BMW on Wednesday unveiled the i5, the first-ever all-electric model of the automaker’s 5-Sequence luxurious sedan, which is scheduled to succeed in dealerships later this 12 months as a 2024 mannequin.
The 2024 BMW i5 will launch within the U.S. in eDrive40 and M60 xDrive guises priced from $67,795 and $85,095, respectively. Each costs embody a compulsory $995 vacation spot cost. The all-electric i5 variants will likely be bought alongside gasoline 5-Sequence fashions, with a plug-in hybrid becoming a member of the lineup within the 2024 calendar 12 months.
The bottom i5 eDrive40 mannequin has a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain rated at 335 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, enabling 0-60 mph in a BMW-estimated 5.7 seconds on the way in which to an electronically restricted 120-mph prime velocity.
24 BMW i5
The M60 xDrive upgrades to a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 590 hp and 586 lb-ft. This drops the 0-60 mph time to three.7 seconds and raises the highest velocity to 143 mph when geared up with efficiency tires (130 mph with all-season tires). This sportier mannequin additionally will get commonplace adaptive suspension, a 0.3-inch decrease journey top than the bottom mannequin, and upgraded brakes.
Each fashions use an 84.3-kwh battery pack comprised of 4 modules with 72 cells every and three modules with 12 cells every, mounted underneath the ground. This association provides the pack a decrease profile, and means the i5 boasts the identical passenger house as internal-combustion 5-Sequence fashions.
BMW estimates a most 295 miles of vary for eDrive40 fashions geared up with the usual 19-inch wheels, whereas the i5 M60 xDrive has an estimated 256 miles of vary.
24 BMW i5
DC quick charging at a most 205 kw permits for a 10-80% cost in about half-hour, BMW claims, and i5 homeowners get two years of complimentary 30-minute charging classes at Electrify America DC fast-charging websites. An 11-kw Stage 2 AC onboard charger is included as nicely, together with battery preconditioning, together with a perform to forestall excessively low temperatures that may have an effect on quick charging.
The i5 is shut in idea to the BMW i4 and i7, in that it is an all-electric model of a gasoline mannequin. The principle exterior styling differentiator is a sealed-off grille, whereas on the within the i5 will get the identical array of tech options as different redesigned 5-Sequence fashions.
The dashboard is essentially naked aside from a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment display, squeezed collectively to create the looks of 1 steady show. BMW claims the iDrive 8.5 infotainment system has a extra intuitive interface, and it additionally consists of an Air Console gaming platform to supply leisure throughout charging classes.
A variety of tech options, together with pure language voice recognition, gesture management, wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a head-up show, can be found as nicely.
24 BMW i5
BMW will even provide its newest driver-assist system, known as Freeway Assistant. A part of the optionally available Driving Help Skilled Package deal, it permits hands-free freeway driving at speeds as much as 85 mph, together with automated lane modifications. Driver monitoring goals to protect in opposition to misuse.
Automated parking tech can be out there. One system can robotically maneuver the i5 into perpendicular parking areas, whereas one other can again the electrical sedan out of tough spots, reminiscent of tight garages or driveways recording the maneuvers as the driving force does them.
After the i5, the subsequent electrical automotive debut from BMW stands out as the Neue Klasse EVs, due in 2025. In contrast to the i5 and different latest BMW EVs, they’re going to be based mostly on an EV-specific platform. U.S.-market variations will likely be made in Mexico, and can probably pivot to a cylindrical battery format. No matter what the i5 would possibly counsel, BMW does plan to construct inexpensive EVs within the close to future as nicely.
