The Fully-Electric BMW I5 Has Nearly Completed Its Development
BMW’s midsized sedan EV is nearing completion.
We’ve already got the i7, the EV equivalent of the BMW 7-series. Completely unsurprising to no one, BMW is electrifying its 5-series. That car, called the i5, is almost finished. BMW announced that the car is “entering the home stretch with the finetuning of its suspension control and driver assistance systems.”
Based upon the same CLAR architecture that underpins the 7-series and i7, the i5 will follow suit as the next BMW sedan with batteries. BMW says that it aims to make the i5 just as engaging as its gas-powered counterpart has been known for. Thus, the i5 has gone through yearlong series of tests to ensure that the car meets those standards.
The top-of-the-range planned i5 M60 xDrive will come standard with BMW’s Adaptive Suspension Professional. This will include adaptive dampers, that coupled with BMW’s Vertical Dynamics Management, allow for good responsiveness and ride quality. This feature will be optional on the single-motor, RWD i5 eDrive40.
However, most intriguingly, the i5 will offer the most advanced driver assistance program the brand has. It should allow for hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 MPH, and active lane changing with eye activation. Simply looking at the side mirror will trigger the vehicle’s lane change feature.
These are all shaping up to make the i5 to be competitive. Yet, the official range, power, and pricing haven’t been confirmed. We’ll know for certain when the BMW i5 officially debuts in late May.
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Kevin has been obsessed with cars ever since he could talk. He even learned to read partially by learning and reading the makes and models on the back of cars, only fueling his obsession. Today, he is an automotive journalist and member of the Automotive Press Association. He is well-versed in electrification, hybrid cars, and vehicle maintenance.
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