BMW i5

Representing the new 5 Series line-up and officially launched in Malaysia, the all-new and first-ever BMW i5, codenamed G60E. 

Underpinned is the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, and the all-electric saloon is positioned between the BMW i4 and the BMW i7.

Fully-imported (CBU - Germany), it is offered in one variant (i5 eDrive40 M Sport), priced (OTR, w/o insurance) at MYR 399,500 (standard warranty - two-year) and MYR 419,800 (extended warranty - five-year unlimited mileage, free service package).

Meanwhile, the battery is covered separately by an eight-year/160,000 KM warranty (whichever comes first) and BMW Roadside Assistance. 

Four exterior colours (Metallic). Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, and M Brooklyn Grey.

Radiating premium craftsmanship, the dashboard of the BMW i5 sees a modern, clean-cut and flat design all around.

It is draped in Sensatec Black leather, heightened by Dark Silver M with Aluminium Rhombicle trimmings.

Also added, the ‘CraftedClarity’ crystal glass trim, outfitted to the seat adjustment switch, volume control, engine Start/Stop button, and gear selector.

Main highlight is the massive BMW Curved Display, and the BMW Interaction Bar (multi-function control), spanning from side to side with crystal jewellery-like finish. 

Overall, the layout arrangement is well put with every accessibility, of which the controls get a galvanic finish, having easy reachability and driver-oriented.

One half of the BMW Curved Display, it features a fully digital 12.3-Inch LCD high-resolution instrument cluster with a BMW Heads-Up Display (HUD). 

Featuring the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, it runs on the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 (BMW OS 8.5), and supports the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Inside, the interior comes with two upholstery schemes. BMW Individual leather Merino in black/Atlas Grey or Copper Brown/Atlas Grey.

Fitted are M Sport seats (front) with electric adjustments (multi-way, lumbar), memory function (driver), active ventilation, and 40:20:40 split-fold configuration (rear).

Completing the layout is an M Anthracite headliner framing a panoramic glass roof, and heightening the mood is a six-colour ambient lighting system.

A full-fledged five-seater, it offers generous head, shoulder and leg rooms, thus front and rear occupants get ample space. 

The spaciousness is more than sufficient for a saloon, and is partly due to its long and borderline wide build.

Featuring the Storage Compartment package, it sees numerous storage areas including side door pockets, compartmentalised and caverned spaces in the centre console, armrest pockets and a decent-sized glove box.

Mounted is a three-spoke flat-bottomed M Leather steering wheel. It features multi-function buttons (media, vehicle settings), electric column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Cup and bottle holders, conveniently placed around the cabin. 

Provided are four USB ports, one 12 V socket, and a wireless charger.

Accessing its automatic-operated tailgate (contactless), opens up to a load space of 490-Litres. 

Weighing in at 2,205 KG, the BMW i5 is 5,060 MM long, 1,900 MM wide, 1,515 MM tall, and has a wheelbase spanning 2,995 MM.

Sportily elegant with a commanding presence, its long and wide exterior exudes an aggressively prowling-like silhouette. 

The front-end features BMW’s ‘Iconic Glow’ kidney grille, linked to a sculpted bumper with central and corner intakes.

Accentuating the layout is the M Sport Package (aerodynamic bumper (front, rear), diffuser (rear), muscular side skirts), and gloss black trimmings.

Portraying an athletically smooth design, the rear-end balances the front with solidly strong proportions.

Featured on its clean layout is a clean and sharply-sculpted boot-lid, paired to a large gloss black diffuser.

Emphasising the layout is the M Sport Package (aerodynamic bumper (front, rear), muscular side skirts), and gloss black trimmings.

Contributing to a fierce and focused looking outlook, installed is a pair of inward-tilted and angularly-contoured headlamp design.

They are full LED units (BMW Adaptive Laserlight) with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), cornering light function and high-beam assistance.

Slim, sharp and wrapped-around, the tail lamps hold a very striking presence, gelling well with all the rear’s minimalistic outlook. Fitted are LED combination units.

