, and ICE-powered 5 Series

To recall, the new G60 generation of the BMW 5 Series has grown quite a bit. With a length of 5,06 m (+97 mm), a width of 1,90 m (+32 mm), and a height of 1,52 m (+36 mm), it’s almost just as big as the previous 7 Series.

The all-electric i5 is available with two drivetrain options at the start. The i5 eDrive40 has a 250 kW (340 hp) electric motor powering the rear wheels, while the sporty i5 M60 xDrive offers 442 kW (601 hp), which enables an acceleration time of 3,8 seconds from 0-100 km/hour.

Both variants are powered by the same 81.2 kWh (usable) battery pack, offering a projected range of 497-582 km for the i5 eDrive40 and 455-516 km for the i5 M60.

Next to the electric versions, the BMW 5 Series will still be available with gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid drivetrains. Europe only gets the four-cylinder 520i (gasoline, 208 hp) and 520d (diesel, 197 hp) at launch, while in the US, a more powerful 530i and 540i will also be available. However, a new six-cylinder diesel engine will also hit European showrooms.

As for PHEV options, the new 5 Series features an entry-level 530e model and a more powerful 550e as a successor to the current six-cylinder 545e, but not much has been confirmed about these variants.