BMW pulls wraps off all-new 5 Series

REVEALED Eighth generation of executive saloon gets mild-hybrid petrol and electric powertrains at launch, but brand ditches diesel engines in the UK

- John Mcllroy

● Plug-in hybrid variant is set to join the line-up in 2024 
● Long-standing model grows in size and adds lots of tech

BMW has been using a twin-track AE time, mixing combustion power with pure electric on several vehicles. But now the German brand is really ramping it up by applying the policy to one of its most iconic models: the all-new 5 Series.

The eighth generation of the executive saloon will be sold as a petrol model or an EV, after a radical range overhaul that sees diesel ditched (in the UK, at least), a plug-in petrol hybrid offered alongside mild hybrids, and a further growth in dimensions to improve the cabin space.

An evolved version of BMW's CLAR platform underpins the car, which has been conceived to support combustion, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric powertrains. It's not far off 10cm longer overall than the model it replaces, and just over three centimetres wider. Crucially, the wheelbase is stretched, too, by 20mm, potentially freeing up a little extra legroom for rear-seat occupants.

The styling is also an evolution of what's gone before - as is traditionally the case on one of BMW's cornerstone vehicles. The front has slimmer headlights than previously and, in line with the firm's recent designs, a larger front grille - but it's still clearly recognisable as a 5 Series.

The gain in length gives the Mk8 model a slightly more rakish profile, though, particularly around C-pillar and boot.