The BMW 5 Series is one of the most iconic and successful models in the history of the German automaker. Since its debut in 1972, it has sold over 10 million units worldwide and earned a reputation for being the ultimate business sedan, combining sporty performance, comfort, and luxury. But as the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, the 5 Series faces new challenges and opportunities. That's why BMW is preparing to launch a new generation of the 5 Series in 2023, which will include an all-electric version for the first time: the BMW i5.
The BMW i5 is not just a 5 Series with a battery pack and an electric motor. It is a completely new model that will share some design cues and dimensions with its combustion-powered sibling but will also have its own distinctive identity and features. The BMW i5 will be based on the same modular CLAR platform that underpins most of BMW's current models, but it will use the fifth-generation eDrive technology that debuted on the BMW iX and BMW i4. This means it will offer a range of powertrain options, from a single-motor rear-wheel drive configuration to a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup with up to 650 horsepower. The BMW i5 will also have a large battery pack with an estimated capacity of 80.7 kWh, which should provide a driving range of around 350 miles on a single charge.
The BMW i5 will be efficient, eco-friendly, fun to drive, and dynamic. BMW has recently released some images and videos of the camouflaged prototypes of the BMW i5 undergoing testing in various conditions, from the Alps to the Arctic Circle. The footage shows that the BMW i5 can easily handle different terrains and weather, thanks to its adaptive suspension, active steering, and torque vectoring systems. It also shows that the BMW i5 can drive on snow and ice, demonstrating its agility and sportiness.
The BMW i5 will also be a smart and connected car with a host of advanced technologies and features. It will have a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. It will also have a range of driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and parking assist. Moreover, it will have over-the-air software updates and remote services, allowing owners to access their car's functions and data from their smartphones or other devices.
The BMW i5 will directly compete with Tesla's Model S, which has dominated the premium electric sedan segment for years. The BMW i5 will aim to challenge Tesla's supremacy by offering superior quality, design, performance, and technology. The BMW i5 will also benefit from BMW's global network of dealerships and service centers, as well as its established brand image and loyal customer base.
The BMW i5 is expected to debut in late 2023 alongside the new generation of the 5 Series. It will be produced at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, which is also responsible for making other models such as the BMW 7 Series, 8 Series, and iX. The pricing of the BMW i5 is not yet confirmed, but it is likely to start at around $62,000 for the base model and go up to over $100,000 for the top-of-the-line version.
The BMW i5 is one of the most anticipated electric cars of 2023. It represents a new chapter in the history of the 5 Series and a major step in BMW's transition to electrification. The BMW i5 promises to deliver everything fans love about the 5 Series - and more - in an electric package that will appeal to existing and new customers. The BMW i5 is not just an electric sedan but an electric icon. @via BMW.
