BMW i5 eDrive40 and M60 xDrive breaks cover

In addition to gas-powered options, the eighth generation of the 5-series sedan, which sits right in between the BMW sedan portfolio, will now feature a fully electric version, the 2024 BMW i5. The strategy is similar to that of the 4-series and i4, as well as the newer 7-series and i7, in that a single platform supports both gas and battery-electric variants.

BMW i5: Battery and Powertrain

Let's get straight into the powertrains. The eDrive 40 is the entry-level model, and it is powered by a single electric motor on the back wheels. This produces 240hp and 400Nm of torque, with a boost mode providing 430Nm of torque for a quick burst. This vehicle will accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 6 seconds.

The battery pack in the new BMW i5 eDrive 40 and the M60 is the same. It has a usable capacity of 81.2kWh. BMW states that the eDrive 40 has a range of up to 455km to 516km while the M60 has a range of up to 497km to 582km.

The BMW i5 M60 includes an additional front-wheel-drive engine that produces 601PS and 820Nm of torque. That's almost as powerful as the current BMW M5 Competition. This model accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 230 kmph.

The i5 receives unique spring-travel-dependent dampening. That vehicle also has a self-levelling air suspension in the rear. Naturally, adjustable dampers may be specified, and active stabilisation is standard on the M60.

BMW i5: Design

The now-famous kidney grille is based on the old'sharknose' BMWs, but the four LED front lights are placed in a more aggressively-shaped section. The lower front is similar, with a duct diverting the wind away from the wheels to reduce turbulence. It is available with a light-up frame, and the M Sport variant is all-black.

It boasts elegant LED headlights, as you'd expect from a of this calibre, and comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, which can be upgraded to 21 inches if that's too little. For the current 5 Series, flush-fitting door knobs are also new. Over to the back and the looks a lot more like Mercedes rather than BMW to be honest and most of that is because of those rear taillights. Apart from that the electric sedan looks quite handsome and seems all business.

BMW i5: Interiors

Inside, a large widescreen infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard. The most recent version of iDrive with BMW's 8.5 OS is also included, as is the ability to play games on the screen. And, as with the 7 Series, a narrow touch-sensitive strip running beneath the instrument panel controls the ventilation and air conditioning.

Heated sport seats are standard on all 5 Series models, and they may be trimmed in Veganza, a faux-leather material. Full leather is also available as an option, as is dashboard trim made of aluminium, carbon fibre, or wood. Then there's the option to replace the gear selector and rotary dials with gleaming crystal ones, and for the first time on a 5 Series, there's an optional panoramic sunroof.

The BMW 5-series available in India currently retails from Rs 65.40 lakh. We do expect the i5 to come to India but that will only be a possibility in 2024.

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