This is already the eighth generation of the model, and for the first time in history, the car has received a fully electric version called the i5. The designers have preserved the classic silhouette of the body but have increased its dimensions. The length of the car has increased by 86 mm, surpassing 5 meters, the width has increased by 33 mm, and the wheelbase has grown by 20 mm, measuring nearly 3 meters.
The new “5-Series” has been developed with the possibility of using both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, similar to the new 7-Series sedan. Initially, two gasoline engines will be available: a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 259 horsepower, which can operate with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and a 6-cylinder inline engine with 380 horsepower, available only for the all-wheel drive version 540i xDrive.
In the future, there are plans to expand the powertrain options, and a hybrid version of the car is expected to be released in 2024.
The fully electric i5 version will be available in two variants. The base version will have a rear electric motor and rear-wheel drive with a power of 340 horsepower. The top model will be equipped with a front electric motor and all-wheel drive, with a combined power of the two motors reaching 598 horsepower, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
Both variants will use the same battery with a capacity of 84.3 kWh. However, due to higher energy consumption, the top i5 version will have a lower range – 412 km compared to 475 km for the base version.
The interior of the new sedan has clear differences from the previous model. The main difference lies in the presence of two displays: the instrument panel and the central control screen. The control screen, in the traditional BMW style, is slightly angled towards the driver. An optional projection display is also available.
With the introduction of the electric version of the 5-Series, new options have emerged. For example, since many electric vehicle buyers are supporters of animal protection, it is possible to order a car with an interior that does not use genuine leather. Additionally, for the entertainment of the driver and passengers during charging, the car is equipped with a set of video games from AirConsole, where users’ smartphones serve as game controllers.