The BMW Five Series has been the reference of luxury sports Berlins for decades. This year, the Bavarian car manufacturer presented the FIVE, the first totally electric edition of the five series that will be sold together with the new five series propelled by internal combustion.
The I5 joins a segment made up of established players like the Audi E-Tron GT and Tesla Model S, as well as newcomers like the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Lucid Air.
Recently I tried a BMW i5 M60 XDrive 2024 with a proven value of $ 95,395. I was inspired by the stimulant functionality of the BMW, its sumptuous cabin and its sober style.
The BMW i5 EDRive40 Base Traction Basks starts at $66,800, while my i5 M60 XDrive Top-Ever-Tangile Check Automobile starts at $84,100.
Here are 14 features that make the i5 a luxury electric vehicle with maximum functionality.
BMW’s styling has drawn the ire of many brand loyalists in recent years, especially regarding the growth in the size of its signature kidney grilles. Fortunately, BMW exercised restraint with the 5-Series, resulting in a subtle design that exudes a certain understated elegance.
The lines and leave no doubt that it is a BMW five series.
The BMW I5 is based on a compromised EV platform like many of its rivals, but a shared component with its ICE brothers and sisters. Fortunately, the BMW Clar modular platform underlying I5 has been designed to accommodate ice models, hybrid and electric battery.
As a result, the i5 retains the long-sloping hood of its internal combustion brethren and the space where a silky smooth BMW straight six once occupied.
Under the hood, a plastic panel covers the electronics and an electric motor for the front axle.
My BMW i5 M60 XDrive supplied with an electronic engine of 257 horsepower fixed on the front axle and a larger electric motor of 335 horsepower in the rear.
Beneath the i5’s floor, you’ll find a large lithium-ion battery pack with 84.3 kWh of usable energy.
According to BMW, a quick CC tester can rate the car from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The EPA rated my high-performance test car for 240 miles of range, but I was able to extract about 250 miles during my time with it.
Those for more diversity will have to opt for the less hard-hitting I5 EDRive40, which can go up to 295 miles on a single charge.
The BMW Five series is known for its balance in turn and its strength in the lines directly.
And the i5 delivered on that promise and is flat-out fast. Its acceleration was swift, brutal, and utterly glorious.
Having driven more than a few supercars in my time, the immediacy of the Bimmer’s acceleration off the line caught me several times. I enjoyed it.
According to BMW, the i5 m60 xdrive can go from 0 to 60 in just 3. 7 seconds, however, the engine trend can do it in 3. 4 seconds. I’m leaning towards the faster time.
BMW says the i5 can reach a top speed of 143 mph.
On the winding mountain roads of North Georgia, the i5 all-wheel drive is a joy to drive. With a better 50/50 front weight distribution, the i5 felt balanced and accurate in the corners. It does a clever job of hiding its heavy sidewalk weight of 5,200 pounds.
The i5 cabin is modern, with large information and entertainment screens and carbon fiber tabs, however, everything is substantially involved in a way that does not make automotive traditionalists.
BMW did a great job offering drivers a multitude of ways to engage with the vehicle, from voice activation to touchscreens to capacitive touch buttons.
I found the interactive LED light strips on the center stack and doors, which double as touch-sensitive climate controls and seat controls, to be a neat touch.
Despite a few cheap-feeling plastic power window switches, the i5’s overall material and build quality were excellent. I was particularly impressed by the beautiful glass shift toggle and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.
In front of the driver there is a BMW M-Sport wheel of flat background lined in leather and a new 12. 3-inch virtual tools group. The demonstration of the configurable tool offers a multitude of incorporated designs and systems that range from navigation to parking assistance.
Also in front of the driver is an optional head-up display.
The i5’s burgundy-red seats, which are upholstered in perforated Veganza imitation leather, were wonderfully supportive and comfortable.
The focal point of the I5 front board is a 14. 9 -inch screen that runs the most recent edition of the very improved BMW IDRive information and entertainment system.
The system can be operated by voice command, touchscreen, or a nifty glass rotary controller on the center console.
The screen houses the i5’s Driving Mode menu and its surround-view camera system.
Apple Carplay and Android Auto are standard.
The i5 comes with an electric glass ceiling, but buyers can update a large panoramic living room roof as an executive packaging component.
The i5’s rear cabin provides more than enough room for two adults to travel in comfort and style. The burgundy-red faux leather seats are soft and comfortable. There are retractable sunshades, dedicated AC vents, USB-C sockets, and seatback mounting points for tablets.
The i5 can be started remotely by pressing the BMW logo on the key fob three times in quick succession.
The I5 becomes popular with technologies for protection and assistance to the motor force, adding active assistance to driving, active blind spot and lane change warning. However, the adaptive cruise requires the Driving Assistance Pro package of $ 2,000.
The i5 comes standard with 19-inch alloys, but my test car had these snazzy $1,800 optional 21-inch bi-color wheels.
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