Our spy photographers have identified the new BMW i5 electric saloon during its development programme. It’ll go on sale in 2023, alongside the next-generation 5 Series, becoming a new rival for the upcoming Mercedes EQE and the recently updated Tesla model S.
The BMW i5 will share the same modular CLAR underpinnings as the combustion-engined 5 Series, but it’ll be powered by an updated version of the electric motor and battery pack found in the iX3. The SUV is based on a similar platform.
New 2023 BMW 5 series caught on cam for the first time
It’ll be powered by BMW’s fifth-generation electric powertrain, which comprises a 282bhp electric motor on the rear axle and an 80kWh battery pack. In the iX3, the system gives a maximum range of 285 miles, but the i5’s a lot more aerodynamic shape could push this figure past the 300-mile mark.
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If BMW uses the iX3’s powertrain in the i5, it’ll nearly certainly use its charging system, too. The SUV is capable of charging at up to 150kW, indicating a 10–80 per cent recharge takes just 27 minutes. When connected to a home wallbox, the battery can be fully recharged in around 12 hours – and there’ll be an on-board 11kW charger if you get caught short.
With the exception of a blanked-off radiator grille and a new diffuser (which removes the conventional car’s exhaust outlet) the i5 and the 5 series will look identical.
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BMW’s design technique for its eighth-generation executive saloon will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The new automobile has a similar silhouette and stance, with a set of sharper headlamps and a slightly a lot more rounded nose – likely to improve its aerodynamics.
The BMW group has already confirmed that it’ll launch 25 new electrified models across its range of brands – and roughly half of those automobiles will ditch combustion power.
Other stalwart brands in the BMW line-up will also get pure-electric derivatives in the near future, such as the X1 SUV and the flagship 7 series saloon, which will go on sale next year as a new competitor for the Mercedes EQS.
Now click here for all the current news on the next-generation BMW 7 Series…