BMW has revealed the i5 sedan, expanding its global range of electric models that includes the iX1, i4, and i7. The i5 is also expected to give rise to the highly anticipated BMW i5 Touring
BMW aims to attract new customers and enhance the sales of its popular models with the electric powertrain, offering two power levels. The initial launch will feature two variants: the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 and the four-wheel-drive M60 xDrive. The eDrive40 generates 340hp and 430Nm of torque, enabling it to reach 0-100kph in 6.0 seconds and achieve a top speed of 193kph.
The M60 xDrive employs the same rear-mounted electric motor paired with a smaller front-mounted motor, adding 259hp and 365Nm. This configuration results in a combined system output of 601hp and 820Nm, enabling a rapid 0-100kph acceleration of 3.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 230kph.
Both i5 models come with an 81.2kWh lithium-ion battery as standard. The eDrive40 variant offers an estimated range of 497-582km (WLTP), while the more powerful M60 xDrive delivers a claimed range of 455-516km on the WLTP cycle.
The i5 features an 11kW AC charging capability, upgradable to 22kW with an optional onboard charger. It also supports a maximum DC charging capability of 205kW, allowing for a 10-80 percent charge within 30 minutes. BMW has confirmed the arrival of a third i5 model in 2024, in addition to the eDrive40 and M60 xDrive.
In terms of design, the new i5 adopts BMW’s recent design language seen in the iX, presenting a modern and refreshed appearance compared to its predecessor. The front fascia still showcases the iconic BMW kidney grille, which now features a blanked-off design in high-gloss black plastic for the electric i5. Illuminated grille surrounds, similar to those on the new i7, add a distinctive touch.
The i5 boasts slim headlights with vertically stacked LED daytime running lights. Flush-fitting door handles contribute to improved aerodynamics, complemented by a flat underbody that achieves a drag coefficient of 0.23, At the rear, the i5 shares design cues with the new 7 Series, including sleek LED tail lamps with a chrome separator between the two LED elements.
Inside the cabin, the BMW i5 incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Running on the latest BMW iDrive 8.5 operating system based on Linux software, the infotainment system introduces gaming and video functions for the first time. The control interface, resembling that of the i7, features a physical controller on the center console. The ambient lighting elements from the new i7 are also present in the i5, with a thick ambient light bar extending from the dashboard to the door cards, offering customizable colors. The i5 and the new 5 Series include a panoramic sunroof, distinguishing them from the previous generation 5 Series, which featured a standard-size sunroof. Additionally, the i5 features a boost button on the steering wheel, mirroring the design of the i7.
The BMW i5 sedan is poised to compete against the Mercedes-Benz EQE, Tesla Model S, and upcoming Audi A6 e-tron in international markets
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