2024 BMW i5 Debuts with Up to 582 KM Range & Sporty M60 Variant

After seven iterations, the BMW 5 Series is finally getting an all-electric model, in the form of the newly-launched 2024 BMW i5. This all-electric G60-gen 5 Series features up to 582 KM of EV range, set to go against its eternal German rival, the Mercedes-Benz EQE.

2024 BMW i5 eDrive40

The i5 sedan is available in two specifications, namely the rear-wheel drive (RWD) eDrive40, as well as the all-wheel drive (AWD) M60 xDrive variant. The former is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that spurs 335 HP and 430 NM, propelling this executive saloon from nought to 100 KM/H in just 6.0 seconds, en route to its electronically-limited V-max of 193 KM/H.

2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive

Meanwhile, the M-spec i5’s dual-motor setup delivers a total system output of 593 HP and 820 NM, blasting it from 0-100 KM/H in only 3.8 seconds. The peppier powertrain also grants it with a higher top speed of 143 KM/H – also electronically-limited to preserve the battery life.

Speaking of battery, both the i5 variants harness the same 81.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that comprises of four separate modules with 72 battery cells each, and three modules with 12 cells each. Said battery juices the i5 eDrive40 with a claimed range of between 497 KM to 582 KM, while the peppier M60 xDrive variant gets a lower estimated EV range of between 455 KM to 516 KM. To note, both claimed ranges are based on the WLTP cycle.

As for charging, both models support up to 11 kW of AC charging as standard, though this is upgradable to 22 kW with an optional on-board charger. As for the faster DC charging rate, the i5 can handle up to 205 kW, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Unlike the EQE, the i5 retains the traditional three-box sedan look, just like its ICE twin

Unlike its eternal German rival, the i5 underpins the same CLAR platform as its ICE twin, instead of a dedicated EV architecture. This grants the i5 with the exact same dimensions to the rest of the G60 5 Series sedan models, which measures 5,060 MM long, 1,900 MM wide, and segment-leading wheelbase of 2,995 MM.

The signature kidney grille is here to stay, even the i5 doesn't really 'need' it

The i5 sedan also mirrors the eighth-gen BMW 5 Series (G60) design, adopting the typical three-box sedan layout, featuring an elongated front hood. At the front lies the BMW’s signature kidney grille design, albeit with no real vents as this is an EV after all. Flanking them is a pair of LED headlights, with the real side air vents sitting below them.

Gone are the old traditional door handles, as the i5 opt for the flushed ones for better aerodynamics. This, plus the car’s sleek silhouette and flat underbody, grants it a drag coefficient rate of only 0.23.

At the rear, the i5 adopts some design cues from its bigger sibling, the i7. Featured here is the flat LED taillights and the sporty-looking rear bumper. Unlike the newer BMW models like the aforementioned i7 and the ‘controversial’ XM, BMW has taken the more safe and proven route for the G60 5 Series.

The M variants stands out more with sporty bodykit and M wheels

The M60 xDrive variant, on the other hand, gets extra M touches on the exterior. This includes things like the M badge on the front hood, front fenders and the tailgate, sporty M bodykit finished in gloss black, as well as special M alloy wheels featuring sporty multi-spoke design and two-tone finish.

The BMW Curved Display is both stunning to look and intuitive to use

Things are more radical on board, as the BMW i5 sedan comes standard with the BMW Curved Display that comprises of a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a larger 14.9-inch infotainment display. Both displays are powered by the BMW Operating System 8.5 – featuring a new graphic display with QuickSelect access for simpler and more intuitive menu layout.

You can even play games on the infotainment system!

But more importantly, the i5 cabin now comes with in-car gaming function, co-developed with gaming platform AirConsole. Both drivers and passengers can play casual games, ranging from racing to sports to strategy while the vehicle is stationary using their smartphones as a controller.

Elsewhere, the i5 gets posher seats that are redesigned to provide more comfort for the passengers. Optional cabin upgrades include the Merino leather upholstery instead of the standard leather-less ones, as well as the fixed panoramic Sky Lounge roof like we’ve seen on the i7. Topping-off the i5’s cabin equipment list is the BMW Interaction Bar with ambient lighting in the instrument panel and door area.

In spite of being a 2-tonne EV, BMW promises the i5 will mirror its ICE twin’s driving performance. It comes with a  near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, sporty suspension tuning featuring double-wishbone front axle and multi-link rear axle, as well as sport electric power steering with variable ratio.

The M60 xDrive variant takes things up a notch, as it comes standard with Adaptive M Suspension Professional, which includes electronically-controlled dampers, rear-wheel steering, and lower ride height compared to the non-M model.

Productions of the BMW i5 sedan will take place at the BMW Dingolfing plant, where most of its EV components are also made. Pricing starts at $67,795 (RM313,043) for the i5 eDrive40, while the M60 xDrive commands a higher price tag of $85,095 (RM392,926).

While there’s only two variants arriving now, BMW is planning to launch a third variant of the i5, possibly featuring a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup like the M60 model, albeit with no M parts present. Apart from that, we’ve also covered that they will also be a touring variant of the i5, which will make its debut next year.