BMW i5: The Long-Awaited Electric Saloon Set to Take on Tesla Model S
The BMW i5 saloon has finally been unveiled and is set to arrive in the UK later this year. The electric vehicle (EV) will feature 593bhp and up to 321 miles of range, making it a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz EQE, Tesla Model S, and upcoming Audi A6 E-tron saloon. The i5 will join BMW’s expanding range of EVs, including the iX1, i4, and i7, and will launch in October alongside a sole combustion-powered model. The i5 is also set to spawn the highly anticipated BMW i5 Touring, one of the first executive all-electric estates on the market.
The electric i5 will be available in two specifications at launch: rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 and four-wheel-drive M60 xDrive. The eDrive40 features a rear-mounted electric motor with 335bhp and 317lb ft of torque, giving it a claimed 0-62mph time of 6.0sec and a 120mph top speed. The M60 xDrive uses the same rear-mounted electric motor in combination with a smaller front-mounted motor that delivers an added 256bhp and 269lb ft. Together, they develop a combined system output of 593bhp and 605lb ft for a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.8sec and an electronically limited top speed of 143mph.
Both i5 models feature an 81.2kWh lithium-ion battery as standard. The eDrive40 offers a claimed range of between 296 and 362 miles, while the more powerful M60 xDrive delivers a claimed 283 to 321 miles of range. Each i5 has 11kW AC charging functionality as standard, although this can be increased to 22kW with an optional on-board charger. The maximum DC charging capability is put at 205kW, with BMW claiming a 10-80% charge within 30 minutes. BMW has also confirmed that a third i5 model is scheduled to arrive in 2024.
The new 5 Series is based on BMW’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, which underpins all BMW models featuring either a longitudinally mounted combustion engine or electric drivetrain. The i5 adopts the change in design direction at BMW first seen on the iX, with a much more modern look than the model it replaces. The front is still dominated by BMW’s classic kidney grille, which on the pure-electric i5 sports a blanked-off design in high-gloss black plastic. Traditional door handles have made way for flush-fitting units, and the i5 eDrive40 achieves a drag coefficient of 0.23.
The new 5 Series and i5 follow the lead of the larger 7 Series and i7 with a new triple-layer dashboard supporting a single curved display panel. It houses separate 12.3in instrument and 14.9in infotainment touch displays – the latter running the latest BMW 8.5 operating system based on Linux software and offering gaming and video functions for the first time.
BMW will hope the electric powertrain, arriving in two power levels, will bring new customers to the brand and bolster the sales of its best-selling model. With its impressive range and power, the i5 is set to be a strong competitor in the EV market, taking on established players like Tesla and Mercedes-Benz.