The i5 is a smooth and refined electric sedan that doesn’t compromise on the 5 Series’ driving dynamics
BMW has launched its eighth-generation 5 Series with a fully electric variant, the i5, which aims to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQE and the Tesla Model S. The i5 is essentially an electric 5 Series, with the same platform, design, and interior as its gasoline counterpart, but with a choice of two electric powertrains: the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 and the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive M60 xDrive. Autoblog had the chance to test the i5 eDrive40 on the scenic N247 coast road in Portugal, and came away impressed by its smooth and refined performance, as well as its handling and technology.
The i5 eDrive40 offers a balanced blend of power, efficiency, and range
The i5 eDrive40 is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to propel the 4,916-pound sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The i5 eDrive40 has a lithium-ion battery with 81.2 kilowatt-hours of usable capacity, which can be charged at up to 205 kilowatts on a DC fast charger, or at 11 kilowatts on a Level 2 home charger. The EPA estimates that the i5 eDrive40 can travel up to 295 miles on a single charge, which is a respectable figure for a luxury sedan of this size and weight.
The i5 M60 xDrive is a performance beast that sacrifices some range for speed
For those who want more power and performance, the i5 M60 xDrive is the option to go for. The i5 M60 xDrive adds a second electric motor to the front axle, boosting the output to a whopping 593 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque. This allows the i5 M60 xDrive to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest sedans on the market. However, the extra power comes at a cost of range, as the i5 M60 xDrive can only travel up to 256 miles on a full charge, according to the EPA.
The i5 drives like a true 5 Series, with a comfortable ride and agile handling
Regardless of the powertrain, the i5 drives like a true 5 Series, with a comfortable ride and agile handling. The i5 has an adaptive air suspension that can adjust the ride height and damping according to the driving mode and road conditions. The i5 also has a rear-wheel steering system that can improve the stability and maneuverability of the car. The i5 has a well-balanced chassis that can handle corners with ease, and a precise and responsive steering that gives the driver a good feel of the road. The i5 also has a strong and smooth regenerative braking system that can be adjusted to the driver’s preference.
The i5 has a modern and luxurious interior with the latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment system
The i5 has a modern and luxurious interior that is similar to the gasoline 5 Series, but with some unique features. The i5 comes standard with a new Veganza upholstery that is completely vegan and soft to the touch. The i5 also has a large, curved display that houses a 14.9-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The i5 uses the updated iDrive 8.5 infotainment system, which has a cleaner and more user-friendly interface than the previous version. The i5 also has a new feature called AirConsole, which allows the driver and passengers to play video games on their phones while the car is stopped.
The i5 is a smooth and refined electric sedan that doesn’t compromise on the 5 Series’ driving dynamics. It offers a balanced blend of power, efficiency, and range, as well as a performance beast that sacrifices some range for speed. The i5 also has a modern and luxurious interior with the latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment system. The i5 is a worthy contender in the luxury electric sedan segment, and a great addition to the 5 Series lineup.
