Next-gen BMW 5 Series allows in-car multiplayer games via smartphones

Updated Jun 16, 2023 | Same topic: Leading-Edge Tech Trends

A fun way of passing time.

As automotive technologies continue to advance, BMW Group has partnered with gaming platform AirConsole to bring its first in-car gaming system to the next-gen BMW 5 Series.

BMW and AirConsole in-car gaming

BMW partnered with AirConsole to offer in-car gaming

The system allows occupants to play various games using their smartphones. In order to use the AirConsole, users must connect to the vehicle by scanning a QR code on the curved display through the AirConsole app. It likewise supports multiple players simultaneously.

Games in various categories are incorporated into the system. This includes racing, sports, music quiz, simulation, strategy, jump-and-run, and puzzle games. Specific titles available from the AirConsole from the get-go are Go Kart GoGolazoMusic Guess, and Overcooked. More games will then be added in the future. 

Of note, the vehicle must be in full stop before the gaming system is enabled. For one of the new BMW 5 Series models, the all-electric i5, occupants can play while waiting for the vehicle to charge up. It is equipped with a 14.9-inch infotainment display, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

BMW i5 front view

The BMW i5 with a special wrap

Under the hood, the BMW i5 is available with two electrified powertrain options, with the higher-spec M60 XDrive capable of producing 590 horsepower and 794 Nm of torque through its twin-motor setup. The German automaker claims that its new electric vehicle (EV) can run up to 474 kilometers on a single charge.

To celebrate the launch of the gaming system with AirConsole, the BMW i5 came with a unique gaming wrap that pays homage to the iconic 8-bit era of computer games. The color scheme is said to take inspiration from the various games available on the AirConsole platform.

Google is also one of the players in the in-car gaming market as it recently introduced the Android Automotive OS. This delivers not only games, but also navigation, and other functionalities that can improve the ride experience.

BMW and AirConsole in-car gaming

BMW will add more games in the future

Locally, BMW Philippines hasn’t launched the new 5 Series yet. The new eight-gen iteration is scheduled to hold a global debut on October 5.

Don’t miss the latest car technologies at Philkotse.com.

Know more about BMW 5 Series 2024

BMW 5 Series

The updated 2024 BMW 5 Series Philippines is a five-door executive sedan. As of the 2024 facelift, the car comes with three variants. It is available at all BMW dealerships nationwide from Php 4,490,000. 

Under the hood, this facelifted model uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine capable of making 184 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. It then uses an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, which sends power to its rear wheels. 

Size-wise, the BMW 520i Luxury comes with a length of 4,963mm, a width of 1,350mm, and a height of 1,479mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,975mm. 

Locally, the 2024 BMW 520i Luxury competes against the like of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus IS, Jaguar XF, Audi A6, among others.

>>> New and used BMW 5 Series 2024 for sale in the Philippines

BMW 5 Series Launch

The BMW 5-Series is currently on its seventh generation since its first global introduction in 1972. It reached Philippine shores in July 2017 offering three initial variants which are the 520d Luxury, the 520d M Sport, and the 530d Luxury. A couple of years later, BMW Philippines launched a base variant for the 5-Series which is the 520i Luxury that joined the lineup in December 2019. 

Later in 2022, BMW Philippines brought in the facelifted 5-series, specifically its 520i Luxury variant. 

BMW 5-Series Exterior

Style-wise, the 2024 BMW 520i looks similar to the pre-facelift model. It still comes with chrome trims, as well as the signature BMW kidney grille. What changed though is its lighting system. Specifically, it now comes with modern-looking lighting elements. The LED headlights themselves are now adaptive, and they now have high-beam assist. The taillights also received a new L-shaped lighting element. 

BMW 5-Series Interior

New on the BMW 520i Philippines is the Comfort Access system. This offers an easier way to lock and unlock the car, and it also provides a kick function for the trunk door. As with previous versions, the model in question is provided with leather seats, ambient lighting, as well as a four-zone automatic climate control system. 

Technology & Safety Features

Also available on the 2024 520i is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Also added to this updated model’s touchscreen is the latest Operating System 7.0 for the iDrive. It also has BMW Gesture Control.  a 16-piece Harman Kardon speaker system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. 

For safety, the new 520i is kitted out with six airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, dynamic stability control, passive pedestrian protection, run-flat tires with indicator, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and many other active protection systems. 

BMW 5-Series Platform & Chassis

The 2024 BMW 520i is a 4-door, five-seater sedan that uses a double-wishbone front suspension, and a multi-link rear suspension. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels, as well as an electronic parking brake. 

Engine & Drivetrain

The 2024 BMW 520i Luxury is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine that can produce up to 184 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. All power is then sent to its rear wheels through an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. 

The 2024 BMW 5-Series is largely on-par against its competitors when it comes to providing a stylish but quiet-looking exterior, a luxurious interior, and on-board features/safety tech. In terms of power, the same seems to be the case. Then again, the Audi A6 offers the A6 TDI Quattro variant, while Lexus has the IS F Sport, both of which are significantly more powerful than the 520i. 

BMW 5-Series 2024 Price List

Let's check out the BMW 5-Series 2024 price in the Philippines.

 Variants Price
BMW 5 Series 520i Luxury ₱4,490,000
BMW 5 Series All-new 520i ₱4,990,000
BMW 5 Series BMW 530i M Sport ₱5,190,000

BMW 5-Series Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Elegant styling 
  • Premium interior 
  • Well-equipped 

Cons

  • There are more powerful models in the same segment 
 

₱ 4,290,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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