BMW i5 Electric Teased Ahead of its Global Launch

While the all-electric BMW i5 is likely to go on sale internationally in October this year, a teaser image of the brand-new model has surfaced on the internet. At the 2023 BMW Group Annual Conference, the company teased the automotive industry with the image of the camouflaged BMW i5, ahead of its global launch. Its launch is a few months away, yet the latest version of the sedan - the fully-electric i5 - provides us with a few details related to its design, powertrain, and more. Inspired by the popularity of the best-selling i4 M50, BMW will also offer the new i5 as an M Performance model, which stands for performance and passion. In 2022, BMW M celebrated its 50th anniversary across the world. 

Also Read: BMW Reveals New iDrive Infotainment System Offering a Smartphone-like Experience

More importantly, the fully-electric BMW i5 will be revealed along with the eighth-generation BMW 5 series, which is likely to receive styling updates in line with the latest BMW offerings. This will be followed by the new BMW 5 Series Touring (station wagon) in 2024. "Our Touring fans will be excited to hear that an all-electric version of the Touring will also be available for the first time from spring 2024. That is our unique selling point in this segment", said Oliver Zipse, Chairman, Board of Management, BMW AG. 

New BMW 5 Series: Expected Powertrain

The updated BMW 5 Series will feature a Curved Display with the latest Operating System 8.5 and digital driver's display. It will be sporty in appearance. According to some reports, the 5 Series will be based on a flexible powertrain architecture. It could also get a plug-in hybrid alongwith petrol and diesel powertrains with 48V mild-hybrid technology. 

As for the new BMW i5, its battery pack could be of the same size or bigger than the i4's 80.3kWh battery unit. The i5 could deliver a WLTP-claimed range north of 590 kilometre. 

We also expect the new BMW 5 range and the i5 sedan to arrive in the Indian market around 2024. The i5 will join the BMW i7 and the i4 that are currently on sale in the country. 

New BMW 5 Series: Expected Prices

The new BMW 5 Series is expected to be priced higher than the outgoing 5 Series, which ranges between Rs 65.40 lakh and Rs 74.50 lakh in India. All prices are ex-showroom. 

When launched, the latest 5 range will compete against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E Class, the Audi A6, and the Volvo S90. Meanwhile, the electric i5 is likely to take on the Mercedes EQE and the Audi A6 e-Tron.

Also Read: 2023 BMW 520d M Sport Launched in India at Rs 68.90 Lakh

In other news, the new BMW X2 and the all-electric iX2 are likely to be launched towards the end of 2023. "This is already BMW’s second BEV offering in the high-volume compact class. Like the iX1, we are building the iX2 in Germany, at our Regensburg plant. It will be launched towards the end of the year. E-mobility is a priority for us – and we measure ourselves against this. That is why, starting this year, the BEV share of total sales will be a KPI for our management of the company", added Zipse.