[dopper99]

The new 5 series is being launched later today....

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/unite...w-bmw-5-series

One model of interest is a saloon only M550i xDrive with 530bhp, 750Nm, 0-62 in 3.8s priced at £67,595

[Bibbles]

Phew, they're not doing the M550 touring which is the only thing that would tempt me to change at the moment.

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Bibbles

Phew, they're not doing the M550 touring which is the only thing that would tempt me to change at the moment.

That's madness - an M550 Touring covers a hole in the range, much more than the saloon does...

I'm out (but I was anyway!)

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by Bibbles

Phew, they're not doing the M550 touring which is the only thing that would tempt me to change at the moment.

A bit odd, would keep the M5 group happy and BMW with people wanting the saloon still stretching to that.

M550i Touring keeps some competition with the fast Audi and Merc hearses.

[Panchoa]

Pricing for the M550i states ‘N/A’ which probably means we won’t get it here!! Strange that the saloon gets the M550i and the estate gets up to a 540i.....??!?!

[F30Andy]

At least there is a 540d now.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by Panchoa

Pricing for the M550i states ‘N/A’ which probably means we won’t get it here!! Strange that the saloon gets the M550i and the estate gets up to a 540i.....??!?!

I thought Dopper stated a price in pounds ?

[Bryans69]

Nothing there that makes me wished I'd waitied 18 months

545e would have been the only thing might be of interest, and that's not avialble in the touring

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by JustChris

I thought Dopper stated a price in pounds ?

saloon only...

[OneExtra]

Be very surprised if we got the M550i

[Lorcan]

Evo say it's coming.

https://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/5-series/2...able-in-the-uk

[Tengocity]

It looks smart I think. You can actually see it's facelifted at a glance, but without a silly large grille, or just looking like it's trying too hard.

The range of powertrains looks good, but just wish that either the 545e or 550i were going to be coming in Touring guise.

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

It looks smart I think. You can actually see it's facelifted at a glance, but without a silly large grille, or just looking like it's trying too hard.

The range of powertrains looks good, but just wish that either the 545e or 550i were going to be coming in Touring guise.

whats the chances of the 345e Touring.... I could live with the ugly front and reduced load space for that one....

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

whats the chances of the 345e Touring.... I could live with the ugly front and reduced load space for that one....

Can't see it myself, and I think it would be better done in a 5 where there's more room to package the batteries and still leave a great load space. I'll be interested to see how the 330e tourer is in that regard.

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Can't see it myself, and I think it would be better done in a 5 where there's more room to package the batteries and still leave a great load space. I'll be interested to see how the 330e tourer is in that regard.

I agree - wishful thinking on my part.....

[j.s.]

Originally Posted by Panchoa

Pricing for the M550i states ‘N/A’ which probably means we won’t get it here!! Strange that the saloon gets the M550i and the estate gets up to a 540i.....??!?!

The price for the 550i is there, in the M performance column.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by j.s.

The price for the 550i is there, in the M performance column.

Indeed.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Can't see it myself, and I think it would be better done in a 5 where there's more room to package the batteries and still leave a great load space. I'll be interested to see how the 330e tourer is in that regard.

Is the battery pack for the 45e significantly different (larger) in terms of size and weight from that used in the 30e? If so I can see why a 345e is unlikely to see the light of day but if not I'd have thought there'd be a market for both a saloon and a Touring version; a B58 petrol combined with an electric motor for shorter runs would certainly appeal to me!

In terms of the 5-series, I do agree the absence of Touring versions of both the 545e and M550i is an opportunity missed; the way the EVO report's worded it sounds like there's an M550i Touring available for other markets so it's a touch disappointing if we're missing out. That said one of those would be both larger than I'd want and out of budget so in reality it's not an issue for me personally!

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by F30Andy

At least there is a 540d now.

Yes, I can see that at the bottom of the page.

However, doesn't look like its coming to the UK and its not mentioned anywhere else on that page.

[JD6]

I'm not convinced that a 345e would make sense. The extra weight may not significantly change the way a 7 Series or an X5 handles, but it probably has a more marked effect on smaller, lighter cars. The 330e is probably a good compromise.

[225]

Looks nice. Shame the 540 didn't get a bump up in power though.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by JD6

I'm not convinced that a 345e would make sense. The extra weight may not significantly change the way a 7 Series or an X5 handles, but it probably has a more marked effect on smaller, lighter cars. The 330e is probably a good compromise.

Hence my question whether the electric motor and battery pack for the 45e is significantly different (i.e. larger and/or heavier) from that fitted to the 30e. If it is then fair enough but if it's not wouldn't any handling difference between a 330e and 345e just be similar to what you'd experience between a 330i and a M340i?