BMW i5 (2024): let’s get to know the new electric 5 series

Now let’s go to the nerve of war: autonomy. Unsurprisingly, the new BMW i5 is among the good students in the category, without reaching the 611 km of autonomy of the Mercedes EQE equipped with a bigger battery.

BMW i5

The BMW i5 is an electric sedan that is available in two engines, an equipped with two electric motors and a version with an engine on the rear axle. In the latter, we will find a power of 340 horsepower, a top speed of 193 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h shot in 6 seconds. An 81.2 kWh battery is there, giving it up to 582 km of autonomy according to the WLTP cycle. It is compatible with the quick continuous current load (205 kW) and can go from 10 to 80 % energy in approximately 30 minutes.

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Learn more about the BMW i5

Long lagging behind in the universe of the premium electric car, Today is BMW who leads dance in front of Mercedes and Audi.

The Bavarian manufacturer completes its electric offer today with the arrival of the new BMW i5, the 100 % electric version of the 5 series which, as you can see in the photos, adopts a very style (too much ?) Traditional, while avoiding being too client like the opulent BMW i7 and its aesthetic bias.

More consensual than the others

The BMW i5 benefits from the same dimensions as the thermal version presented in parallel. Compared to the previous generation of series 5, the new BMW i5 gained 9.7 cm in length to reach 5.06 meters, 3.2 cm in width to reach 1.90 meters and 3.6 cm in height to reach 1.515 meters. Its wheelbase was extended by 2 cm to peak at 2.995 meters.

Aesthetically, the BMW i5 gives a small impression of deja vu in the BMW range, even if the designers did not emerge a simple copy of the i4 or the i7. Unlike Mercedes and his eqe and eqs that we struggle to distinguish at first glance, The three BMW electric sedans are recognizable with three distinctive styles.

The most connected of BMW ?

Inside, however, the new i5 takes up the dashboard of all the new BMW models. We will have the opportunity to check it for a next try, but if the assemblies and the materials are as good as on the latest productions of the brand, customers will not be disappointed.

The new generation of BMW i5 is also the first model of the brand to offer as standard An entirely vegan interior, with upholstery, a dashboard and a steering wheel that do not have real leather.

The car obviously takes on the large curved Curved Display screen with a completely digital display system that consists of a 12.3 -inch instrumentation screen and a 14.9 inch infotainment screen. There are almost no physical commands, everything controls the central touch screen. During our previous BMW trials, we underlined the lack of ergonomics of this arrangement, especially since the menus of the screens are also unregonomic.

To do this, BMW announces a new BMW Idrive Improved Idrive BMW Idrive system with “Quickselect”. It is based on the BMW OS 8 operating system.5 and incorporates a redesigned home screen with icons of functions arranged vertically on the side of the driver. The “Quickselect” function allows access to the functions directly without having to go through a submenu. So there is a good chance that it is easier to navigate through the menus within this i5 compared to the rest of the range.

As with Tesla, BMW incorporates a video streaming service on its central screen and the Airconsole platform where the driver and passengers can play games when the vehicle is stopped. But these are very simple little games, and not the superproduction compatible with Tesla thanks to Steam as we had been able to test.

Digital Key Plus, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Remote software updates… The new BMW i5 is connected and also incorporates a catalog allowing to unlock certain remote options (for finance) in a occasion or permanent way.

The power of BMW i5

Regarding the available engines, BMW puts the input package with an M60 xDrive version equipped with two electric motors, one on each axle, for a cumulative power of 601 hp and 820 Nm of torque (when the M Sport Boost function or the function M Launch Control is activated). BMW announces interesting performance with a 0 to 100 km/h shot in 3.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 230 km/h, electronically limited.

In parallel with this M60 bike, the German firm presents the BMW i5 EDRIVE40 with a single electric motor located at the rear axle, thus making a propulsion. This version develops 340 hp and 430 Nm, enough to speed up 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and reach 193 km/h.

