Launched in late 2023, the BMW i5 Saloon (G60) is the first fully electric Series 5, and it states its priorities clearly: genuine long-range zero-emission touring before spectacle. Compared with the Tesla Model 3, it operates in a higher segment - more composed, more hushed and heavier, with an interior clearly oriented towards comfort, build quality and advanced driving technologies.
This first phase centres on the `i5 eDrive40` at `340 hp` and the `i5 M60 xDrive`, capable of `601 hp` in `M Sport Boost`, both using an `81.2 kWh` net battery and DC fast charging up to `205 kW`. The eDrive40 pairs rear-wheel drive with a self-levelling pneumatic rear suspension, while the M60 adds adaptive dampers, rear-wheel steering and electric all-wheel drive. On this car, thermal management, fast-charging quality, preconditioning and cooling consistency are the central concerns.