Electrification is in full swing at BMW, to the point that the latest eighth-generation 5 Series is only available here as the all-electric i5. So no petrol or diesel options for NZ then, and no PHEV, just the one high-spec model, the i5 M60 xDrive.
While the premium market is down this year, BMW sales of EVs are up by over 40 per cent, despite none of them costing less than $80k.
The 5 Series has been around for just over 50 years, since 1972 which was also the birth year for the M division. Electrification for BMW also began in 1972 when the Olympics came to Munich, a prototype 1602e leading the marathon runners. And in the same year, BMW opened the Dingolfing factory where the 5 Series is still built, including the motors and batteries for the latest G60 model.
The new i5 is BMW’s tenth full EV and by midway through next year there will be 12 in total, with the addition of the entry-level iX1 eDrive20, and the iX2.
As to the new i5, New Zealand is taking just the single variant, whereas overseas there is a base rear drive model. The i5 M60 xDrive has a motor driving each axle, the front one producing 192kW, the rear 250kW. The motors are powered by an 84kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery pack. A system total of 442kW and 820Nm is evidently sufficient shove for a sprint time of 3.8sec, while battery range is rated at up to 516km (WLTP). Behind the sports wheel is a single paddle with ‘Boost’ engraved on it; pull on this and it releases full power for 10sec, optimised for quick and safe overtaking.
Styling is recognisably 5 Series, and is influenced by aero aids for enhanced range. Contributing features include a completely flat undercarriage, specifically sited air vents and air curtains, and aero optimised wheels. A Cd figure for the i5 M60 is a quoted 0.23.
Up front is a large black kidney grille with horizontal cross bars to signify its M status, and an illuminated surround. Headlights are a new design with a double signature, the shape vertical, mimicking the corners of the kidney grille.
There are two external option packs, the M Sport Pro comprising red brake calipers, tinted headlights and high gloss shadow lines while the other is a carbon fibre package for the spoiler, diffuser and mirror caps. In total these add $4000 to the $197k bottom line. A home wall box is included in the price.
And on charging, BMW is setting up destination charging on a global scale, installing 22kW chargers in hotels, resorts, golf clubs and other places where people park their vehicles. For the company it is another arm to the business as it moves forward with electrification.
Moving inside the new i5 and there’s a large central display that’s angled towards the driver, a panoramic sunroof overhead and a new flat-bottomed steering wheel with a 12-o’clock red marker. A head-up display is standard while sounds are by Bang and Olufsen. Motor sounds are by Hans Zimmer.
Seats are clad in Merino leather, although a vegan option is available at no extra cost. A comfort package comprising seat heaters, comfort seats and rear seat heating adds $3200. Seat ventilation is standard up front.
Mechanically, the i5 M60 features rear wheel steer, adaptive damping, active roll stabilisation and rear air suspension.
Safety and drive assistance functions abound in the i5, with 40 sensors and cameras and long range radar. Drive System Professional is standard fit, comprising adaptive cruise, lane keeping and RCTA, amongst other features. Parking System Professional is also standard fit, now with up to 200m of reversing memory. Download the BMW app and the i5 M60 will also remote park for you, as directed by your smartphone with you outside the car. This can be done either in manual or automatic mode.
There are a couple of range extension strategies for the i5 M60, should you need them. One is the efficiency trainer that rewards judicious use of the right pedal, blue widgets adding range as you go, while the other is the Max Range function. This limits top speed to 90km/h, minimises energy use by the climate control system and trims light use, enhancing range by as much as 25 per cent.
New for the i5 M60 is the latest BMW operating system, known as 8.5, offering quick select menus, customisable widgets, more flexibility for the info you want presented, and it is all controlled by the touchscreen or via the iDrive. Also new is in-car streaming via Youtube, with up to 10 games available. As many as five people can play simultaneously while the battery charges en route.
As to future i5 models, BMW is currently evaluating a Touring or estate version, though no decision on this has been made as yet. Drive impressions of the new i5 M60 xDrive are embargoed until Dec 4.
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