BMW i5 Touring, what is left for electric SUVs?

For the first time, 100% electric, a next-generation BMW Series 5 Touring enters a new era.

A flexible platform allows for production on a single assembly line at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, manufacturing variants with very efficient gasoline and diesel engines as well as plug-in hybrid and 100% electric versions. Commercial launch in France will begin in May 2024.

Compared to its predecessor, the new BMW Series 5 Touring is 97 millimeters longer (5,060 millimeters), 32 millimeters wider (1,900 millimeters), and 17 millimeters taller (1,515 millimeters). The new BMW Series 5 Touring features the longest wheelbase in its segment, increased by 20 millimeters to reach 2,995 millimeters.

The standard equipment includes 18-inch light alloy wheels and 19-inch wheels for the 100% electric and plug-in hybrid models. Alloy wheels up to 21 inches are available as an option. The dynamic character of the new BMW Series 5 Touring can be further enhanced with the M Sport trim or the M Sport Pro and Exterior M Carbon Packs, available as options. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring, the most powerful version in the range, comes standard with distinctive exterior elements that highlight its sporty DNA.

The BMW Curved Display, a central element of the interior, reinterprets the brand’s core concept of cockpit orientation towards the driver. The fully digital display system consists of a 12.3-inch information screen and a 14.9-inch control screen.

The new BMW Series 5 Touring offers more space, especially for legs, shoulders, and elbows, notably in the rear, as well as optimized acoustic comfort. The wider tailgate opening, combined with a low load threshold, makes it easy to store large luggage. Regardless of the powertrain, all variants of the new BMW Series 5 Touring feature a trunk volume that can increase from 570 to 1,700 liters. In addition to automatic tailgate operation, remote unlocking of the split-folding rear seatback (40:20:40) from the trunk is standard. Storage compartments under the trunk floor allow for storing the parcel net, trunk cover, and charging cable for the 100% electric and plug-in hybrid models.

The new BMW i5 Touring is the first premium 100% electric model in its category. It will be available in two versions from launch. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive delivers 601 hp (442 kW) and features specific design characteristics. Both motors are integrated into the front and rear axles to form an electric all-wheel-drive system. The torque generated by the system can reach 820 Nm when the M Sport Boost or M Launch Control functions are activated. This allows the BMW i5 M60 Touring to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 230 km/h, electronically limited.

The BMW i5 eDrive40 is the second available 100% electric version at launch. Its electric motor drives the rear wheels and produces a maximum power of 340 hp (250 kW) and a maximum torque of 430 Nm with the Sport Boost or Launch Control functions. The BMW i5 eDrive40 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 193 km/h.

In both models, the high-voltage battery, which is compact and unobtrusive, is housed in the underbody and has a net capacity of 81.2 kWh. In addition to efficient electric motors, the latest adaptive energy recovery system allows for greater absorption of kinetic energy during deceleration. Moreover, a judicious use of the heat pump, which manages heating, cooling, propulsion, and high-voltage battery temperatures, contributes to the impressive range. The respective WLTP ranges are 445–506 kilometers for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and 489–560 kilometers for the BMW i5 eDrive40. This new BMW Series 5 also features the recent MAX RANGE function, which can increase range by up to 25% by limiting power and speed and disabling comfort functions.

The BMW i5’s charging unit (CCU) allows AC charging at up to 11 kW as standard, and up to 22 kW as an option (standard on the BMW i5 M60 xDrive). The high-voltage battery can be charged via DC fast charging at up to 205 kW. Preheating of the high-voltage battery optimizes rapid charging phases; for example, the charge level of the BMW i5 battery can go from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

The new BMW i5 Touring is also compatible with the Plug & Charge function. This feature allows the vehicle to automatically authenticate at compatible public charging stations without the need for an app or recharge card. A unique feature is the multi-contract option, which allows customers to store up to five digital electricity contracts in the vehicle, compatible with Plug & Charge, from different providers.

ALSO READ: BMW i4 M Sport cheaper than Tesla Model 3, a great deal?