BMW has officially unveiled refreshed models of the 5 Series sedan and its all-electric counterpart, the BMW i5, for the 2026 model year in China. As part of a strategic update, the Bavarian brand has taken an unprecedented step by expanding the standard feature list and slashing official prices by 70,000 to 90,000 yuan ($10-13 thousand).
Now, the starting price for both the gasoline and electric versions has been equalized at 368,000 yuan ($53 thousand). The 5 Series lineup now boasts seven configurations, with a price ceiling of 448,000 yuan ($65.4 thousand), while the electric i5 is offered in three versions priced up to 458,000 yuan ($66 thousand). Even in basic trims, vehicles now include options that were previously offered as paid upgrades or in higher versions. These include intelligent parking (the Automatic Parking Assist Pro system allows remote control via a smartphone and automatic return along a pre-determined path up to 200 meters), two-tone interior upholstery with electric headrest adjustment, memory settings, ventilation, and lumbar support, with heated seats for rear passengers. All variants now support 5G networks, have four-zone climate control, and wireless phone charging. Mid-range trims come with an additional full-color head-up display. The electric version received a similar upgrade package in terms of comfort and electronics. The range of the BMW i5 under the Chinese CLTC cycle, after energy consumption adjustments, is 602 kilometers.
Recently, BMW announced further integration of AI-driven features aimed at enhancing the driving experience by predicting traffic patterns and optimizing routes in real time. Moreover, BMW’s substantial price cuts are seen as a strategic move to gain a competitive edge in the electric vehicle market in China, particularly against domestic brands like BYD and global players such as Tesla. Industry analysts believe this pricing strategy could significantly boost BMW’s market share by appealing to a broader consumer base looking for luxury with added technological value.