Autonomy and rapid recharge: it is strong

Now let’s go to the nerve of war: autonomy. Unsurprisingly, the new BMW i5 is among the good students in the category, without reaching the 611 km of autonomy of the Mercedes EQE equipped with a bigger battery.

The i5 receives a net accumulator of 81.2 kWh giving it an autonomy between 455 and 516 kilometers for the BMW i5 m60 xDrive and 477 at 582 kilometers for the i5 Edrive40, depending on the size of the wheels.

BMW specifies that the i5 also has the latest version of its adaptive energy recovery system which allows greater absorption of kinetic energy when rising. It also receives the “Max Range” function, making it possible to increase autonomy up to 25 % thanks to a limitation of power and speed, but also by deactivating the comfort functions.

On the recharge side, the German sedan allows an alternating current load of a power up to 11 kW as standard, and up to 22 kW as an optional. The battery can be loaded in direct current until 205 kW, allowing to pass from 10 to 80 % in approximately 30 minutes.

This is also the first BMW model to be used with the Plug & Charge function allowing the vehicle to automatically authenticate at the compatible public charging stations Without having to use an application or a charging card. This function allows customers to store digitally in the vehicle up to five individual electricity contracts compatible with the Plug & Charge function, coming from different suppliers.

Look control

In terms of technologies, the BMW i5 puts the package with in particular the Drive Assist Pro function, available as an option, which includes the active cruise control with Stop & Go function, as well as functions such as the steering and control assistant way. Which makes it a level 2 autonomous driving. The car also incorporates a world first: The active channel change assistant with eyes activation.

This comfort technology achieves a new level of interaction between the driver and the car. The vehicle suggests a change of track which can be made for the first time by looking in the external rear view mirror to confirm, or not, the change of line. The active track change assistant automatically supports the necessary steering movements.

Price and availability

The BMW i5 can be ordered in France from 76,200 euros For the Edrive40 version. With the M Sport finish, the price climbs to 80,250 euros. For the formidable M60 version of 601 hp, it will be necessary to count from 107,500 euros.

The prices are generally modeled on those of its main competitor, the Mercedes Eqe, which begins from 76,250 euros, and which climbs up to 125,350 euros for the AMG version of 625 hp and 497 km of autonomy (WLTP).

It is positioned halfway between the Tesla Model 3 (whose prices starts at 41,990 euros) and the Tesla Model S (available from 106,490 euros).

BMW i5 (2024): let’s get to know the new electric 5 series

The eighth generation of BMW 5 Series, which will make its commercial debut this fall 2023, has already lifted the veil on most of its characteristics and developments. While waiting to take the wheel, we were able to approach it and engage in a first examination of the new Bavarian road. And take the measure of a certain break: on -board technology, electrification, style. Here is the DNA of the new 5 -sifted series, in its electric version i5.

Fifty years after the start of the family, 10 million copies of all generations have taken the road. The BMW 5 Series, since the first E12 launched in 1972, has remained the archetype of the Statutory Big Road. Exactly in the manner of the Mercedes E -Class (but without the image of taxi) or the Audi A6 (whose legitimacy is still more recent). Generally conservative, series 5 has however experienced amazing upturks over the years (sometimes disturbing). The E60 of the Bangle era did not please everyone.

The G60, code name of the newcomer we discover, will probably also count among controversial BMWs. Because of the massive style, perhaps, which evokes the monumental 7 series from certain angles ? That said, the 5 series is not a reduction version of the latter, like Russian dolls. In the rear view mirror, they will not be confused: the grille remains horizontally, and is not as imposing.

The hood dug in the center, with the ribs marked in the double bean, are one of the signatures of the current BMW design, as is the amount of amount C (called “hofmeister” for the most diligent) now in two parts. It’s new: he takes up the name of the model here. The dimensions, above all, can confuse: 5.06 m long, 10 cm more than the previous one. The new 5 series is therefore 44 cm longer than the very first E12, and as long as a 7 F01 series (2008 – 2015) ! Basically, the shift took place towards the upper segment.

