BMW brings electrification to the 5 Series. The German company announced this week that the eighth generation of the sedan, which sits between the 3 and 7 series, will be available in an electric version, the i5, as well as a refreshed petrol equivalent.
Similar to the 4 and 7 Series, BMW is taking its petrol-powered models and launching electric variants based on the same platform.
The electric 5 Series is available in two trim levels: the i5 eDrive40 with rear-wheel drive, 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque; and the sporty i5 M60 xDrive with all-wheel drive, 601 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque.
The eDrive40 version accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds, while the M60 version closes the gap in just 3.8 seconds. Both versions feature an electronic speed limit of 120 mph.
An 81.2 kWh battery gives the i5 a range of up to 516 km (320 miles) based on the less conservative WLTP standard. And for charging, BMW is partnering with Volkswagen’s Electrify America to offer unlimited fast charging of up to 30 minutes for two years. The i5 can take up to 205kW of fast charging, which can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes.
Similar to the 4 and 7 Series, BMW is taking its petrol-powered models and launching electric variants based on the same platform
The electric 5 Series will be one of the first to feature BMW’s new hands-free features for motorway driving. The car can also suggest lane changes, which the driver can confirm by looking in the exterior mirror.
BMW has redesigned its infotainment system in the 5 Series and offers in-car gaming for the first time. While the vehicle is parked, numerous games are available that help pass the time, for example during the charging process. Video streaming will also be available for parked cars.
The characteristic kidney grille is somewhat toned down compared to the elegant i7 and iX models, but it still blatantly catches your eye. The grille has become a polarizing design decision, particularly in the age of electric vehicles where airflow is less of an issue, but BMW isn’t straying from that signature design.
Overall, the i5 is a bit more conservative in design and technology than the more opulent i7. I mean, how can you top a fold-down 31-inch 8K movie screen for the rear passengers?
But with a starting price of $67,795, the i5 is still definitely a premium vehicle. It is not eligible for the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, which limit allowable prices to $55,000. Neither will the more powerful (and more expensive) M5 version of the i5, which starts at $85,095.