BMW is embarking on a full electrification of its 2024 5-series models, dubbed i5.
It will be available in October 2023, featuring two variants, an eDrive40 RWD single engine and the M60 xDrive AWD performance model. Both models feature BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology, with the engines said to offer impressive power density and efficiency.
The BMW i5 eDrive40 delivers 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque or 317 pound-feet when Sport Boost or Launch Control is activated. All this allows the entry-level model to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and reach a top speed electronically limited to 193 km/h.
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive is equipped with a dual-motor powertrain that produces 590 horsepower and 549 pound-feet of torque or 605 pound-feet when M Sport Boost or M Launch Control is activated. The i5 M60 xDrive, which promises distinctive M Performance features, does 0-100 in 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 km/h when equipped with performance tires.
Both variants are powered by a high-voltage battery with a useful capacity of 84.3 kilowatt hours. This provides a range of 475 km for the i5 eDrive40 on standard 19-inch wheels or 412 km for the i5 M60 xDrive. BMW says a third powertrain variant with all-wheel drive will follow in 2024. According to official information leaked to Bimmerpost, the model will be named i5 xDrive40.
To conserve battery power in critical situations where the driver cannot recharge, the BMW i5 offers a new Max Range function that limits driving power and top speed to 90 km/h and disables comfort features. In terms of charging, the BMW i5 can benefit from Level 2 AC charging up to 11 kW or DC fast charging up to 205 kW, the latter allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. To optimize fast DC charging, the BMW i5 uses anticipatory thermal battery management, which automatically preconditions the battery when the navigation system is active before a scheduled charging stop.
Prices start at US$67,795 for the i5 eDrive40 and US$85,095 for the i5 M60 xDrive. These prices compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQE and are significantly lower than the similarly sized Tesla Model S.
With information from InsideEVs.