Large outside, less inside

On the other hand, mimicry with series 7 is clear by settling in the front places to see our test of the i7). We find the same horizontal arrangement of the dashboard, surmounted by a large double digital slab made up of two screens (12.3 p for instrumentation, 14.9 p for the media interface in the center), slightly oriented towards the driver. Note that the 5 series receives the last evolution of the BMW OS 8 operating system.5, relatively easy to understand. At least for its current applications: there are a lot of menus and submenus, possibilities of connected functions, and we get lost !

Considerably longer than the previous one (+10 cm), the new 5.06 m EMARG series 5.06 m. As large as 7 F01 series of 2008 ! Visually, the plunging trunk slightly refines the profile.

The “crystal” backlit inserts are also present, and the finish breathes detail. BMW seems to be in a good time on this point. But curiously, despite the impressive dimensions, the space on board is commonplace: the wheelbase has lengthened by only 2 cm (3 meters), the additional length is essentially at the level of the rear overhang. The rear seats are welcoming enough for two adults, but nothing phenomenal. Same thing for the trunk, which remains equivalent to the previous one: 520 L for thermal, 490 L for electric i5 due to the implementation of batteries and recharge systems. On the other hand, good news for the PHEV: they will keep the same volume as the thermal, while the Speech 5 was seriously penalized in 530th and 545th. At the time, the platform had not integrated electrification in such advanced way, in its design.

Ultimately, only one 6 cylinders

The range will be relatively reduced to launch. In thermal, only two 4 cylinders of 2 liters, developments of the 520i and 520D that we already know, will be available: provided with a new 48V micro-hybridization and some optimizations, they now display 208 and 197.

As expected, the 5 series will therefore also be available in i5, 100 % electric. Two versions are expected for the moment: the 340 hp edrive40 (only one electric motor, on the rear axle), already efficient (0 to 100 km/h in 6 s) and announcing a mixed autonomy of 477 km (up to 582 km in mixed outstanding). The technical set is known, since it is taken up from the i4, with a battery with a slightly higher capacity (81.2 kWh nets). More spectacular, the M60 provided with two engines develops 601 hp (for 820 nm of torque !) and arises at the top of the 5 Series range, pending the new M5 (3.8 s from 0 to 100 km/h). Heavier (2.305 kg against 2.130 kg for the EDRIVE40) and more powerful, the i5 thus rigged logically displays a smaller autonomy but all the same suitable (from 455 to 516 km, depending on cycle).

The cabin is designed on the same principle as the series 7: horizontal dashboard, surmounted by two screens grouped into a large slab. The finish is remarkable, the driving position perfect, but the rear seats are offset.

In terms of on -board technology, let us mention in particular the arrival of rear steering wheels (standard on the i5 m60). Note that the i5 will benefit from a “plug & load” function, allowing to automatically start the load by plugging, without the need for prior connection (the terminal recognizes the car and automatically identifies it). Regarding recharging, the i5 announces the same capacities as the i7, with a fast load DC accepting 205 kW: there are thus 30 minutes to go up from 10 to 80 %, or 10 minutes to find 156 km of autonomy. In theory, and according to the state of the network of course. By alternating current, the 22 kW charger is automatically present (approximately 4 hours for a full load).

More affordable, and more versatile: two Phev hybrids will arrive in the wake of the launch, with a 530th (4 cylinders 2 liters, like the previous one) of 300 hp, and especially a 550th of 490 hp (evolution of the excellent 545th, see our test) which will be entitled to the only 6 -cylinder petrol in the range. Both will be provided with a battery of approximately 17 kWh allowing to travel 80 km electric.

The 5 Series range starts at 62.€ 800 with the modest 520i petrol (208 hp), and peaks at more than 107.000 € in electric I5 m60 of 601 hp. While waiting for a future Phev hybrid M5.