The side mirrors are electronically-powered (fold, adjust), with turn- and blind spot-indicators, and automatic anti-dazzle function.

The BMW i5 features the following set of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Under Driving Assistant Professional, grouped are Lane Change Warning, Rear Crossing-Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Prevention, Exit Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop/Go function, Speed Limit Info, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Front/Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, and Evasion Assistant.

Whereas, under Parking Assistant Plus, grouped are Reversing Assistant, Active Park Distance Control, Lateral Parking Aid, Parking: Start-up Monitoring, Surround View System, Remote 3D View.

Other standard systems. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Hill-Start Assist (HSA).

Passive safety includes airbags (driver-passenger, front side, front-rear curtain), seat belts (anchor, pretensioner, reminder), ISOFIX, blind-spot info system, adaptive high-beam, parking sensors (front, rear), parking camera (reverse, 360-degree), interior camera (BMW app), Proactive Care (Condition Based Service (CBS), Accident Assistance (A-Call), Live Diagnosis, Digital Tyre Diagnosis), acoustic protection for pedestrians, active protection, door ajar warning, automatic speed-sensing door locks, Tyre pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and security alarm with immobiliser.

Three drive modes at the driver’s disposal. Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro. 

Each mode correlates with the BMW Iconic Sounds Electric (BMW M emotive engine sounds), featuring driving sounds composed by Hans Zimmer.

The BMW i5 underpins the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, featuring a single rear-mounted electric motor, generating 250 KW/340 HP and 430 NM of torque.

Fitted is a single-speed automatic transmission.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a rear-wheel drive (AWD) system, aided by the BMW Integral Active Steering system (four-wheel steering).

It dashes from 0 to 100 KM/H in just 6.0 seconds, and has an electronically-limited top speed of 193 KM/H.

Juiced-up by an 83.9 KWH Lithium-Ion battery (400 V), it provides a driving range of 582 KM (WLTP) on a single charge.

Max Range function activated, total range is increased by 25%, while speed is maintained at 90 KM/H.

A 0% to 100% state-of-charge (SoC) takes eight hours and 15 minutes (AC charger - 11-KW), while 10% to 80% SoC takes 34 minutes (DC charger - 205-KW).

Also, included is a flexible charger (Mode 2) and a public charging cable (Mode 3).

The BMW i5 gets Comfort Access system (keyless entry, powered-tailgate (contactless), engine Start/Stop button, flush door handles), automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirrors (exterior, interior), four-zone automatic climate control (rear-vents, rear-controls), steering wheels (multi-function, electric column adjustments, EPS), front sport seats (power multi-adjustable, memory, lumbar), Storage Compartment package, blind spot monitor, BMW Interaction Bar (multi-function control), BMW Live Cockpit Professional, wireless charger, roof-mounted interior camera, parking cameras (360-degree), parking sensors (six - front, rear), panoramic glass roof, roller sun shades (manual, rear), LED interior lighting (ambient, map, floor, welcome, cargo), automatic headlamps and wipers, and an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Auto Hold system.

Rear air-conditioning vents are present, and come with its own set of controls.

Incorporated is the Adaptive Suspension Professional, providing a sporty handling without compromising comfort. 

Overall, it is solid and extremely comfortable with a luxurious ride quality, refined and agile handling, and an electrifyingly smooth power delivery.

Good sound insulation, with all the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) aspects of the build accounted for. 

The cabin is able to suppress wind, road and tyre noises extremely well, making them barely noticeable at all speeds, even on bumpy asphalts.

The first-ever BMW i5 is an e-luxury daily-driver, exuding an appeal that commands a presence like no other.

Harbouring a dynamic powertrain, the fifth-gen BMW eDrive technology, it offers an all-electric driving experience only a BMW is able to.

Its athletically striking exterior is very well designed with the clean proportions and smooth contours, donating to a strong and solid build.

Quality of the materials installed inside, impresses with the upscale, mature design and restrained detailing.

Ultimately, the all-new BMW i5 is just a strong character, a great e-saloon that offers a sophisticated outlook, sporty electric performance and practicality all in one.