The new BMW 5 Series debuts its first two all-electric i5 models

24 May 2023

Through the use of a pure-electric drive system, the BMW Series Salon vehicles continue to represent BMW's exquisite design, superior technology, and signature driving experience. Both i5 variants fulfil BMW's premium sustainability criteria and are the first in the UK to use Veganza upholstery.

The BMW i5 has been officially revealed, with the BMW i5 eDrive40 delivering an electric driving range of up to (WLTP) 361 miles from its 81.2 kWh battery (usable capacity). And if you want performance, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive offers a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 3.8 seconds (and a range of up to WLTP 320 miles).

Both the BMW i5 eDrive40 and the BMW i5 M60 xDrive feature a ‘Boost’ shift paddle, giving maximum acceleration.

The BMW i5 eDrive40, with rear-wheel drive, is priced from £73,200. The electric motor is located in the rear axle and generates a maximum output of 340hp and maximum torque of 400Nm, or 430Nm with the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 6.0 seconds.

The i5 M60 xDrive, from £96,840, has a power output of 601hp (with M Sport Boost or M Launch Control) from electric motors on the front and rear axles. The rear motor generates 340hp, while the front motor produces 261hp. The system torque generated by both motors is 795Nm, or 820Nm when M Sport Boost or M Launch Control is activated. This enables the new BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds.

The i5’s battery can be DC charged at up to 205kW. This allows the charge level to be raised from 10 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes; (WLTP) 97 miles of range can be added in 10 minutes at a rapid DC charger when starting with a charge level of 10 per cent. The i5 can AC charge at up to 11kW as standard, and optionally up to 22kW (standard on the i5 M60 xDrive).

To maximise range, BMW i5 models have energy-efficient heat pump technology as standard. And the BMW i5 is the most aerodynamic 5 Series yet, with air flap control, an AirCurtain in the front apron, aerodynamic wheels and a smooth underbody resulting in a very low Cd value of 0.23.

The interior has a fully digital BMW Curved Display and the BMW Interaction Bar in the instrument panel and door area, My Modes for a customisable driving and interior experience, and a new gear selector switch on the centre console. There’s also an in-car gaming platform, ‘AirConsole’, which can be played using the driver’s and passenger’s smartphones.

The i5 features the BMW IconicSounds Electric soundtrack, developed in collaboration with film music composer Hans Zimmer.

The new 5 Series is the first BMW in the UK to feature leather-free Veganza upholstery as standard from launch, on the seats, dashboard and door panels. A panoramic glass roof is now available for the first time in the new BMW 5 Series Saloon. The i5’s boot is 490 litres in size.

BMW i5 customer deliveries commence in October 2023, and for the first time, there will be an all-electric BMW 5 Series Touring, which is due to join the range in spring 2024.