Prices for the four engines of the BMW 5 Series (G60) at launch:

• 520i (208 hp): from 62.800 €
• 520D (197 hp): from 65.100 €
• I5 Edrive40 (340 hp): from 76.200 €
• I5 xDrive M60 (601 hp): from 107.500 €

Despite the wheelbase of almost 3 meters and dimensions sharply, the rear space remains commonplace for a large sedan of this template. The bench is well drawn and the roof guard generous.

BMW i5

Configure your BMW i5 vehicle or ask for a free trial.

The new BMW 5 Series is now available in 100% electric version called i5. This is available in a propulsion version of 340 hp and in a sporting version, M60 xDrive, 601 hp.

Design and dimensions of the BMW i5

Regarding design, the BMW i5 has similarities with the new 5 series, which has won 10 centimeters in length. Consequently, the i5 exceeds 5 meters in length, reaching precisely 5.06 meters. The designers sought to partially alleviate this size by overflowing the headlights and the lights on the wings. Compared to the i7, the I5 grille retains reasonable dimensions. In addition, the contours of the grille can be illuminated (optional), adding a distinctive visual key. The M60 version is distinguished by a specific grille, devoid of chrome bars. The profile of the car has a more fluid and surprising look with a thick black body. A decorative insert located after the windows incorporates the number 5, adding a personalization key.

The dimensions of the i5 Edrive 40: 5060 mm long by 1900 mm wide and 1515 mm high

“>M60 xDrive	“>Edrive40
“>Length (mm)	“> 5 060	“> 5 060
“>Height (mm)	“> 1 505	“> 1 515
“>Width (mm)	“> 1 900	“> 1 900
“>Suffice (mm)	“> 2 995	“> 2 995
“>Bottle volume (L)	“> 490	“> 490
“>Turning radius (m)	“Data-Sheets-Numberformat =” “> 11.9	“Data-Sheets-Numberformat =” “> 12.3
“>Weight (kg)	“> 2 380	“> 2 205
“>Ground clearance (mm)	“> 136	“> 146
“>Cx	“> 0.25	“> 0.23

Cabin

The BMW i5 dashboard has a major technological development. She joins the BMW CURVED DISPLAY, Composed of two screens arranged in series with an elegant curvature. The first screen, of 12.3 inch, is dedicated to instrumentation, while the second screen, measuring 14.9 inches, is intended for info. The latter has been improved with the addition of practical shortcut keys. During recharge periods, it is possible to to play video games thanks to the on -board system. The i5 inherits the I5 bar interaction, a backlit bar which incorporates intuitive tactile controls. For the first time, BMW offers an entirely vegan interior, with surfaces of seats, door paintings, steering wheel and door panels made without products of animal animals. The trunk offers a spacious 490 -liter volume.

The BMW i5 presents the BMW Curved Display, which consists of two screens arranged in series with a curved shape. The instrumentation is equipped with a 12.3-inch screen, while info-division has a 14.9-inch screen.

Technologies

Regarding technology, the BMW i5 offers revolutionary functionality in the field of semi-autonomous driving : an active track change assistant who can be activated by the eye movement, a world first. When the vehicle suggests exceeding, just look in the outside rear view mirror to validate it, and the car then takes care of the overtaking maneuver. It is a significant advance in terms of comfort and safety. Regarding parking, it is possible to make maneuvers from outside the vehicle, simply using a smartphone. This feature offers greater flexibility and facilitates parking maneuvers.

In Edrive 40 version, the i5 displays a CX of 0.23

Motorization and performance

The entry -level version is the Edrive 40. This variant is equipped with an electric motor propelling the car, offering a maximum power of 250 kW, or about 340 hp. The maximum torque reaches 430 nm.

