BMW fully electrifies its 5 Series with this i5 model. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

BMW's eighth generation G60 5 Series model's evolution is headlined by the incorporation of a fully-electric variant into the line-up, this car, the i5. It doesn't share the completely bespoke approach of its closest rival the Mercedes EQE. But it promises to be a more engaging driver's car and a rather different take on EV motoring for forward-thinking executives who don't want an SUV.

Background

It wasn't long ago that BMW's full-electric i range was dependent on a single model, the i3. But now that's gone, to be replaced by a whole portfolio of (unfortunately much pricier) models, with mainstream offerings based around the iX1 and iX3 SUVs and the mid-sized i4. In the luxury segment, BMW has the iX crossover, the i7 boardroom-level luxury saloon and, to slot directly under that latter model, this car, the i5. Lots of other BMW EVs are planned of course, as the i sub-brand gradually takes over the Munich maker's range. As the i5 badge suggests, this is an all-electric take on the eighth generation G60 design 5 Series. In other words, the fundamentals of this car's architecture weren't specifically designed for an EV, which immediately puts the i5 on the back foot against its most obvious rival, the bespoke-designed Mercedes EQE. But the CLAR platform in use here has been evolved very much with full-battery power in mind and the stats from its 81.2kWh battery certainly look class-competitive. Will it all be enough for this BMW to get a foothold in the fledgling sector for large executive models with EV power? Let's see.

Driving Experience

The i5 borrows its EV drivetrain from the only slightly smaller i4. And like that car is offered in two forms: the rear-driven eDrive40 with 340hp (62mph from rest in 6.0s en route 119mph) giving up to 382 miles of range. Or there's the four-wheel drive M60 xDrive we tried, which mates its stablemate's rear motor with an additional one at the front, creating a combined output of 601hp (so 0-62mph in 3.8s en route to 142mph, with up to 331 miles of range). So in both its forms, the i5 offers more than enough performance. But other large executive EV saloons costing this kind of money feel pretty quick in a straight line. Where this i5 should grab an advantage is when it comes to the twisty stuff. Yes, it's helped by the central battery placement's lower centre of gravity, but all electric vehicles offer something of that sort. With those other EVs though, that advantage is usually all-but cancelled out by the extra clunking battery weight they have to carry around. The i5 has this too, but its CLAR chassis is much better at dealing with it. And to that combustion-derived platform has been attached the 'lift-related' dampers and rear suspension refined over years in the brand's 3 Series model to a benchmark level of driver engagement. It's a recipe that should elevate this i5 to a segment-leading level of dynamic prowess. Firm M suspension is the standard ride set-up, which suggests a driver-orientated vibe. You can option that up to 'Adaptive Professional' suspension, which gives you adaptive dampers and rear wheel-turning 'Integral Active Steering'. The top set-up is 'Adaptive M Professional' (standard-fit on the M60), which combines rear-wheel steering with active roll stabilisation.

Design and Build

The i5 joins the range just as BMW has introduced a meaner, leaner, more muscular kind of 5 Series. This eighth generation G60 model has grown in every direction - 93mm longer, 35mm wider and 24mm taller. The saloon sells alongside a Touring estate version. Both body styles share what the brand calls 'a clear, reduced design language and athletic proportions'. The classic kidney grille continues at the front, even though it isn't needed on this i5, where it's blanked off. And traditional door handles have made way for flush-fitting ones. These, along with a flat underbody, explain an impressively sleek drag factor of up to 0.22Cd. There are no surprises inside if you happen to have tried the current 7 Series. Which means a triple-layered dashboard supporting a single 'Curved Display' panel combining a 12.3-inch instrument screen with a 14.9-inch central monitor. The latter runs the latest 8.5-spec version of BMW's media operating system, which means it gains video and gaming functions for the first time. As in the '7', a touch-sensitive back-lit 'Interactive Bar' can be specified, this featuring colour-adaptive functionality. As standard, the cabin comes decked out in vegan leather upholstery; and the lower console now has only a small toggle for a gear selector. For this MK8 design, BMW's added 20mm extra to the wheelbase length, which has freed up a little extra back seat space. Boot capacity for the i5 is rated at 490-litres, 30-litres less than you'd get in the petrol-powered 520i but 80-litres more than a 5 Series PHEV. As previously, you can flatten the rear backrest on the saloon to increase luggage space length.

