BMW announced it, BMW did it. The Munich manufacturer is offering its famous Serie 5 sedan in an all-electric version. And for the occasion, two models will be available.
Over 600 hp
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive, spearhead of the range, has a power of 601 hp. Both motors are integrated into the front and rear axles to form an electric all-wheel drive. The torque generated by the system can reach 820 Nm when the M Sport Boost or M Launch Control function is activated. This enables the BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h.
The BMW i5 eDrive40 is the second 100% electric version available at launch. Its engine drives the rear wheels and generates a maximum power of 340 hp for a maximum torque of 430 Nm. The i5 eDrive40 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 s and peaks at 193 km/h.
More than 580 km of autonomy
In both cases, the motors are powered by an 81.2 kWh battery allowing up to 516 km of autonomy for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive, and 582 km for the BMW i5 eDrive40. The battery can be charged with a power of up to 205 kW to go from 10 to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The new BMW i5 are also the first BMW vehicles of the brand to benefit from the Plug & Charge function. It allows the vehicle to automatically authenticate itself to compatible public charging stations, without having to use an app or charging card.
This new iteration has gained 97 mm in length to reach 5.06 m, 32 mm in width for 1.90 m and 36 mm in height for 1.51 m. The wheelbase has been extended by 20 mm to reach 2.99 m, the longest in the category. In addition, the chassis is improved with wider tracks, a 50/50 weight distribution and increased rigidity of the suspension links.
True to its reputation as a comfortable and sporty saloon, the new Serie 5 is equipped (as an option) with an M Sport braking system, Adaptive Pro suspension (standard on the BMW i5 M60 xDrive), four-wheel steering and a new active management of horizontal and vertical roll. Light-alloy wheels, up to 21 inches (18 and 19 inches as standard) and performance tires are offered as an option.
Very prominent double bean
Beyond an aesthetic overhaul of the front face, with in particular a prominent grille incorporating a double bean and LEDs arranged almost vertically, serving as indicators and daytime running lights, the passenger compartment has been revised. Physical controls disappear in favor of a backlit, crystal-structured BMW Interaction Bar that spans the full width of the dashboard and includes touch controls. The game of transparency of the latter is also found on the speed selector and the navigation wheel in the menus of the interface.
The latter is also based on the BMW OS 8.5 operating system and features a redesigned home screen with function icons arranged vertically on the driver’s side. The menus have also been revised a priori.
Changing lanes with just a look?
The BMW iDrive is based on the Curved Display screen with a 12.3-inch instrumentation screen and another 14.9-inch touch screen. In addition to the now classic parking assistants (recording of a script over 200 m) or level 2 semi-autonomous driving, the new Serie 5 integrates for the first time the active lane change assistant with activation via the gaze. The vehicle suggests a lane change which can be made by looking in the outside mirror to confirm the maneuver.
Finally, the manufacturer announces the integration of video streaming and the possibility of having fun with video games via the AirConsole platform when the vehicle is stationary. An occupation to fill waiting times at charging stations?
The BMW i5 eDrive40 will be available in October 2023 from €76,200. On the other hand, it will take 107,500 € for the i5 M60 xDrive.