Gizcoupon reported on May 4th that BMW revealed more details about its new car at the 2023 BMW Annual Conference and showcased its first pure electric 5 Series model, the BMW i5, set to launch in October.
Now, BMW has released a teaser video for the BMW i5, which features a glowing grille and ambient lighting similar to the i7 but does not adopt the controversial double-layer headlights of the i7.
The new car will make its global debut on May 24th at Beijing Time, with official production slated to begin this summer at BMW’s Dingolfing plant and global market sales starting in October. We also expect the i5 to launch in China before the end of the year.
Regarding power, BMW will offer two configurations for the i5. The entry-level eDrive40 will feature a rear-mounted electric motor with 335 horsepower. At the same time, the more powerful M60 xDrive will come with dual motors, providing a total output of up to 590 horsepower.
BMW has not disclosed the i5’s range or battery capacity, but the eDrive40 is targeting a range of 295 miles. Additionally, the new car will adopt a brand-new suspension system that adjusts damping force based on input variables such as wheel speed, steering angle, yaw rate, and acceleration through newly developed control logic for vehicle body control. The i5 M60 xDrive version will come standard with this active suspension.
BMW i5 features
One major highlight of the new car is its autonomous driving capabilities. In Germany, the United States, and Canada, the BMW 5 Series and i5 can be equipped with the Driving Assistant Professional Enhanced Driving Assistance System (Level 2), which can be used in scenarios where the speed is below 130 km/h.
Specifically, the in-car cameras will continuously monitor the driver’s eyes. When the system detects the driver looking at the left or right exterior mirror and there is no traffic in the corresponding adjacent lane, the vehicle will issue a prompt and automatically steer and change lanes at a maximum speed of 130 km/h.
Although pricing has not been announced, BMW hinted that the brand would bring a “low-priced electric car” to its product lineup. However, several competitors, including Mercedes-Benz, have clearly given up on low-priced models.
The new 5 series is “more dynamic and comfortable than ever before.” It features the iDrive 8.5 new version infotainment system and will also introduce the curved display screen from the BMW iX electric SUV and brand-new digital services.
Additionally, BMW has confirmed that the i5 sedan will receive a high-performance M version and a touring version. Zipse stated that following the success of the all-electric BMW i450 as the best-selling BMW M model in 2022, the BMW 5 Series lineup will also welcome a pure electric M car. He also claimed that the all-electric BMW i4 M50 showcased how BMW seamlessly integrates power performance and e-mobility.
