[Mani59]

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New BMW i5: all-electric 5 Series gives clues to new look
Dramatically restyled exec saloon will be offered with ICE, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains

The current BMW 5 Series is scheduled to be replaced in 2024, seven years after its launch, and our spy photographers have caught the all-electric version testing on public roads.

Following the imminent arrival of the iX flagship SUV and i4 saloon, BMW will launch a further seven electric cars by 2025, with several core ICE models gaining EV derivatives in the same vein as the X3-based iX3. Prior to these images of the new 'i5', we've seen battery-powered prototypes of the next-generation 7 Series, the current 3 Series and the next-generation X1 crossover.

BMW has yet to specifically detail how it will vary its EV powertrain offering, but the current 5 Series uses the same CLAR architecture that underpins the ICE and EV versions of the new 4 Series, suggesting that its larger sibling will offer a similar powertrain line-up if it retains the platform.

That means the standard version of the i5 could potentially be offered with both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive powertrains, with output ranging from 335bhp in the i5 eDrive40 up to 536bhp in the performance-oriented i5 M50 xDrive (if it follows the model-naming strategy of the i4).

The i4 uses an 80.7kWh battery pack, chargeable at speeds of up to 210kW, for a maximum official range of between 255 and 367 miles.

The plug-in hybrid versions of the new 5 Series will likely retain their current 530e and 545e badging, with electrified four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines respectively.

A range of ICE-only variants is likely to continue on sale, at least initially, although it remains to be seen whether BMW will reintroduce the 523bhp V8-powered M550i range-topper, and the full-fat M5 will almost certainly adopt some form of electrification.

Our first clear look at the new 5 Series reveals how radically it will be visually distinguished from the current car. Notably, the controversial 'vertical' grilles from the 4 Series and the new M3 are absent, with the new 5 Series instead adopting what looks like a more familiar horizontal arrangement, which will be blanked-off for the EV.

The front end itself is a much sharper arrangement, with the grilles angled backwards to give the bonnet a small degree of overhang, while the rear end looks to move away from the conventional three-box saloon shape for a fastback-style silhouette - although variations in the shape of these prototypes suggest that the EV and ICE models will be slightly different shapes.

A full unveiling of the new 5 Series is expected some time in 2023, ahead of a market launch in 2024.

Source: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...clues-new-look

[Chihuahua]

Looks like a winner to me. I am definitely excited to see this one in the flesh.

[JustChris]

"Our first clear look at the new 5 Series reveals how radically it will be visually distinguished from the current car. Notably, the controversial 'vertical' grilles from the 4 Series and the new M3 are absent, with the new 5 Series instead adopting what looks like a more familiar horizontal arrangement, which will be blanked-off for the EV."


Is it radically different though Autocar??

[cfm56d7b]

The longer platform will most likely accommodate more battery cells. Very interested in the range estimates once available.

[Hoody007]

Could it be? No hideous grilles?

Might stick with BMW, then, when the inevitable electric transition happens.

Wonder what the next i3 will look like (the electric version of the 3er).

[AlexFL]

The side profile looks gorgeous.

[bimmer456]

They need to abandon ICE based EV platforms and make an all electric vehicle from the ground up with under the floor battery and a frunk. Performance and range that competes with Porsche and Audi as well as Tesla and Lucid

[Masander]

Originally Posted by Hoody007

Could it be? No hideous grilles?

Might stick with BMW, then, when the inevitable electric transition happens.

Wonder what the next i3 will look like (the electric version of the 3er).

I dont like EVs at all. My current cars have V8 and 3.0 turbodiesel engines. But I have to admit that if they gonna sell i5 touring I might want to buy one.

[mbanck]

Originally Posted by Masander

I dont like EVs at all. My current cars have V8 and 3.0 turbodiesel engines. But I have to admit that if they gonna sell i5 touring I might want to buy one.

According to the "Future BMW model information" thread, a "i5 Touring is highly likely"...

