We’ve seen the leaks, and now the BMW i5 has been officially introduced alongside the all-new G60 2023 BMW 5 Series. Like the BMW i7 and iX1, the all-electric (EV) i5 is integrated in to the 5 Series range and will be going against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQE.
Let’s start with the BMW i5. All variants get an 81.2-kWh battery pack that gives a driving range of 477 to 582 km in the WLTP test cycle.
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive features two electric motors, placed on the front and rear axles to make up all-wheel drive. Combined output is up to 601 PS and 820 Nm when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated.
This enables the BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, its top speed is electrically limited to 230 km/h.
The BMW i5 eDrive40 is also available. Its electric motor drives the rear wheels and generates a maximum output of 340 PS and 430 Nm with Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The BMW i5 eDrive40 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, its top speed is 193 km/h.
Charging wise, the Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i5 enables AC charging with an output of up to 11 kW as standard and up to 22 kW as an option. DC fast charging is rated at up to 205 kW.
Meanwhile, all variants of the G60 2023 BMW 5 Series models will be electrified with the addition of 48-volt mild-hybrid technology (MHEV), including the 520i and the more powerful 530i with the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.
The engine itself is said to be from the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines which will be offered in a market-specific selection. The 520i makes 208 PS and 330 Nm, while the 530i outputs 258 PS and 400 Nm.
In 2024, two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants with an electric range of up to 100 km will join the lineup. The 530e will utilise a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, while the BMW 550e will feature an upgraded 3.0-litre straight-six engine.
All combustion engine models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The G60 2023 BMW 5 Series has grown in size compared to its predecessor, with an increased length of 97 mm, reaching 5,060 mm. It is also 32 mm wider at 1,900 and taller by 36 mm measuring at 1,515 mm.
In terms of trunk space, the launch models of the combustion engine sedan offer 520 liters, while the i5 sedan provides a slightly smaller trunk capacity of 490 liters.
BMW’s focus on advancing technology extends beyond the i5, encompassing the entire 5 Series range. The enhancements include new infotainment systems, advanced driving systems, and connected services, positioning the car as a high-tech competitor to the recently unveiled W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Also read: All-new W214 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class debuts as the bridge between EV and ICE
Inside the 5 Series and i5, a curved display spans the top of the dashboard, incorporating a 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It runs on BMW Operating System 8.5 and features a redesigned home screen with vertically arranged function icons on the driver’s side
The optional “Interaction Bar” located below the display, effectively backlit functional unit with crystalline surface structure extends across the entire width of the instrument panel far into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels.
It combines touch-sensitive controls with animated lights that deliver messages, such as indicating an incoming phone call or signaling when it’s safe to open the door.
BMW says the all-new 2023 BMW 5 Series and i5 is the brand’s first model to feature a fully vegan interior as standard. This includes the surfaces of the seats, the dashboard and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel for the first time.
Advanced driving assistance features available on the 5 Series and i5 include the Active Lane Change Assistant, which suggests overtaking opportunities on multi-lane highways, confirmed by the driver checking the exterior mirror.
This feature will first launch in Germany, the U.S., and Canada. Other semi-autonomous capabilities include Parking Assistant Plus, which stores steering movements for reverse parking up to 50 metres. Additionally, parking manoeuvres can be controlled using the My BMW app for iPhone.
In Europe, the all-new G60 2023 BMW 5 Series and BMW i5 will be launched in October 2023. The new BMW 5 Series will be produced at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, where the electric motors and high-voltage batteries for the BMW i5 are also manufactured.
Also read: All-electric 7 Series – BMW i7 EV in Malaysia, xDrive60 M Sport
Source: All-new G60 2023 BMW 5 Series and i5 revealed – MHEV, PHEV, EV, up to 601 PS/820 Nm
