Here it is - the fully electric BMW i5 revealed in full.
The mega-anticipated i5 has been unveiled as part of a major refresh of the BMW 5 Series (read below for all the details). .
And we know that two variants of the i5 will be available to lease.
If you want maximum range, the ‘eDrive40’ has power of 340 hp and can travel up to 361 miles between recharges.
The more potent, all-wheel drive BMW i5 M60 xDrive has a lesser range - of up to 320 miles - but boasts power of 601 hp, a colossal 820 Nm of torque, and a breakneck 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds.
A BMW spokesperson tells us: “More dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations and, for the first time, all-electric drive - this is how the new BMW 5 Series Sedan steps up to the plate. As the BMW i5, the new edition of the world's most successful business sedan takes the lead on the road to sustainable premium mobility in the upper mid-range vehicle segment.”
Here’s what you need to know about the BMW i5 and the facelifted 5 Series.
More details about the BMW i5
The i5 is the first ever electrified BMW 5 Series, and it’ll slot into the firm’s range of EVs between the i4 and the opulent i7.
You can also expect it to compete against the Mercedes-Benz EQE, Porsche Taycan, and the upper reaches of the Tesla Model 3 range.
Both the BMW i5 eDrive40 and the more powerful BMW i5 M60 xDrive are underpinned by a 81.2 kWh battery and a heat pump, which keeps the batteries in peak condition and helps you to really make the most of the vehicle’s range.
There’s also a new ‘Max Range’ function, which shuts off some of the comfort functions in the cabin and reduces the power output so that you make it to your destination without having to stop and plug in.
BMW says the i5 can be recharged at a DC speed of up to 205 kW - which is properly rapid - so you can take the battery from 10 to 80% full in just 30 minutes.
BMW 5 Series 2023
The 5 Series has grown - it’s now 97mm longer, 32mm wider, and 1,900 higher than before, in an attempt to provide more interior space.
There’s a updated front end, including a tweaked kidney grille, a more ‘athletic’ body shape, and flush-mounted door openers to emphasise the 5 Series’ sleekness.
Inside the cabin, BMW says it has ‘significantly reduced the number of buttons and controls compared to the predecessor model’. Some lease customers will love the new digital functions, some will miss the old, more grabbable buttons and dials.
The fully digital display system consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display. The steering wheel has also been redesigned with a flattened lower section and haptic feedback on the control panels.
There’sthe option of a fully vegan interior - which is a first for BMW - called ‘Veganza’, while newly designed sports seats are standard equipment.
When it comes to power, BMW has introduced new petrol and diesel engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, and which come mated to a fresh 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard.
The two variants that will launch first are the petrol 520i and the diesel 520d - the latter of which can be xDrive all-wheel drive - with power of up to 208 hp. Two plug-in hybrid powertrains will follow in 2024.
The 5 Series has always walked the line between sportiness and comfort, and the new model should be no different. Sport steering and directly controlled wheel slip limitation should help to keep things exciting when you want them to be.
BMW also promises a ‘significantly expanded range of systems for partially automated driving and parking’. As standard you get BMW’s Parking Assistant, including Reversing Assist, which will basically pull the car into a spot for you, without you even needing to touch the steering wheel.
Gaming fans can also enjoy the new ‘AirConsole’ platform, which allows driver and passengers to play games via the infotainment screen when the car is stopped.
Both the BMW 5 Series and the i5 will be launched in October of this year.
For the time being, you can lease a BMW 5 Series with Select Car Leasing from £576 (for the 5 Series estate)*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 25/05/23.
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