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- The 2024 BMW I5 marks the debut of an all-electric variant in the esteemed 5-Series lineup.
- The performance, opulent interior, and subtle design of the I5 left a strong impression on me.
- However, its range falls short when compared to rivals such as Tesla and Lucid.
The BMW 5-Series has long been regarded as a symbol of automotive excellence. For over fifty years, this model has set standards for what constitutes a premier luxury sports sedan.
With the introduction of its eighth generation, BMW now offers an electric option for its flagship executive sedan.
The new I5 competes directly with models like the Mercedes-Benz EQE, Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan, and Tesla Model S.
I was captivated by this vehicle’s thrilling performance, luxurious interior, and elegant design. However, it was disappointing to find that its range is not as competitive as some other options available today.
The entry-level rear-wheel-drive version starts at $66,800 while my fully equipped all-wheel-drive variant begins at $84,100.
Additional freight charges along with various luxury features pushed my final cost up by over $11k.
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The BMW I5 M60 xDrive: A New Era of Electric Performance
Impressive Acceleration and Speed
BMW asserts that the I5 M60 xDrive can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds, yet a test conducted by Motor Trend clocked it at an astonishing 3.4 seconds. This suggests that the performance may be even more exhilarating than advertised.
The manufacturer also claims that this electric sedan can achieve a maximum speed of 143 mph.
A Thrilling Driving Experience
Navigating the winding roads of North Georgia in the all-wheel-drive I5 was an absolute delight. With its impeccable front-to-rear weight distribution, the vehicle felt both balanced and agile through corners, effectively masking its substantial curb weight of approximately 5,200 pounds.
Rapid Charging Capabilities
Beneath its floor lies an expansive lithium-ion battery pack with an impressive capacity of 84.3 kWh usable energy.
According to BMW’s specifications, charging from 10% to 80% takes roughly half an hour when using a DC fast charger.
The EPA rates my high-performance test model for up to 240 miles on a single charge; however, during my experience with it, I managed to achieve around 250 miles.
If extended range is your priority, consider opting for the less powerful I5 eDrive40 variant which boasts up to an impressive range of approximately 295 miles per charge.
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A Luxurious Interior Design
The interior design of the I5 is strikingly contemporary featuring expansive infotainment displays complemented by carbon fiber accents while maintaining traditional automotive sensibilities that appeal to purists.
BMW has excelled in providing drivers with various interaction methods including voice commands, touchscreens, and capacitive buttons for enhanced usability.
I particularly appreciated the LED light strips integrated into both the center stack and doors which serve dual purposes as touch-sensitive controls for climate settings and seat adjustments—an innovative feature indeed!
While overall material quality was commendable, some plastic components like window controls felt somewhat subpar compared to luxurious elements such as crystal shift toggles found on the center console—this inconsistency stood out during my evaluation!
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Padded Comfort: The Seats Stand Out!
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Exploring the 2024 BMW I5 M60 xDrive: A Blend of Style and Performance
The BMW I5 impresses with its striking design, exhilarating speed, and competitive pricing at approximately $95,000.
Power and Range
Boasting an impressive output of 593 horsepower and a range of up to 240 miles, the I5 M60 xDrive stands strong against competitors like the Mercedes EQE 500+ and Audi e-tron GT in both performance metrics and driving distance.
Comparative Analysis
However, when placed alongside models such as the Lucid Air Touring or Tesla Model S—both offering over 400 miles of range while maintaining similar performance levels—the I5 does show some limitations.
A Trusted Choice Over Startups
Despite this shortfall in range compared to certain electric vehicles from newer brands, many consumers prefer established names. The BMW 5-Series has long been synonymous with reliability and luxury.
Your Ideal Electric Sedan?
If given a choice among current offerings, the BMW I5 would be my top pick for an electric sedan that combines tradition with modern technology.
Read more about it on Business Insider.
(Source)
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