BMW i5: Electric Elegance

November 04, 2024
Kostas Papazetis
In the age of SUVs, few super-premium cars have retained their glamour and are superior in driving. BMW`s "five-seater" was and is a worldwide desire for many people—without the grief, of course, because if we`re going to gripe about materials gone, we would be constantly devastated.

According to world statistics, the "five " is the first choice in a car of the businessman and businesswoman who respect himself/herself. The "five" has completed half a century of life, full of dynamism, unparalleled elegance, and driving comfort.

The launch of the first BMW 5 Series Sedan took place in the summer of 1972, ushering in a new era in the brand`s model range, including the model nomenclature that still applies today, with a three-digit number combination indicating the model range. In 52 years and eight generations, it has evolved into the world`s most successful business sedan. More than 10 million BMW 5 Series have been produced from 1972 to the present day. And nowadays, as we live on the cusp of the switch from thermal to electric, the new, eighth-generation BMW 5 Series offers all the options. Thermal engine options, a plug-in hybrid engine option and, for the first time, an all-electric engine option! It should also be remembered that the first electric BMW was born in 1972 when the 5 Series was launched! The 1602 Elektro-Antrieb with a 60km range for VIP travel at the Munich Olympics.

BMW has been "eating" electrification since the 1970s. In 1991, it also introduced the E1 prototype, and in 2013, it launched the all-electric i3. In this long journey, it has pioneered all the key elements of an electric car {aluminium chassis (Drive Module) and passenger cage (Life Module) made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and much more} to arrive today at the BMWi5 the first all-electric "five-seater"—a new world with old values.

But not everyone welcomes change with open arms! That`s why the BMW people rightly decided to keep precisely the same body (with minor aerodynamic changes) in the electric 5 series. It`s not different in design, but it`s fully in line with sustainable mobility. If you`ve been following this column, you`ll have figured out that I always prefer the base version in premium-luxury cars. The over-engineered versions, with their countless horsepower and spoilers, spoil the elegance, the chic.


he BMWi5 40e (base i5 version) is a car that imposes itself on you at first sight. The just over five metres in length, one and ninety width, and slightly taller height of a sedan combined with BMW`s design choices over the last five years immobilise you. The side and rear coupe look always wins you over to the "five-seater " over time. Imposing futuristic elements, classy, with a sporty character. What more can you ask for? Maybe a little more chic butt? Granted. But opening the driver`s door and having chosen the sports steering wheel (because the standard one is not visible), it "sucks you in".

The successful combination of classic and futuristic design is impressive. The choice of premium materials is, of course, what makes the difference—no skimping where the eye falls. The trend with some recyclable materials keeps the luxury the same, thankfully. It needs her skin, of course. One thing is leather, and the other is refined leatherette. Everything you touch is luxury. There are very few old-style switches. Almost everything is done by touch through the impressive curved screen or the bar below it in the cabin`s centre. This might be a problem initially, but it gets used to it in a pinch. It`s the lack of physical switches on the steering wheel that causes issues. I`m surprised that while all drivers worldwide (regardless of the brand they drive) are uncomfortable with touch buttons on the steering wheel, making strong complaints, BMW didn`t consider this. Too bad. But there is always time for a change.


The cabin space is plentiful front and rear. It comfortably seats a man over 185cm in the back. The gadget to mount and charge a mobile phone or tablet on the back of the front seat is a great idea, especially for children. The 490 litres of luggage space is more than enough. A little organisation is needed. The quality is top-notch, and the robustness is exemplary. Creaks are not audible even when you put up an ear. There`s also the lack of engine noise. When you ride in an electric car, you understand how luxurious and relaxing a noise-free ride is. Let`s remember that noise is pollution that causes health problems.In addition to a small environmental footprint, electrification offers peace of mind. Inside the BMWi5 40e, it`s like being in your own living room, with your music and atmospheric lighting.Driving like any "five-seater", the i5 is based on the excellent CLAR platform, offering absolute robustness, fantastic road grip and refined rolling on both tarmac and rougher roads. The ideal wheel choice for looks, comfort and range is 20 inches. I say now. Power reaches 340bhp, while torque is 400Nm under normal conditions, which increases to 430 at the touch of the single left paddle or during Launch Control. It accelerates from a standstill to 100km/h in 6 seconds, and its top speed is limited to 193km/h. How much faster now, especially when driving on a public road? It`s equipped with the most advanced safety systems, but if you do anything crazy, you`ll pay for it. It has been passed in America in various tests, and it takes 48 metres to stop going 120km/h. Make a picture. Remember that those 48 metres is an excellent performance for its weight (about 2.2 tonnes) and volume compared to competing models. Calmati amici perché la vita è bella!From a battery, what happens? It has a net capacity of around 81.2 kWh, according to WLTP, with a full charge. This means driving according to the WLTP and using the One Pedal (deceleration and energy recovery with the release of the accelerator) in the Efficient program, you will cover a comfortable 460 km in mixed conditions, i.e. city and regional roads (Attica type). If you again travel to Thessaloniki with an average speed of 120km/h and cruise control, your full-charge autonomy will reach (with the above program) 370-380 km. These are excellent numbers, especially if you do multiplication: 82 kWh times the kWh cost. Plus, the peace of mind I described above. The autonomy concern is more in the mind and less in the substance. Infrastructure is constantly being reinforced.


If you`re looking for a car with unique looks, imposing volume, luxury, space, premium comfort and a sporty driving experience, look no further. Today, in late October 2024, the BMWi5 40e beats the competition on almost all counts. Certainly, the "joy of driving and luxury" doesn`t come cheap. With some packages to be added to the basic version, the BMWi5 40e will cost more than 80,000 euros with a state subsidy for purchase. But there are various ways of leasing, too. Because being successful is not enough, you must also look like it. Don`t you think?