The new 5-series to represent BMW’s new generation, launched in combustion, hybrid and pure-electric forms for the first time
As the first electrified BMW M5 hits the road in prototype form, spy photographers have now given us our first look at a model at the other end of the incoming 5-series range, the all-electric i5 Touring. The new EV model, which will also be available as a saloon, is set to be revealed in 2023 alongside new combustion-powered 5-series variants as part of BMW’s widespread EV push.
Like the i4 and i7, the new i5 will share its styling and interior with its combustion-engine powered counterparts. As is generally typical of the 5-series it will have a conservative aesthetic in both its traditional three-box saloon and this estate forms.
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While we’ll have to wait to see specific styling details, this prototype does reveal the use of an aerodynamically optimised kidney grille and flush door handles to reduce drag, and redesigned lights front and rear. The controversial split light design and expanded grille of the i7 have not been carried across – these will remain the remit of BMW’s largest models.
Being based on a modified version of the CLAR architecture as the i4, the i5 will likely employ similar EV powertrain options, including the single-motor eDrive40 setup and a dual-motor M50 producing a maximum output of 536bhp and 586lb ft of torque. It’s unknown whether BMW will offer different battery capacities, but we expect the i4’s 80.7kWh battery pack to be available at launch which yields a 365-mile range in the albeit smaller i4.
As for the rest of the new BMW 5-series range, plug-in hybrid powertrains will make up a majority of the options in both four- and six-cylinder forms, with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel units still serving at the entry-point of the range.
By amalgamating combustion, plug-in and all electric powertrains into the one model, the new 5-series will have a wide spread of rivals from its traditional foes including the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, to all-electric luxury saloons like the Mercedes-Benz EQE, upcoming Audi A6 e-tron, not to mention new-age rivals from Tesla.
Keyword: Next generation BMW 5-series spied – electric i5 Touring in the pipeline