New BMW i5 EV majors on technology

A new BMW 5 Series is always a big event and with this eighth generation, there’s an even bigger change, with the move to an electric i5 and a strong emphasis on technology.

Along with the standard 5 Series, which will be powered by a range of petrol and diesel hybrid and plug in hybrid engines, a new i5 ushers in the first EV version of BMW’s executive express.

In contrast to Mercedes’ EQE, the 5 and i5 share the same structure, based on the CLAR chassis already seen in the i4 and i7. BMW have chosen not to give the i5 a bespoke EV chassis so that they can react easily to customer demand, as all versions go down the same production line.

The new car is recognisably a 5 Series, although it’s larger than before in every dimension, its length breaching the 5m barrier for the first time.

Not a lot of that extra length goes into the cabin and the rear seats, for example, only gain an extra 3mm of space. Because the chassis is shared with ICE versions, there’s a transmission tunnel to contend with also, even though it’s not needed for electric versions.

Boot space isn’t compromised much with ICE versions coming with 520 litres and the i5 reducing that figure to 490, so it’s not that big a penalty.

Drivetrain

The eDrive 40 model has a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, providing 340bhp and enough shove for a 0 to 100km/h time in just 6 seconds.

A Cd figure of only 0.23 contributes to claimed consumption of between 15.9 and 19.1 kWh/100km, which provides a range of up to 575km from the 81kWh battery. There’s also a max range mode, which ekes out another 15-20% from the battery by cutting power and climate control.

11kW AC charging is standard, with 22kW available as an option. DC charging of 205kW is standard with the car capable of interfacing with compatible chargers to take payment automatically.

The battery itself is sited under the floor and it’s low enough that the seating position doesn’t feel raised. This is definitely a saloon and that’s no bad thing.

Technology

As for what you do while charging, BMW have thought of that too, with ‘content moments’ – video content tailored to whatever time the charge is expected to take. There’s sport, either live or highlights, including Bundesliga and Ryder Cup, YouTube, with more providers to come.

There’s also Airconsole gaming, with up to eight players using mobile phones as games controllers.

To pair your phone as a remote, you simply have to scan a QR code on screen and from then on, the remote signals go out over the network before coming back to the car. This seems a bit convoluted and I would have thought straight Bluetooth would be a better option but BMW wanted to take this approach to minimise pairing connections to the car itself. Up to seven players are supported with the range of games currently including arcade and quiz games with more to follow.

Incidentally, your phone can act as a key to open and start the car and in conjunction with the app, can drive it remotely in and out of parking spaces.

The tech offering is enhanced by two huge, curved screens, running the latest OS 8.5 and an interaction bar across the dashboard for driver information and infotainment, all controlled by touchscreen, iDrive, voice or gesture control.

Much of this software was developed in Portugal, where we drove the car. BMW have set up a joint venture with an existing software company and have dubbed it Critical Techworks, or CTW. We were given a tour of their new building in Lisbon and there’s another site in Porto. Between the two centres, they’re responsible for developing all in-car tech for the entire brand, although software for suspension and engine management systems is still handled from Munich.

Self Driving

Another innovation in the i5 is hands off driving, which we had special permission to try in Portugal, given that it’s not yet legally available across Europe, although it has already been approved for use in Germany.

Infra red cameras ensure that the driver’s eyes remain on the road so there’s no need to keep hands on the wheel. If an overtake on the motorway is deemed possible, it’s offered to you on the screen and accepted by casting your eyes at either door mirror. It works very well but takes some getting used to. The system works at speeds up to 130km/h.

I asked if it operated while wearing sunglasses and was told that it did, provided the sunglasses in question didn’t block infra red light. Typically, mine was one of the few that did so I had to take my glasses off for the system to work. It’s a different feel to the driving experience and one I’m not sure I’m entirely comfortable with. I think I’d rather keep my hands on the wheel to be ready to deal with any emergencies.

The driving experience is typically 5 Series. Positive, sporty handling with a comfortable ride. Exactly what you’d expect.

There are a number of suspension variants available including two different spring settings and the option of active dampers, with an active anti-roll system standard on the M variant.

Performance from the electric motor is smooth and very strong but if you need more oomph, there’s an M60 xDrive, which we also tried. That’s a real firecracker with up to 610bhp and 810Nm of torque available from a boost mode, controlled by a steering wheel paddle. This version offers a 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds and it feels every bit as fast.

i5 Range and Pricing

The range now starts with the M Sport and there’s also M Sport Pro and M Performance trims. From there, cars can be personalised with Tech or Comfort Packs with Plus versions of each. Ten options are also available, including a panoramic glass roof, available on the saloon for the first time. Veganza vegan leather seats are also standard across the range, a first for BMW.

The 5 Series range starts from €69,850 for the 520i with the i5 starting from €90,110 for the eDrive40. The full fat M60 xDrive starts from €119,210 with standard 22kW AC charging.

That’s strong pricing, particularly when compared to the price of an outgoing 520d or 530e, but it’s in line with the competition and it’s a very strong contender if you want an executive electric express.

With the i5, you also get a BMW Charging card free for the first year. This normally costs €4.99 per month and gives access to reduced ESB And Ionity rates for on street charging.