2023 was a busy year for BMW in India, with the launch of the X1, 7 Series, and updates to the X5 and X7 SUVs. But 2024 promises to be even more exciting, with the arrival of an all-new generation of two of the brand’s most important models: the 5 Series and its electric sibling, the i5. Mini, which had a relatively quiet 2023, is also joining the party with new-generation versions of the Cooper and Countryman.
The All-New BMW 5 Series: Bigger, Comfier, and Tech-Savvy
The new 5 Series is expected to be larger and more comfortable than the outgoing model. It will also feature a twin-screen layout on the inside, similar to the new 7 Series, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen running the latest iDrive 8.5 system. Interestingly, it’s the first BMW to offer a fully vegan interior option overseas.
Under the hood, the new 5 Series line-up will get 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, both with 48V mild-hybrid technology, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. However, the plug-in hybrids are unlikely to come to India. The biggest news is that BMW will be bringing the long-wheelbase version of the 5 Series to India to take on the next-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class long wheelbase head-on.
The BMW i5: Taking Electric Luxury to the Next Level
The new 5 Series will spawn an electric version called the i5, and it’s available in two iterations overseas: M60 xDrive and eDrive40, both featuring an 81.2kWh battery pack. The M60 is a sportier twin-motor all-wheel-drive version, which produces 601hp and 820Nm of torque; accelerates from 0-100kph in just 3.8 seconds; and has an electronically limited top speed of 230kph.
The eDrive40 features a single motor that drives the rear wheels and produces 340hp and 430Nm, with a 0-100kph time of 6 seconds. The WLTP range is up to 516km for the twin-motor and 582km for the single-motor version. It will feature the same twin-screen layout as the gasoline-powered 5 Series. It remains to be seen which version of the i5 will be brought to India.
The Mini Cooper SE: A Retro-Cool Electric Hatchback
The new Mini Cooper SE is a three-door electric hatchback that sits on a bespoke EV platform developed by Spotlight Automotive, a China-based joint venture between Mini’s parent firm BMW and Great Wall Motor. It builds on Mini’s design themes with circular headlights, a new, larger octagonal front grille with blanked-out surfaces, and triangular tail-lights. And while the wheelbase is longer to make space for the battery, its overall length has reduced.
The interior design still echoes a retro-cool theme, with the talking point being its one-of-a-kind circular 9.4-inch OLED infotainment screen developed with Samsung. The base Cooper E has an 184hp, 290Nm front-mounted motor and a 40.7kWh battery, with a claimed range of 305km. The Cooper SE produces 218hp and 330Nm, with a 0-100kph time of 6.7 seconds, and a 54.2kWh battery that gives it a claimed range of 402km
The Mini Countryman: Bigger, Better, and Now with Level 2 ADAS
Mini’s five-door crossover will be headed to India in its third-generation avatar. The new car has grown in size, and as a result, cabin space has also expanded, featuring an extra 130mm of legroom in the back. The rear seat backrests are now individually adjustable in six positions by up to 12 degrees too; boot space is 460 liters. Notably, the Countryman will be the first Mini to offer Level 2 ADAS.
In international markets, the Countryman gets electric, turbo-petrol, and diesel powertrains. We expect the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and electric models to be launched in India.
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The electric version is available in two configurations: the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive Countryman E with 204hp and 250Nm, and the dual-motor, four-wheel-drive Countryman SE All4 with 313hp and 494Nm of torque. Both feature a 66.45kWh battery, which offers official ranges of 462km and 433km, respectively. However, it remains to be seen which one makes it to India.
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