Market and Model

You'll need just under £68,000 for the i5 eDrive40 with 340hp in base 'Sport Edition' form; there are also procier 'M Sport' and 'M Sport Pro' eDrive40 variants. You'll need nearly £98,000 for the i5 M60 xDrive with 601hp. The eDrive40 model's entry price is quite a hike over the £52,000 figure needed for the entry-level 208hp 520i sDrive 2.0-litre petrol model. BMW has developed both saloon and Touring i5 body styles and the most popular trim level is 'M Sport' which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors and Adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist. Inside, there's a Harmon Kardon audio system, heated front sports seats, a wireless smartphone charging tray, ambient lighting and automatic air conditioning. If you stretch to 'M Sport Pro' level, you get an illuminated front grille, meaner looking 'Shadowline' headlights, a rear spoiler, larger wheels with red-painted brake calipers and, inside, an upgraded audio system and M Sport seat belts. Most customers will want to add in one of the available optional packs. The 'Comfort Pack' gives you a heated steering wheel, an auto boot lid and keyless entry. The 'Comfort Pack Plus' includes 4-zone air conditioning, heated rear seats and ventilated front seats. The 'Tech Pack' includes BMW's 'Parking Assist Plus' system that automatically steers you into spaces, plus gesture control and an interior camera. The 'Tech Pack Plus' adds the brand's 'Parking Assistant Pro' set-up that remembers parking spaces, and the pack also includes BMW's suite of 'Driving Assistant Pro' driver assist features.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the i5 eDrive40's driving range figure in our driving section - up to 382 miles. Or up to 331 miles for the M60 xDrive. These figures have improved since launch thanks to the first ever use of silicon carbide semiconductor components in the power electronics and to particularly low-rolling-resistance tyres fitted to the aerodynamic alloy wheels. As before, there's an extremely slim high-voltage battery located low down in the vehicle floor providing 81.2kWh of usable energy (quite a lot smaller than the 101.7kWh battery used in the larger i7). The heat pump technology used in the integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and drive system helps boost efficiency, as does the adaptive or individually adjustable recuperation feature. The high-voltage battery is heated using a dedicated 5.5 kW electric flow heater. The Combined Charging Unit in the i5 eDrive40 allows AC charging at a rate of up to 11kW, while DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 205kW. This allows for a 10-80% charge within 30 minutes. Hooked up to a 7.4kW garage wallbox, a full charge would need around 13 hours. The 'BMW Charging' package comes as standard on the i5, which gives owners attractive kilowatt hour tariffs for AC and DC charging throughout the UK and Europe. The high-power charging network run by the BMW Group's joint venture IONITY also forms part of the BMW Charging network. Almost 16,000 charging points are included in the UK and Ireland, while the monthly fee for BMW Charging and IONITY is waived for the first 12 months for all retail customers.

Summary

A decade ago with the i3, BMW showed just how innovative and ground-breaking it could be in designing an EV from a completely clean sheet of paper. Despite the brand's quickly proliferating range of electric vehicles, we're still really waiting for a follow-up to the ground-breaking EV ethos of that car and we don't have it here. This i5 though, like the Munich maker's other current i models, shows just how effective an EV package it can create from shared combustion-derived underpinnings. It's a pity you can't have it with the larger battery from the i7, but otherwise it takes just about everything we liked from that car (which was a lot) and offers it in a slightly more accessible package. It's certainly a formula executives will feel a little easier transitioning into than a rival Mercedes EQE. In the future, BMW will have to stretch itself a little more with EVs in this class. But now, this i5 might be exactly what the brand needs in this growing segment.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Acoustic glazing

Heated windscreen washer jets

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

Electric front and rear windows with fingertip open/close + anti-trap facility and comfort closing function

Sun protection glass

Brakes

Dynamic brake control

Engine drag torque control

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function

Brake energy regeneration

Trailer stability control

Front and rear brake discs with interior ventilation

Hill start assist

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake assist

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Electronic brake force distribution

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

PC iBrake PostCrash approach control warning with light braking function

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floormats

Communication

Personal e-SIM

Driver Aids

Front collision warning with brake intervention

BMW Iconic sounds electric

Cruise control with brake assist

Left turn warning with brake function

Power assisted steering

Driver Convenience

Automatic tailgate operation

Driving Assistant Plus Preparation

Driver Information

Oil sensor for level and grade

BMW legal emergency call

Brake pad wear indicator

Powered by Operating System 7.0

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

On board computer inc. average speed, fuel consumption, liquid crystal Info display, journey computer, outside temperature display, personal profile

