BMW is back at it again with its all-electric efficiency game. And this time, they're stepping it up a notch. You see, BMW is on a mission to electrify its vehicle lineup, and they're not playing around. With their eyes set on making 50% of EV sales by 2030, they're going full steam ahead and releasing electric vehicles left, right, and center.
But hold on to your seats because one model is promising to stand out from the rest—the upcoming BMW i5. That's right, folks, the electric BMW 5 Series is officially coming to town. Now, let's not get lost in the noise with all these new electric BMWs hitting the streets.
Let's focus on what really matters, and that's the i5. With next-generation infotainment, this ride is going to make you feel like you're driving in the future. And let's not forget about electric efficiency, because who doesn't love saving some dough at the gas station?
Plus, with the high-performance model, you'll be zooming past all the gas-eating cars on the road. So buckle up, because we're going to be diving deep into everything you need to know about this awesome ride. From the specs to the design, we've got you covered.
And who knows, maybe by the end of this video, you'll be ready to make the switch to the electric side. Ah, the BMW 5 Series, a car that's been around longer than most of us have been alive. Did you know that its roots go all the way back to the swinging 1960s?
BMW was already making a name for itself as a manufacturer of midrange four-door sedans that were powerful, elegant, and technically innovative. And let me tell you, they were killing it. The BMW 1500, the BMW 1800, and the BMW 2000 entered the market as the "New Range" and became the most successful model series BMW had ever seen up to that point.
These babies had engines fitted lengthwise at the front, rear-wheel drive, an elaborate suspension, and a four-door notchback body. BMW had established a classical principle that remains highly attractive and fully endorsed to this very day. Then, in 1972, BMW switched from the New Range to the BMW 5 Series, and they weren't messing around.
In this segment, the number "5" immediately became synonymous with unmistakable driving pleasure. And let me tell you, this car has stood the test of time. The BMW 5 Series offers a particularly concentrated rendition of the outstanding competence in the development of this leading car maker from Munich.
The first BMW 5 Series was presented at the 1972 Frankfurt Motor Show, and it was a game-changer. The BMW 520 and the BMW 520i had four-cylinder power units developing 115 and, respectively, 130 hp. And get this: the model designation introduced a new concept for determining the nomenclature of BMW cars to this very day.
That's right, the "5" at the beginning specifies the series as such, and the two following numbers indicate the displacement of the respective model. This car was sleek and powerful, and it redefined what it meant to be a sedan. In its design, the first BMW 5 Series stood out from the start through its stretched and sleek lines, large windows, and a low waistline. And you know what's even better?
The BMW 525 was introduced in the second year of production, and it hailed the entry of the first six-cylinder into the market. The powerful and refined engine featured in this top model delivered an impressive 145 hp. But wait, there's more. In 1981, the second generation of the BMW 5 Series was introduced, and it had the first diesel engine.
And let me tell you, this car more than doubled the success of the New Range on the market. With its even more striking design, front and rear, the new BMW 5 Series offered far greater presence and flair on the road.
This car is a legend, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for the BMW 5 Series. Back in 1988, BMW set the standard for emissions management by fitting the third-generation 5 Series exclusively with catalyst technology. Talk about eco-friendly! Fast forward to 1995, and the fourth generation hits the scene at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It had a sleek and sporty design that was an evolution of its predecessor, complete with dual round headlights and light rings that became a signature look for BMW.
Then, in 2003, we got the fifth generation, which took things up a notch with innovative technology, outstanding efficiency, and striking design. No wonder it was the best-selling car in its segment for four years straight! But let's get to the present, where the all-new BMW 5 Series and all-electric i5 are about to be revealed. The i5 is an all-electric machine with serious horsepower.
Rumors are swirling that there will be two different models, including one with a single-motor rear-wheel drive and another with a dual-motor all-wheel drive. Plus, BMW is on a mission to electrify its fleet with the Neuer class platform, set to launch in 2025. But enough talk, let's get to the good stuff: We're expecting a sleek design with slim headlights and flush-fitting door handles.
It's going to be a head-turner, folks. Say goodbye to the vertically accented grille found on the 4 Series and the BMW IX, because the new kidney grille on the upcoming BMW 5 Series electric is going to be a sight for sore eyes. It's going to be larger, sure, but it won't go all the way down to the apron, so we won't have to worry about any unsightly mishaps there.
Plus, the door handles will be flush-fitted, giving it a sleek and clean look. And let's talk about the features. BMW is pulling out all the stops with this one. We're talking 5G connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights with BMW laser light and Matrix function, BMW iDrive 8.0, a BMW curved display, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a central display integrated on a single curved panel. Plus, it's got a BMW digital key, plus an ultra-wideband, and more!
I mean, are you kidding me?
Now, I know you're all curious about the power and specs of this beast, so let me break it down for you. The BMW I5 is the latest electric vehicle not made on the Neuer class platform and marks the end of BMW's second phase. It's going to come in e-drive 40, xdrive 40, and M50 versions, so there's something for everyone.
The BMW i5e Drive 40 will be powered by a single rear motor with a power output of about 250 kilowatts and 335 horsepower, while the higher-spec BMW i5x Drive 40 will have an additional motor at the front axle for even more power and traction. And for those of you who want to really feel the burn, the top-end BMW I5 M50 will have the same configuration but with even more power unlocked from it.
It looks like the testing program was no joke. They put this baby through its paces on country roads, highways, and specially prepared test tracks. They even pushed their limits in low temperatures and on surfaces offering little grip. Talk about intense!
But let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The new BMW 5 Series Touring is set to have similar styling details to the sedan, but it's the side of the car that's got us really excited. It looks like this new Touring model will retain a similar sloping roofline to the current 5 Series Touring, but it's also got some slim lights that might be connected by a full-width light bar.
Can you say sleek?
Now, let's talk about what's under the hood. The new BMW 5 Series will come with a selection of 4- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, but the real showstopper is the plug-in hybrid version. This baby may share technology with the new BMW 760e, which means it could have a 200-hp electric motor paired with a 380-hp gasoline engine for a combined 571-hp. That's some serious power!
But wait, there's more. While no photos of the new BMW 5 Series interior have been released, we do know that it'll use the same iDrive system found on the BMW iX and X5. That means you'll get a 14.9-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital driver display, all housed in one curved piece of glass. It's like having a high-tech Batmobile at your fingertips! So, what do you think of the electric BMW 5 Series? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
0 Comments