[taek]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

They need to abandon ICE based EV platforms and make an all electric vehicle from the ground up with under the floor battery and a frunk. Performance and range that competes with Porsche and Audi as well as Tesla and Lucid

They did create another bespoke EV platform, the IX.

[werdn]

Originally Posted by Hoody007

Could it be? No hideous grilles?

Might stick with BMW, then, when the inevitable electric transition happens.

Wonder what the next i3 will look like (the electric version of the 3er).

I remember watching a press interview, with I forgot who from BMW, said that the huge grill from m3/4 and 4 series, are only reserved for those kinda faster enthusiast cars because they think people buying those cars want a more "pronounced look" on the road. Whereas all regular BMW models will still carry the (somewhat) smaller grills

[khoa@x-ph.com]

Interesting!!

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by taek

They did create another bespoke EV platform, the IX.

Does that have a frunk, it is based on the x3.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by werdn

I remember watching a press interview, with I forgot who from BMW, said that the huge grill from m3/4 and 4 series, are only reserved for those kinda faster enthusiast cars because they think people buying those cars want a more "pronounced look" on the road. Whereas all regular BMW models will still carry the (somewhat) smaller grills

Liar, liar, pants on fire. Not you...BMW. So M cars would have the Edsel grills? Then what about the M8?

[taek]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Does that have a frunk, it is based on the x3.

It's not based on the X3, there is an electric version of the X3 though.

Frunk is poor usability for cargo space, it's better to have all your cargo accessible in one area and the IX has plenty of cargo space. Having to access part of your cargo in the back and part in the front is a worse design. It's a compromise for not having enough actual cargo space. Frunk is a disadvantage, not an advantage.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by taek

It's not based on the X3, there is an electric version of the X3 though.

Frunk is poor usability for cargo space, it's better to have all your cargo accessible in one area and the IX has plenty of cargo space. Having to access part of your cargo in the back and part in the front is a worse design. It's a compromise for not having enough actual cargo space. Frunk is a disadvantage, not an advantage.

Tell that to Tesla Model Y owners. And Rivian owners. Some frunks let you put ice in there as it's water proof and has drain holes and charging outlets. Having batteries under the floor lowers center of gravity.

[dr_frankfurter]

A lot of E12 in that sloping rear end. E60-esque headlights and the overall profile makes it seem more like a 3 series in dimension, which is a good thing. Doesn't look enormous.

[stein_325i]

Looks like the 5er (thankfully) will be sticking to a traditional design, things so far are looking good. Hopefully they vastly improve the chassis and make it handle more like a big 3 rather than the current one which feels like a little 7. An i5 could be a good option if they get the range right.

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

The side profile looks gorgeous.

Y'all seem to be easily impressed by what at best appears to be an evolutionary design as opposed to the "drag them kicking and screaming" new 4-series aesthetic. Actually I think those New Five photos look more like an E39 under the camouflage.
NTTAWWT!
Damn nice profile for a 24-year-old design.

[moff]

Originally Posted by werdn

I remember watching a press interview, with I forgot who from BMW, said that the huge grill from m3/4 and 4 series, are only reserved for those kinda faster enthusiast cars because they think people buying those cars want a more "pronounced look" on the road. Whereas all regular BMW models will still carry the (somewhat) smaller grills

The 420i has the same grill?

[Tambohamilton]

Originally Posted by werdn

I remember watching a press interview, with I forgot who from BMW, said that the huge grill from m3/4 and 4 series, are only reserved for those kinda faster enthusiast cars because they think people buying those cars want a more "pronounced look" on the road. Whereas all regular BMW models will still carry the (somewhat) smaller grills

Ugly grills for enthusiast cars... Seems they haven't listened to anything that 90% of the enthusiasts have said about those grills. Instead they just have interview after interview defending them, saying they will be a classic, saying we need to change our tastes.....

[Nahlem]

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

Ugly grills for enthusiast cars... Seems they haven't listened to anything that 90% of the enthusiasts have said about those grills. Instead they just have interview after interview defending them, saying they will be a classic, saying we need to change our tastes.....

Also 85% of statistics are made up on the spot