The high -end version of the i5 is the M variant, the M60 xDrive. It is distinguished by having two engines, one on each axle, thus offering an all -wheel drive. The maximum combined power of this version is 442 kW, which is equivalent to around 601 hp ! Thanks to the M Sport Boost function, the maximum torque reaches 820 nm. This version can reach a top speed of 230 km/h and make 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

The maximum speed of the i5 m60 xDrive is 230 km/h

“>M60 xDrive	“>Edrive40
“>Transmission	“> Integral	“> Propulsion
“>Power (KW / CH)	“> 442/601	“> 250/340
“>Couple (nm)	“> 795	“> 430
“>0 to 100 km/h (dry)	“Data-Sheets-Numberformat =” “> 3.8	“> 6
“>Maximum speed (km/h)	“> 230	“> 193

Battery and autonomy

Both versions are equipped with a clear battery 81.2 kWh. It is obvious that the less powerful variant offers higher autonomy. BMW announces an autonomy of 477 to 582 km for the Edrive 40 version, without providing specific details on these figures. As for the M60 xDrive version, its autonomy varies from 455 to 516 km. A function called “max rage” allowsIncrease autonomy up to 25 % by limiting power and deactivating certain comfort features.

The i5 accepts up to 205 kW in charge

“>M60 xDrive	“>Edrive40
“>Battery: Net capacity (kWh)	“> 81.2	“> 81.2
“>AC load (KW)	“> 22	“> 22
“>DC load (KW)	“> 205	“> 205
“>AC charging time (11 kW) 0 to 100% (H)	“> 8.25	“> 8.25
“>AC charging time (22 kW) 0 to 100% (H)	“> 4.25	“> 4.25
“>DC charging time (205 kW) 10 to 80% (min)	“> 30	“> 30
“>WLTP consumption (kWh / 100 km)	“> 20.6 – 18.2	“> 19.5 – 15.9
“>WLTP autonomy (km)	“> 455 – 516	“> 477 – 582

Recharge

Regarding recharging, the car is served as standard with an 11 kW on -board charger by alternating current. Optionally, it is possible to obtain a 22 kW charger. Using direct current, the charging power can reach 205 kW. Under ideal conditions, it would therefore take around 30 minutes to recharge the battery from 10 % to 80 %.

The maximum autonomy (WLTP) of the i5 m60 xDrive is 516 km

Marketing and prices

The brand new BMW i5 is now available in France and can be ordered now. The starting price for version 40 is € 76,200, While the M Sport version reaches € 80,250. For the M60 version, the price is € 107,500. It is also planned to later launch a break version of the car.

The new electric 5 series is marketed from € 76,200

“>M60 xDrive	“>Edrive40
“>Standard finish	“> 107,500 €	“> 76,200 €
“>Sport finish	“> –	“> 80,250 €

BMW i5 Edrive 40 Photos Gallery

The new electric 5 series is marketed from € 76,200
The i5 Edrive40 accelerates 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds
The maximum speed of the i5 Edrive 40 is 193 km/h
The i5 Edrive 40 claims a power of 250 kW, or 340 hp
In Edrive 40 version, the i5 displays a CX of 0.23
The i5 accepts up to 205 kW in charge
The wheelbase of the i5 Edrive 40 extends over 2995 mm

The turning radius of the i5 Edrive 40 is 12.3 m (11.9 m with optional rear wheels)

The weight of the i5 Edrive 40 is 2205 kg
The dimensions of the i5 Edrive 40: 5060 mm long by 1900 mm wide and 1515 mm high

BMW i5 m60 xdrive photo gallery

The sports version of the electric 5 series is called M60 XDRIVE
The i5 m60 xDrive is 10 mm lower than the EDRIVE 40 version, 1505 mm high
The i5 m60 xDrive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 sec
The maximum speed of the i5 m60 xDrive is 230 km/h
The i5 m60 xDrive claims a total power of 442 kW, or 601 hp !
The maximum autonomy (WLTP) of the i5 m60 xDrive is 516 km
The new i5 m60 displays a CX of 0.25
The dimensions of the i5 m60: 5060 mm long, 1900 mm wide and 1505 mm high

Configure your BMW i5 vehicle or ask for a free trial.