BMW i5 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The iconic 5 Series is now part of the BMW electric family. The first ever i5 comes as a green alternative to the usual 5 Series, a car that has been an excellent seller in recent decades.

The i5 comes in two different versions, and one of them is the eDrive40 which has an electric motor capable of transmitting 340 hp to the car's rear wheels. The other is the flagship i5 M60 xDrive, the most potent 5 Series from the current generation.

It has two integrated drive units on both axles to offer an electric all-wheel drive system. With the help of functions such as M Sport Boost and the M Launch Control, the BMW reaches 62 mph in an impressive 3.8 seconds.

With a space-saving high-voltage battery with a capacity of 81.2 kWh, the BMW i5 has a range of over 300 miles (483 km) that can be extended by a further 25% with the new MAX RANGE function that limits power and speed and disables comfort functions.

The extended range of the vehicle is also achieved through a combination of the latest adaptive recuperation system and intelligent utilization of heat pump technology for interior heating and cooling. Additionally, the drive system and high-voltage battery significantly maximize overall efficiency and performance.

The BMW i5's Combined Charging Unit (CCU) offers standard AC charging with an output of up to 11 kW, which can be upgraded to 22 kW if desired. Regarding DC charging, the high-voltage battery can be charged with a power of up to 205 kW.

To exemplify, the battery charge level in the BMW i5 can be increased from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes. The new 5 Series electric models mark a significant milestone as the first vehicles from the BMW brand to support the Plug & Charge feature. This innovative functionality allows the vehicle to authenticate itself seamlessly at compatible public charging stations, eliminating the need for an app or charging card.

With the fifth generation of the BMW eDrive technology, the vehicle offers one of the most comfortable driving experiences available on the market. The abundance of technology blends well with the quality of the materials used to enhance the feeling of luxury, providing the new i5 with an adequate title of a premium luxury electric sedan.

The M badge underlines the car's racing pedigree and glimpses the high dynamic capability of the BMW. From a racing point of view, the four-wheel drive amplifies the vehicle's performance on wet and dry surfaces, making it suitable for both a relaxing evening drive where you enjoy the comfort and the luxury of the car and also for a little bit of fun on the empty streets, even on rain or snow.