BMW Teleservices

Multifunctional instrument panel

Run flat indicator

Service interval indicator

On-board diagnosis - OBD

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Rear side wing doors

Body colour door handles

Exterior Lights

LED third brake light

Follow me home headlight function

Automatic cornering lights

BMW selective beam

Dynamic brake lights with LED technology

LED daytime running lights

Light colour close to that of ordinary daylight

Optimum, homogeneous illumination of the road

Headlight elements in blue

Adaptive LED Headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

M Sport pedal covers in stainless steel

M Anthracite headlining

Multifunction steering wheel with trim element in accent colour

Wireless charging tray

High-gloss black door switch cluster, power window switch and tailgate button on first and second row seat

Armrest - front and rear integrated door trim, centre console includes storage compartment, rear centre includes 2 cupholders

3 Spoke leather multi function steering wheel

Packs

Technology plus pack with Parking Assistant Professional - 5 Series/I5

Connected package professional - 5 Series/I5

Expanded exterior mirror package - 5 series/I5

Ambient lighting pack - 5 Series/I5

Safety

Front and rear curtain airbags

Head airbags for first and second row seats

Side impact protection

3 rear three point seatbelts

Front head restraints with anti-whiplash

Airbag deployment is controlled with respect to the intensity and scope

Mechanical child proof lock on rear doors

Locking of doors after driving off

Driver and front passenger airbags

Driver central airbag

Active protection

Two tone horn

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut off and interior lighting

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Acoustic protection for pedestrians

Seats

Single front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Rear headrests

Through loading system with 40/20/40 rear seat backrest split

Heated driver and front passenger seats

Electric adjustable front sports seats

Security

Locking wheel bolts including wheel bolt adapter

Alarm system

Comfort access system with BMW digital key plus

Vehicle Charging

AC charging cable professional (mode 3) for public charging

AC charging professional 22kW

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2610

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 750

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 255

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 22

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 205

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 83.9

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Low: 707

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Medium: 705

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - High: 626

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High: 440

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 706

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 564

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 588

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 546

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 13.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 13.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 14.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 21.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 13.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 15.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 17

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 4.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 2.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 4.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 4.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 4.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Extra High: 273.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 438.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 350.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 339.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 365.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - High: 389

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Low: 439.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Medium: 438.1

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 81.2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 205

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: HA0001N0

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Sport Edition [Tec+]

Coin Description: eDrive40

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 43E

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Badge Power: 340

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.1

Top Speed: 120

Engine Power - BHP: 340

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 250

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295

Engine Torque - NM: 400

Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 245/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: TRIPLEX SPOKE STYLE 933

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5060

Width: 1900

Wheelbase: 2995

Width (including mirrors): 2156

Height: 1515

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2180

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2790

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 610

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 570

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1700

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.7

Embellishment Trims

Dark Silver M accent combined with Carbon fibre and high gloss silver threads - dash & door

BMW Individual Silver Bronze accent combined with fine wood trim Fineline, open pored - dash & door

BMW Individual silver bronze accent combined with fine wood trim Fineline, open pored and silver bronze inlay - dash & door

Dark silver accent combined with fine wood trim dark oak high gloss - dash & door

Dark silver accent combined with open pored fine wood trim grey blue ash - dash & door

Dark silver M accent combined with Aluminium Rhombicle - dash & door

Entertainment

Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Roof fin in vehicle colour

Panorama glass roof

Additional metallic paint

BMW Individual Metallic paint

Interior Features

CraftedClarity interior controls

Roller sunblind for rear side windows

BMW Individual merino leather upholstery

Packs

Comfort pack - 5 Series Touring Tech Plus

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Cape york green

Metallic - Oxide grey

Metallic - Sophisto Grey Brilliant effect

Metallic - Phytonic blue

Metallic - Black sapphire

Paint - Special

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual paint - Special request

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

Seats

Electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver and front passenger

Towing

Towbar

Trim - Leather

BMW Individual Merino leather - Copper brown/Atlas grey

BMW Individual Merino leather - Silverstone II/Atlas grey

BMW Individual Merino leather - Black/Atlas grey

Trim - Part Leather

Perforated and Quilted Veganza leather - Black

Perforated and Quilted Veganza leather - Espresso Brown

Perforated and Quilted Veganza leather - Smoke White

Vehicle Charging

Mode 2 flexible charger

Wheels - Alloy

19" aerodynamic wheels - Style 934 bicolour grey with mixed tyres

20" aerodynamic wheels 937 Multicolour Silver with mixed tyres and Tyre repair kit plus