BMW 5 Series surpasses 20,000 in domestic sales, ranks No. 1 among premium imports

[Financial News] The BMW 5 Series has surpassed cumulative sales of 20,000 units in South Korea this year, taking the top spot in the premium imported-car market. The 520i, its leading model, drove sales with more than 12,000 units sold, while the all-electric i5 also grew by at least 90% year over year. Its broad powertrain strategy, spanning internal-combustion engines, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and all-electric vehicles, is seen as delivering results in the domestic market.
BMW Korea said on the 12th that the 5 Series sold a total of 21,952 units in South Korea from January to October this year, ranking first in cumulative sales among premium imported-car series. That was a 1.8% increase from the same period last year (21,556 units).
The 520i, the entry-level model in the 5 Series lineup, sold 12,112 units during the same period, accounting for about 56% of total 5 Series sales. It retained its position as the top-selling individual model among premium imports this year, following the same achievement last year.
The 520i’s strong sales are attributed to its appeal as a product that comes standard with a range of premium convenience features. These include a head-up display, remote engine start, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus, ventilated and heated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof.
The 520i is equipped with a TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine producing a maximum output of 190 horsepower and peak torque of 31.6 kg·m, along with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The system provides additional power when starting off and overtaking, and reduces vibration when the engine restarts, enhancing driving comfort.
Electrified models also recorded notable growth. BMW Korea sold 11,604 electrified vehicles in South Korea through October this year. The electrified 5 Series lineup, including the M5, accounted for 4,661 of those vehicles, or about 40% of the total.
The all-electric i5 sedan sold 2,635 units this year, up 91.6% from the same period last year (1,375 units). By model, sales were 1,970 units for the i5 eDrive40, 580 for the i5 xDrive40 and 85 for the i5 M60 xDrive. The i5 eDrive40 can travel up to 453 km on a single charge.
The 5 Series PHEV lineup also sold 2,026 units this year. The 530e, which can travel up to 70 km in all-electric mode, accounted for 1,402 of them. The high-performance M5 and M5 Touring models sold a total of 400 units.
BMW Korea plans to maintain its competitiveness in South Korea’s premium sedan market by continuing to offer internal-combustion and electrified models side by side. The 5 Series, which began sales in South Korea in 1995, marks its 31st year in the Korean market this year.
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter