BMW lifts the curtain on the new 5 Series and the new i5

BMW lifts the curtain on a brand new model fiver. Time to take a closer look at the design of the eighth generation of the 5 Series, which is also available as an electric vehicle for the first time with the BMW i5.

Pictures of the new BMW i5 appeared earlier by chance. Colleague Remco Slump wrote at the time that BMW’s PR managers were probably just enjoying it, because it meant double publicity. And that’s right, because we’re taking another close look at the new BMW.

The design of the new BMW 5 Series

First of all the design. Where BMW regularly unveils models that make many car lovers frown – think that monstrous device – the brand is a little less strict overall with the design of the popular 3 and 5 Series. The same applies to this BMW 5 Series of the eighth generation, which has become almost ten centimeters longer.

Although the design differs significantly from the previous model G30, it remains typical BMW – we even recognize the well-known Hofmeister nod. And all without being offensive to Europeans, who are less than served in other parts by BMW’s gigantic bling-bling kidneys that we’ve seen on other models. Who is looking for eye-catching products? characteristics can choose that Glow iconOption in which the contours of the BMW kidneys are illuminated. Unfortunately, many physical buttons disappear inside. To compensate for this, the brand introduces QuickSelect, which keeps the most important functions available.

Two months ago we informed you about the different powertrains in the eighth and latest BMW 5 Series. Not only is the car available with diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid engines, the 5 Series is also available as a fully electric car for the first time. In Bavaria it is called i5.

Specifications of the new BMW i5

Now the specifications of this electric BMW 5 Series are also known. Initially, the i5 will be available as an eDrive40 and M60 xDrive, both with 81.2 kWh batteries. The first variant only has an electric motor that delivers 340 hp and 430 Nm to the rear wheels. The electric sedan sprints to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.0 seconds and has a WLTP range of up to 582 kilometers. Both variants can charge up to 205 kW quickly, which would take about 30 minutes from 10 to 80 percent charge.

Then the M60 xDrive, the electric power pack. This electric vehicle has an electric motor on the front and rear axles, thanks to which the power is more than 600 hp and 820 Nm, so the sprint from 0 to 100 takes only 3.8 seconds. The top speed of 230 km/h is not overwhelming, but it is higher than the eDrive40 (193 km/h). The BMW i5 M60 xDrive has a range of up to 516 kilometers.

BMW M5 Touring and i5 Touring

Although the Germans only showed the BMW 5 Series sedan today, all powertrains will later also be available as Touring. This means that the new M5 Touring, which will of course also be delayed a bit, can compete with the Audi RS6 Avant and the BMW i5 Touring on the … um, yes, what actually? BMW assumes that the i5 Touring will be the first in the electric station wagon segment.