By Breda Corrigan
The stunning BMW i5 Saloon is the pure-electric variant of the brand-new, eight-generation 5 Series, and it is built at the same Dingolfing manufacturing plant in Germany as units with combustion engines and plug-in hybrids. Underpinning the new 5 Series is an updated version of BMW’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, and it also underpins all BMW models featuring either a longitudinally mounted combustion engine or electric powertrain. Compared to its predecessor, the new 5 Series is 97mm longer, 33mm wider and 36mm taller, and it also features the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,995mm. Incredibly, this is the first 5 Series to breach the 5.0 metre barrier on overall length, and this makes it longer than the flagship 7 Series from just two decades ago.
Trim & Drivetrain Options.
The new i5 is available in M Sport, M Sport Pro and Sport Edition trim levels – all of which are rear-wheel drive, and fall under the eDrive40 model designation – along with an all-wheel drive M60 xDrive model that delivers the performance typical of a BMW M. In the i5 eDrive40, a BMW-developed electric motor is paired with an 84.3kWh battery pack to produce 335bhp (340PS) and 400Nm of torque when Sport Boost or Launch Control is active, with power sent to the rear wheels. The i5 M60 xDrive benefits from an extra electric motor up front, and this allows for a massive 593bhp (601PS) and 795Nm of torque to be sent to all four wheels. The M60 also gets standard adaptive suspension, a 0.3-inch lower ride height than the eDrive40, and upgraded brakes. The i5 can adjust its braking energy regeneration based on battery level and traffic situation, thought the driver can manually select low, medium or high braking regeneration as well, with a ‘B’ transmission mode providing the option of one-pedal driving. A new Max Range mode optimises the remaining charge in the battery by up to 25% by limiting the top speed to 90km/h and it shuts down the climate control, the ventilated/heated seats, and the heated steering wheel.
BMW Iconic Glow Lighting.
Side by side with the latest 5 Series, the i5 can be distinguished by a blanked-off front grille and small ‘I’ badges, but the styling differences are otherwise minimal. The exterior design of the i5 incorporates gloss black sills and lower body trims, along with a re-worked version of BMW’s iconic ‘kidney’ grille that features BMW’s eye-catching Iconic Glow lighting technology (depending on the model chosen). White light highlights the contours of the grille when the car is being driven, or when stationary with the power button switched on. This provides the car with a uniquely-distinctive look, especially in the dark.
Charging Options.
The onboard Combined Charging Unit (CCU) supports AC charging at up to 11kW as standard, and this allows for a 0-100% charge via a domestic 11kW wallbox charger in just 8.5 hours. DC fast charging is supported at up to 205kW, which can take the battery from 10 to 80% in about 30 minutes. When fully charged, the battery in the eDrive40 can return a driving range of up to 575km on a WLTP combined driving range. The 400-volt lithium-ion battery is located below the floor, inside the centre tunnel and under the rear seats for ideal weight distribution. With BMW Charging, you can charge across Europe in one of the largest, and constantly growing, charging networks – all with your BMW Charging Card or via the My BMW App.
BMW Curved Display.
The new 5 Series is the first BMW to feature the updated iDrive 8.5 infotainment system based on the Linux operating system. The interface is accessed via the BMW Curved Display that combines the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment system with a redesigned touch interface within a single unit. The operating system offers additional digital content, including a range of video streaming options and some in-car gaming features via the AirConsole, a free app that uses the smartphone as a controller for the suite of apps on offer. The BMW Interaction Bar, which made its debut in the latest 7 Series, is a standard feature on the i5. It adds touch-sensitive control points for the air-conditioning and the hazard warning lights, and the ingenious backlit control panel stretches across the entire dashboard and into the front doors. BMW’s excellent rotary infotainment controller is located on the centre console, and it is the most intuitive way of navigating the infotainment system when on the move. Also standard is a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, along with wireless phone charging for up to two devices.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport, which was finished in gorgeous Brooklyn Grey metallic paintwork, with perforated and quilted Veganza man-made leather upholstery in smoke white. The plush cabin in the new 5 Series/i5 takes inspiration from the larger 7 Series/i7, and the scope and style of the digital technology employed within is truly outstanding. Excellent head, leg and elbow room awaits front seat occupants, and it is easy to find the perfect driving position thanks to ample electric adjustment options on the driver’s seat, while the leather-clad, flat-bottomed steering wheel can be adjusted for height and reach. The rear seats offer generous room for up to 3 occupants, with the ergonomically-designed cushion angle providing terrific support for longer legs. Boot capacity is class competitive, with 490-litres of usable space on offer behind the 40:20:40 folding rear seatbacks. The standard load length of 1100mm can be increased to 1940mm with all, or any of the rear seats folded down. With 335bhp and 400Nm of torque on offer, the i5 eDrive40 can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 6.0-seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited 193km/h top speed (where permitted), while official energy consumption is rated at 18.7-16.1kWh/100km. The i5 has BMW-typical progressive initial steering response and it changes direction confidently in linear proportion to driver inputs, with the car remaining balanced and composed when accelerating out of fast bends. The car has excellent straight-line performance, and this allows for overtaking manoeuvres to be executed with great confidence, while its engaging driving character is evident on every journey. Other note-worthy characteristics that the i5 has in abundance are its agility, nimbleness, luxurious comfort and its overall driver appeal.
Verdict & Pricing.
The new BMW i5 is a supremely refined and well-rounded fully-electric executive car that is sure to entice private buyers and company car buyers alike. The i5 is available in both saloon and Touring (Estate/Station Wagon) guises, and is on sale at BMW dealership nationwide now. Pricing starts at €91,105 and a tempting 4.9% APR finance rate is available through BMW Financial Services at present, subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. BMW Financial Services (Ireland) DAC trading as BMW Financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
