BMW 5 Series: First and Last Full Drive Options
BMW is unveiling the 5 Series for the first time as the electric i5. So, we are starting with the test car with the registration number DGF – I 524 E, a number combination that once had a td or d at the end – diesel is still available, but BMW is more discreet about their role than ever. We experience a wiry 4.7-meter upper mid-range car, it looks like it and offers just as little space inside, but: the 5 Series measures 5.06 meters (!), but conceals this in every respect excellently.
The operation has been optimized compared to the iX and the very first version of the 7 Series, making it more intuitive: At the bottom of the screen, you find logical direct access buttons and climate control on the first level, on the left edge you can scroll through various menus and delve deeper by confirming. All this works as clearly as the voice control and represents a big step. One could at most criticize that BMW would not have needed an operating update after just a year in the past.
We set off and the 40i already provides enough punch for all situations, scoring with perfectly tuned dampers and springs – firm enough for driving fun even on narrow serpentine roads, but comfortable enough to skillfully smooth out all unevenness. Added to this is the precise steering, entirely dedicated to the joy of driving.
But you don't even have to grip the steering wheel if you activate the overtaking assistant on Level 2+, which offers to pull out on long stretches if the left lane behind you is clear, which you confirm by looking in the side mirror. And given the unusual consideration of the right-hand drive requirement for the brand, the i5 also suggests pulling back in, which you again confirm by looking in the right side mirror. All this theoretically works quite well, but we were on a winding narrow Portuguese highway where all this is not actually allowed, and BMW obtained special permits for two i5s. The whole system worked in principle, but on narrow highways, it is better to do it yourself...
BMW has significantly adjusted the charging process
More important is the charging, which can work in Tesla-style: Plug in, i5 and charging point recognize each other, the charging process starts and is automatically billed. In addition, BMW has adjusted its entire charging program, including an all-in-one solution in cooperation with E.ON, for home and, in the future, also business charging. But this is also not allowed in Portugal! Therefore, BMW set up another special demo arrangement. It works, but: E-mobility and autonomous driving in Europe are still hindered by varying laws within the EU... However, you can massively shorten the DC charging times by pre-conditioning the battery, especially as BMW has now managed for the i5 to boost the charging power to 200 kW even with 40 or 50% remaining charge – thus significantly catching up with the competition with 800 volts.
Digitalization? Still among the best
The claim that German manufacturers can't handle digitalization is disproved by the i5: The speech recognition is among the best and you can now also optionally watch Bundesliga or game with smartphones in the car – BMW is also planning further entertainment apps in the future, allowing us to check off the topic of digitalization.
After the i40 starting from 70,200 euros gross, we switch to the M60 with the registration number DGF I 563 E, which starts at 99,500 euros and instead of 250 kW (340 HP) offers 442 kW, that is 601 HP. And thus, it goes significantly wilder than the "base" version, from which it differs only slightly inside despite the M styling. We can confirm the express surcharge of the second drive at the front in terms of consumption, as also reflected in the WLTP values: Not much under 20 kWh/100 km – after joyful serpentine surfing, we stood at 25.3 kWh/100 km, while we achieved a favorable 19.6 kWh/100 km in the i40. The i40 is specified at 15.9 to 18.9 kWh/100 km, the M60 xDrive at 18.2 to 20.6 kWh/100 km. So, it roughly matches in the summer, considering the more demanding and faster route of the M60. For the range, this means that the 81.2 kWh battery in the M60 is sufficient for about 350 km, while in the i40 it provides for 400 km.
What does this mean?
In the end, it is clear that the i5 could become "big business" among business customers in Europe: For those still unfamiliar with e-mobility, it can also be ordered as a plug-in, petrol or even diesel.
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