Here is a new 100% electric car from BMW. Positioned between the i4 and i7 sedans in the range, the new BMW i5 is finally revealed, with a very consensual side that should appeal to traditional customers, and a high level of on-board technology thanks in particular to some interesting innovations. Price, autonomy, charging speed, design: here is everything you need to know about it.

Long lagging behind in the world of premium electric cars, today it is BMW that leads the way ahead of Mercedes and Audi.

The Bavarian manufacturer completes its electric offer today with the arrival of the new BMW i5, the 100% electric version of the 5 Series which, as you can see in the photos, adopts a very (too?) traditional style, while avoiding being too divisive like the opulent BMW i7 and its aesthetic bias.

More consensual than the others

The BMW i5 benefits from the same dimensions as the thermal version presented in parallel. Compared to the previous generation 5 Series, the new BMW i5 has gained 9.7 cm in length to 5.06 meters, 3.2 cm in width to 1.90 meters and 3.6 cm in height to 1.515 meters. Its wheelbase has been extended by 2 cm to reach 2.995 meters.

More consensual than the others
The BMW i5 benefits from the same dimensions as the thermal version presented in parallel. Compared to the previous generation 5 Series, the new BMW i5 has gained 9.7 cm in length to 5.06 meters, 3.2 cm in width to 1.90 meters and 3.6 cm in height to 1.515 meters. Its wheelbase has been extended by 2 cm to reach 2.995 meters.

The most connected BMW?

Inside, however, the new i5 takes up the dashboard of all new BMW models. We will have the opportunity to verify it during a future test, but if the assemblies and materials are as good as on the latest productions of the brand, customers will not be disappointed.

The new generation of BMW i5 is also the first model from the brand to offer a completely vegan interior as standard, with upholstery, a dashboard and a steering wheel that are not equipped with real leather.

The car obviously packs the large curved Curved Display with an all-digital display system that consists of a 12.3-inch instrumentation screen and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. There are almost no more physical controls, everything is controlled from the central touch screen. During our previous BMW tests, we highlighted the lack of ergonomics of this layout, especially since the screen menus are also not very ergonomic.

For this, BMW announces a new, improved BMW iDrive display and control system with “QuickSelect”. It is based on the BMW OS 8.5 operating system and incorporates a redesigned home screen with function icons arranged vertically on the driver’s side. The “QuickSelect” function allows direct access to the functions without having to go through a sub-menu. So there’s a good chance it’ll be easier to navigate through the menus within this i5 compared to the rest of the range.

Like at Tesla, BMW is integrating a video streaming service on its central screen and the AirConsole platform where the driver and passengers can play games when the vehicle is stationary. But these are very simple little games, and not blockbusters compatible with Tesla thanks to Steam as we had been able to test it.

Digital Key Plus, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, remote software updates… The new BMW i5 is connected and also includes a catalog allowing certain options to be unlocked remotely (for a fee) on an ad hoc or permanent basis.

The power of the BMW i5

Regarding the engines available, BMW is putting the entry package with an M60 xDrive version equipped with two electric motors, one on each axle, for a combined power of 601 hp and 820 Nm of torque (when the M Sport Boost function or the M Launch Control is on). BMW announces interesting performances with a 0 to 100 km/h shot in 3.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 230 km/h, electronically limited.

Alongside this swift M60, the German firm presents the BMW i5 eDrive40 equipped with a single electric motor located at the rear axle, thus providing propulsion. This version develops 340 hp and 430 Nm, enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and reach 193 km/h.

Autonomy and fast charging: it is strong

Now let’s move on to the sinews of war: autonomy. Unsurprisingly, the new BMW i5 is one of the good students in the category, without however reaching the 611 km of autonomy of the Mercedes EQE equipped with a larger battery.

The i5 receives an accumulator with a net capacity of 81.2 kWh giving it a range of between 455 and 516 kilometers for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and 477 to 582 kilometers for the i5 eDrive40, depending on wheel size.

BMW specifies that the i5 is also equipped with the latest version of its adaptive energy recovery system which allows greater absorption of kinetic energy when lifting the foot. It also receives the “Max Range” function, allowing autonomy to be increased by up to 25% thanks to a limitation of power and speed, but also by deactivating the comfort functions.

On the charging side, the German sedan allows AC charging with a power of up to 11 kW as standard, and up to 22 kW as an option. The battery can be DC charged up to 205 kW, allowing to go from 10 to 80% in about 30 minutes.

It is also the first BMW model to be able to be used with the Plug & Charge function allowing the vehicle to automatically authenticate itself to compatible public charging stations without having to use an application or a charging card. This function allows customers to digitally store in the vehicle up to five individual electricity contracts compatible with the Plug & Charge function, from different suppliers.

eye control

In terms of technology, the BMW i5 goes all out with the Drive Assist Pro function, available as an option, which includes active cruise control with Stop&Go function, as well as functions such as the steering and speed control assistant. way. This makes it level 2 autonomous driving. The car also incorporates a world first: the active lane change assistant with eye activation.

This comfort technology enables a new level of interaction between the driver and the car. The vehicle suggests a lane change which can be done for the first time by looking in the exterior mirror to confirm, or not, the lane change. Active Lane Change Assist automatically takes over the necessary steering movements.

Price and availability
The BMW i5 can be ordered in France from 76,200 euros for the eDrive40 version. With the M Sport finish, the price rises to 80,250 euros. For the formidable M60 version of 601 hp, it will take from 107,500 euros.

The prices are generally modeled on those of its main competitor, the Mercedes EQE, which starts from 76,250 euros, and which climbs to 125,350 euros for the AMG version of 625 hp and 497 km of autonomy (WLTP) .

It is positioned halfway between the Tesla Model 3 (whose prices start at 41,990 euros) and the Tesla Model S (available from 106,490 euros).