Not too long after spying the first prototypes of the upcoming G60-generation BMW 5 Series, our spy photographers have been able to get a better look at the new car’s interior.
Like numerous upcoming BMWs, including the BMW i4 and iX, it features a ‘curved dash’.
Those cars use a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display situated in one, wraparound housing, and the spied 5 Series looks to have the same set-up.
The prototype has a steering wheel design that’s new to the BMW brand and features BMW iX-style buttons.
Its three-spoke design and flat-bottomed shape is a classic BMW aesthetic, but this steering wheel appears to have piano black touch-sensitive buttons, like the Volkswagen Golf Mk8, instead of the matte buttons seen on current BMW steering wheels.
There are also more pronounced, BMW iX-style metallic volume and cruise control dials, with the media dial on the right-hand side looking very much like a Tesla Model 3 scroll wheel.
In the centre console it appears this 5 Series prototype has the same gear-shifter nub and rotary iDrive controller as the BMW iX as well, although without the open-pore wood and crystal-looking finishes.
Pictured: 2022 BMW iX interior
It’s uncertain what BMW is planning to do with the area camouflaged by a felt flap under the infotainment screen.
One option is under the flap there could be a separate climate control unit, or more likely the flap is hiding air vents that are similar in style to those of the BMW iX.
There’s a small cutout in the felt camouflage flap that appears to be for some buttons. In the iX this is where the hazard lights button is located.
On the outside, the 5 Series prototype appears to be wearing the same level of camouflage as the prototypes we’ve previously seen.
Design-wise, this new generation of 5 Series looks more coupe-like than the current model, with a fastback shape.
It’s likely the next-generation 5 Series will offer a choice of internal-combustion, plug-in hybrid and all-electric power as part of BMW’s Power of Choice strategy.
This all-electric 5 Series is expected to be called the i5, like its 4 Series-based i4 sibling.
It’ll compete against the Tesla Model S and upcoming Audi A6 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE sedans.
One potential electric powertrain option is the dual-electric motor setup from its iX xDrive40 sibling that produces a total system output of 385kW of power and 765Nm of torque.
The current-generation BMW 5 Series has been on sale since 2016 and was facelifted in 2020. This next-generation model isn’t expected to debut until 2023 or 2024.
MORE: Everything BMW 5 Series
