After months of teasing, BMW has lifted the veil on the all-new 5 Series, the first available in a 100% electric i5 version.
After the X1 and 7 Series in 2022, it’s the turn of another pillar of the BMW range to go 100% electric: the 5 Series road car. For the moment, the brand remains faithful to its strategy of a model multi-energy, which allows customers to choose between gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid and therefore electric. We note that with this new 5 Series, the electric i5 is available from launch, while the PHEVs will wait until 2024.
Two variants of the i5 are even already in the catalog. The entry level is the eDrive 40. Propulsion, it is equipped with an electric motor that delivers up to 250 kW, or 340 hp. The maximum torque is 430 Nm.
The other version is the top of the offering, along with the M-badged variant, the M60 xDrive. There are two motors here, one on each axle, which allows for four-wheel drive. The maximum cumulative power is 442 kW, or 601 hp! An M Sport Boost function gives a maximum torque of 820 Nm. This version can reach 230 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Both variants have a battery with a net capacity of 81.2 kWh. Inevitably, the less powerful is the best off in terms of autonomy. BMW announces 477 to 582 km for the 40, without going into the details of these figures. For the M60, it’s 455 to 516 km. A “Max Range” function allows you to gain up to 25% autonomy, by limiting the power and deactivating certain comfort functions.
On the charging side, in alternating current, there is an on-board charger of 11 kW in series. A 22 kW is available as an option. In direct current, the charging power can reach 205 kW. Under these ideal conditions, it would take 30 minutes to go from 10 to 80%.
The M60 version has the Adaptive Pro suspension with electronically regulated dampers and active roll stabilization as standard. It is possible to have four steering wheels.
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For the look, the i5 therefore resembles the new 5 Series, which has taken 10 centimeters in length. Result, it exceeds the bar of 5 meters in length, with 5.06 meters. The designers are trying to partially hide this size by overflowing the headlights and lights on the fenders. Compared to the i7, the grille is a reasonable size. The outlines of the beans can be illuminated. That of the M60 is specific, without the chrome bars. The profile has a smoother look and surprises with its thick black underbody. A decorative insert after the glazing incorporates the number 5.
The dashboard is undergoing a technological revolution. The i5 adopts the BMW Curved Display, two screens in a row with a curved shape. There’s a 12.3-inch one for instrumentation and a 14.9-inch one for infotainment. The latter is enhanced with shortcut keys. During recharging times, it is possible via the embedded system to play video games! The i5 takes over from the i5 the Interaction Bar, an illuminated bar that encompasses touch controls. For the first time, BMW is offering a fully vegan interior (seat surfaces, door panel, steering wheel, door panels). The trunk has a volume of 490 liters.
In terms of technology, the semi-autonomous driving system incorporates a world first: an active lane change assistant with eye activation! The vehicle suggests overtaking, just look in the exterior mirror to validate it and see the car manage the overtaking maneuver on its own! On the parking side, it is possible to manage maneuvers from outside the vehicle, via the smartphone.
The new i5 is now available to order in France. The 40 version starts at €76,200 and climbs to €80,250 in M Sport. The M60 is at €107,500. A break will be launched afterwards.
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