BMW’s New i5 Redefines Class with New Expertise

Since introducing the 5 Series 50 years ago, BMW has produced more than 10 million of the world’s most popular business sedans. The latest incarnations, including the sustainable and all-electric i5 models, are modern marvels. 

BMW is a driving force on the road to building high-quality electric cars, not only among its own stable of exceptional vehicles, but also in the other marques in its portfolio, which include Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Mini. From small and compact up to premium and luxury cars, BMW offers all-electric models in every vehicle class it produces. 

Thus it’s no surprise this is exemplified within the BMW 5 Series of business sedans. First introduced in 1972, the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan continues to stand for advanced technology combined with sporty, elegant design and driving pleasure. 

Since their arrival on the market worldwide in October, the 5 Series seamlessly combines mobility and business in the premium market. The BMW 5 Series Touring models will launch worldwide in the spring of 2024. 

Where BMW shines brightest is with the two available i5 models that for the first time incorporate all-electric drivetrains: the i5 M60 xDrive, with a striking look that emphasises its dynamic performance from two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, and the eDrive40 that combines advanced BMW eDrive technology with traditional rear-wheel drive. 

BMW I5 M60 XDRIVE
Combining a particularly powerful electric drive with hallmark M performance characteristics and specific design features, the system output of its two electric motors is 380 kW/517 hp, which increases to a maximum of 442 kW/601 hp in My Mode Sport. The acceleration is 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 230 km/h. The system torque generated by both motors is 795 Nm (549 lb-ft) or 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated. 

The bodywork features a front apron with black surfaces in its centre and large air intakes, a BMW kidney grille with contour line lighting, horizontal slats and M logo, side skirts and exterior mirror cap finished in high-gloss black, 20-inch M light alloy wheels, a rear apron with a pronounced diffuser insert signal the top-of-the range model’s sporty character, and an M rear spoiler lip. 

The M Sport Package is optionally available for all other 5 Series variants to highlight this vehicle’s dynamic
performance and also includes other M-specific design features, most notably the large air intakes at the front, strikingly flared side skirts in high-gloss black and a rear apron with diffuser insert, as well as 19-inch M light alloy wheels and the M high-gloss Shadow Line. 

In addition, the M Sport Package Pro and the M Carbon exterior packages are available for all 5 Series models. 

BMW I5 EDRIVE40
Combining advanced BMW eDrive technology with traditional rear-wheel drive, the electric motor of the eDrive40 is located in the rear axle area and generates a maximum power output of 250 kW/340 hp with a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) or 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) using the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. 

The highly integrated drive unit features outstanding power density, so 6.0 seconds are sufficient for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The maximum speed of the BMW i5 eDrive40
is electronically cut off at 193 km/h. Its combined power consumption is between 18.9 and 15.9 kWh per 100 kilometres. 

HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY
Like the drive units, the high-voltage battery used in the two all-electric model variants of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is also derived from the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. 

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Comprising four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with 12 cells each, the high-voltage battery has a particularly flat design thanks to the modules being cleverly and model- specifically designed. This means it can be fitted in the underbody of the BMW i5 to save space. The passenger space corresponds exactly to the capacities of the petrol and diesel engine variants of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. 

The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i5 enables AC charging with an output of up to 11 kW as standard, and up to 22 kW as an option. The high-voltage battery can be charged with direct current with a power of up to 205 kW. For example, the battery charge level can be raised from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. 

RANGE
In addition to the efficient electric motors, the latest version of adaptive recuperation and an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for heating and cooling the interior, drive and high-voltage battery contribute to the long range. The respective Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) values are 455-516 km for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and 497-582 km for the BMW i5 eDrive40. With the new Max Range function, the range can be increased by up to 25 percent if required. 

FULLY VEGAN INTERIOR
Newly designed sports seats are standard equipment. The optional comfort seats offer a wide range of electric adjustment options. The BMW 5 Series Sedan is the brand’s first model to feature a fully vegan interior as standard. This includes the surfaces of the seats, the dashboard and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel for the first time. The seat surfaces in the Veganza version with leather-like properties feature a decorative perforation. Further optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in several bicolour variants. 

The i5’s standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning with almost invisible seam vents,
a Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers, four USB-C ports, a fixed panoramic glass roof, Travel & Comfort System, and BMW IconicSounds Electric. Among the many options available are a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System.