On May 24, BMW will introduce the new i5, a 100% electric version of the forever 5 Series. This executive saloon (Segment E) will be the most ambitious electric model till date as it is expected to take on the existing i4, iX. And in terms of i7 autonomy, among other things. It will be the last electric BMW to be based on the CLAR multi-energy platform: from 2025, the Bavarians will switch to the New Class, a specially designed vehicle for this type.
Despite the fact that there are still five days left before its official launch, the first images of the BMW i5 have already leaked on the net, allowing us to know its frontal aesthetics and its side line ahead of time. Its mild flanks are reminiscent of the iX1, while the double kidney-shaped grille has somewhat more restrained dimensions than the i4 and i7.
The profile is more stylized, as the roofline descends more smoothly and the rear window appears to slope more. This probably responds to aerodynamic norms, such as the use of recessed handles in the doors. The skirt has been painted black to hide the extra height of the battery, which is already seen in the company’s other electric cars.
Although the Thermaltake 5 Series will be broadly similar to the i5, they will be differentiated through details such as the electric model’s blind grille. We can also expect the bumpers and tires to be distinctive; Also, the passenger compartment will definitely show some decorative moldings in blue.
BMW i5 Touring will arrive in 2024
Our hero will be available in the form of a sedan and family (Touring). This last option, which will be added to the range in 2024, will only be offered in one of its rivals, the Audi A6 e-tron. The rest of the contenders (BYD Han, Mercedes-Benz EQI, Tesla Model S) will be sold exclusively as sedans.
Initially, the i5 will be available in eDrive40 and M60 xDrive versions, though other versions may be added later. According to BMW itself, the 5 Series (and therefore the i5) will combine the same agility of the 3 Series with ride comfort worthy of the 7 Series. The brand has already confirmed preliminary consumption data: eDrive40 it will be identical 16.0-19.7 kWh/100 km and M60 xDrive 17.9-21.2 kWh/100 km in mixed.
BMW has also announced that in Germany, Canada and the United States it will be equipped with the new Highway Assistant, which will allow for automatic eye-activated lane changes thanks to the use of an internal camera. While looking in the outside mirror, the car must initiate the lane change process and make the necessary steering movements and speed adjustments at speeds up to 130 km/h, once the driver has confirmed that it wishes to do so and the traffic The situation allows it.
