
“The world’s most successful business sedan [went] electric” as BMW unveiled the all-new i5 series last month. The launch featured two models: the electric business sedan, the BMW i5 eDrive40 and its sportier cousin, the BMW i5 M60. Both will be available from October 2023, followed by a touring model in Spring 2024.
What BMW termed a “twist on tradition” design was received as a repurposing of its older models. Netizens stated that the i5 only made them appreciate the previous models more without offering much newness, remarking on the similarities to the BMW 1 and 2 series. Despite this, the Series 5 does provide new features like a glass sunroof – the first of its kind in this series – and a widescreen interactive display. When idle, The i5 has an immersive gaming mode with 20+ multiplayer games on the console capable of integrating the driver’s phone as a controller.
BMW achieved an impressive feat by successfully designing all interiors with vegan leather; this includes the seats, the panels and, for the first time, the steering wheel. The i5 also features an optional Driving Assistant Professional with a Highway Assistant. This allows the driver to monitor the road and let the car handle the rest. It features an Active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation for the first time in the world. The car suggests a lane change which the driver can confirm by glancing in the exterior mirrors.
The eDrive40 offers a single motor, rear-wheel drive with a maximum horsepower of 335 hp. It also features a Boost button for intermediate sprints of high power. The car has a 0-100 km/h time of 6 seconds and a top speed of 193 km/h, going for a range of 497-582 km. Meanwhile, The M60 offers a twin motor, and all-wheel drive, giving it better acceleration. It goes from 0-100 km/h in whopping 3.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 230 km/h with a range of 455-516 km.
Both models are considered expensive when compared to similar performing electric vehicles, with the eDrive and M60 costing $68,800 and $85,750, respectively. Their prices and modifications for the Indian market are yet to be announced.
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