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About Video - BMW's new electric i5 offers super-car performance in an executive saloon.// THE AFRICAN CAR GUY
BMW's new electric i5 offers super-car performance in an executive saloon.// THE AFRICAN CAR GUY
To mark the start of 2024, I've been driving BMW's new eighth-generation 5-series saloon — and specifically the first range-topping i5 all-electric model.
BMW bosses say this 5 offers the technology and luxury of the pinnacle 7-series limousine —and I can confirm this to be the case.
Prices are from £51,000 for the petrol 208 hp 520i capable of 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds up to 143mph. There are two petrol-electric hybrid options.
At the other end of the spectrum, the 601 hp all-wheel drive i5 M60 xDrive I tested reaches 62 mph in half that time — a supercar-like 3.8 seconds —up to 142 mph, and will cost about £100,000.
But as many purchasers will be company car and business users, tax advantages over private cash or finance-deal customers will slash the overall cost..
It is a touch sci-fi — in a sophisticated way. It's large and imposing, but elegantly so. And acceleration is formidable and smooth.
There's even a soundtrack from Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer to accompany your launch.
It's also the first BMW to feature in-car gaming via the large central screen. Leather-free Verganza interiors are offered as standard — the first BMWs in the UK to do so.
The EV M60's claimed range is between 285 and 316 miles depending on spec. But brace yourself: that all costs £97,745. And with more than £17,000 of 'extras' on my car, that took the total to more than £115,000.
The interior lighting changes according to your driving or mood mode. There's even a digital art option. Regenerative braking means you can drive 'one pedal' with little need to apply the brakes, while also generating and storing extra charge.
In the range just below and with much the same kit (though less power) is the 340 hp all-electric i5 eDrive40, from £74,550 with a range of up to 356 miles and 0-60 in 6 seconds. .
I really did have a celebratory 'high five' with the new BMW electric i5 – the flagship of the eighth generation 5-series since the 1970s.
The curved widescreen dashboard infotainment system and interior ambience made me feel like Star Trek's Captain Kirk at the helm of the Starship Enterprise. I could almost imagine Dr McCoy in my ear saying: 'It's a 5-series Jim, but not as we know it.'
But while being hi-tech and luxurious, it is not ostentatious or blingy. It oozes sophistication. Captain Kirk would feel quite at home driving this for leisure and pleasure on his days off exploring the universe.
However, you really do have to watch the speedo and finesse your right foot to avoid inadvertently hitting warp speed in this lightning-fast top of the range executive limo inspired by BMW's Motorsport or 'M' division. The acceleration is phenomenal.
It brings the tech levels of the flagship 7-series limousine into the executive 5-series, proving that 7 into 5 really does go.
And boy can you quickly run up a bill of optional extras.
The extras fitted to my car, that took the total to more than £115,000 included: £1,750 for M Carbon exterior styling; £3,300 for a technology plus pack that includes head-up display; and a Comfort Plus pack that adds front and rear heated seats, ventilated extra-comfort and beautifully crafted front seats, and an electric boot-lid.
My own driving experience comes as latest figures show that every fourth BMW sold in the UK last year was all-electric. And that can only accelerate,
BMW Group UK reported 28,723 registrations of all-electric vehicles in 2023, a 34 per cent increase on 2022, and accounting for a quarter of the total 111,734 sales.
In the corporate sector the proportion is even higher, with half of all registrations being all-electric vehicles (BEVs).
As I indicated earlier – the i5 will be a stretch for all but the most well-heeled private buyers. But for executives securing one as their company car and benefitting from the generous tax perks, it's a much more economically savvy option.
So, the risk of correcting the most famous split infinitive in broadcasting history, from Star Trek itself, let me conclude: the i5 really is an electric car in which to go boldly.
Will it fit in my garage? BMW i5 M60 xDrive saloon
Base price: £97,745 Price as driven with extras: £115,244 5-series range priced from: £51,000 (for 520i petrol)
Length: 5,060mm Width: 1,900mm Width (inc mirrors): 2,156mm Height: 1,505mm Seats: 5 Unladen weight: 2,380kg
Transmission: Automatic Propulsion: Electric – from 2 electric motors Drive: all-wheel drive Power: 601hp Emissions: Zero
0-62mph: 3.8 seconds
Range: 284.6 to 315.7 miles (depending on wheels and spec)
Power consumption(kW per 62 miles/10km): 18.4 to 20.5
Luggage volume: 490 litres
Charging times: 22kW hour three-phase wall-box - 4.25 hours; 11kW fast charger - 8.25 hours; DC fast charger to 80 per cent: 30 minutes
Additional range from 10 minute DC boost: 156 miles
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