The i5 eDrive40: Pricing vs. Implications for US and UK Autonomy Phenomenology
With that unpleasantness over, let’s turn to the battery itself. The i5 uses the same eDrive system seen on BMW’s iX and i7. It is also built on the same architecture as the 7 Series. The 81.2-kWh flat pack is fitted in the underbody to save space. Up to 205 kW can be charged with that pack. This means refilling the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes, if you find the right charger. Indeed, BMW says range can be increased by up to 97 miles in 10 minutes at a DC fast-charging station when starting with a low charge level of 10 percent.
There is a word on pricing. Normally such boring matters are left to the end of car reveal articles, but you might want to consider the following: The i5 eDrive40 will start from $66,800 in the US, but the UK price will start at £73,200. Yes, you know, that’s right. The UK customers are being asked to pay over 18 grand for the same car as the US customers.
The BMW i5 / M60 xDrive All-Wheel Drive Models and Electric Couplings for 5 Series and 7 Series
The boost feature is located near the left steering wheel spoke and operates by a shift paddle. The acceleration is triggered if the paddle is pulled for more than one second. Those who prefer fake noise in the cabin can hear a change in the drive sound.
If 120 mph is somehow not enough for you, the all-wheel drive i5 M60 xDrive has motors on both the front and rear axles. The rear motor brings in almost 400hp and the front brings in more than 200hp. When “boost” or launch control is activated, the Torque increases to 905 newton-meters but only until it reaches 822. Thank you, to 142 mph, max speed is limited. There is a claim that the power consumption is 18.2 kilowatt-hours per 62 miles.
The 5 Series of BMW will be bringing electric cars. The German company announced this week that the eighth generation of the sedan that slots in between the 3 Series and 7 Series will come as an electric version, the i5, as well as a refreshed gas equivalent.
Well actually, it’s two versions. The new BMW i5 eDrive40 will supposedly offer 361-mile range, while the sportier BMW i5 M60 xDrive 600-hp version will apparently launch from zero to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds, though the range drops to 320 miles.
Much like it did with the 4 Series and 7 Series, BMW is taking its gas-powered models and releasing electric variants that are built on the same platform
The eDrive40, M60, and the i5: a Pedestrian-Friendly Premium Vehicle with In-Car Gaming
The eDrive40 version will jump from 60 mph to 70 in six seconds, while the M60 trim will close the gap in 3.8 seconds. Both versions are electronically speed limited to 120 mph.
In-car gaming will be included in the 5 Series for the first time. A number of games are accessible while the vehicle is parked, which will help pass the time while charging, for example. Video streaming will also be available for parked cars.
The trademarkKidney grille is a bit toned down compared to the toothsome iX but it is still in your face. The grille has become somewhat of a polarizing design choice, especially in the EV era in which airflow is less of a concern, but BMW is not backing down from this signature styling.
Overall, the i5 is a bit more conservative in its design and technology than the more opulent i7. I mean, how do you top a 31-inch, 8K drop-down movie screen for rear passengers?
But at a starting price of $67,795, the i5 is still definitely a premium vehicle. It won’t qualify for the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, which caps eligible prices at $55,000. Nor will the more powerful (and more expensive) M5 version of the i5, which starts at $85,095.