Last weekend saw the Malaysian launch of the new BMW i5, the electric version of the latest G60 5 Series—giving buyers a credible zero-emission option in the executive sedan market. It goes up against the Mercedes-Benz EQE, but while its rival from Stuttgart was designed from the ground up to be a futuristic EV, the i5 is more conventional and builds on the legacy of Munich’s trademark big four-door.
At launch, the i5 is available in a single variant, the eDrive40 M Sport, priced at RM419,800 with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. That puts it within RM88 of the EQE350+, and while it offers greater performance, its range is also significantly shorter. Its sole rear motor produces 335hp and 430Nm of torque, getting it from zero to 100km/h in six seconds flat—nearly half a second quicker than the Merc.
Because it has a smaller 83.9kWh battery, however, the i5 eDrive40 can’t reach the EQE350+’s impressive 600+km of range, only able to travel between 477 and 582km on a single charge. At least the car is able to support a much higher 205kW of DC fast charging power, bringing the battery to 80% in 34 minutes; an 11kW AC wallbox provides a full charge in eight hours and 15 minutes.
The new 5 Series is as imposing as it is large—it’s the first to exceed five metres in length, and the oversized double kidney grille and air intakes certainly provide it with immense road presence. There are a few nice touches, like the E60-style wraparound headlights, slim taillights and the “5” embossed in the Hoffmeister kink, although the M Sport bodykit and large 21-inch BMW Individual alloy wheels do make the i5 look a little overstyled.
Like all new BMWs nowadays, the i5 is chock-full of technologies. Its interior is dominated by a curved display panel that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14.9-inch centre touchscreen—all running on the latest BMW Operating System 8.5.
The latter features a smartphone-like interface, integrated air-conditioning controls and the ability to download video apps (like YouTube) and even stream games from the cloud through a partnership with AirConsole. Of course, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard.
You also get a wireless charger, an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and even an interior camera for taking photos and videos of you and all your passengers. Surrounding the cabin is what BMW calls an Interaction Bar, which functions as the ambient lighting and has different colour schemes depending on the drive mode selected; it also responds to certain functions, such as the hazard lights and the door opening warning.
Elsewhere, the high level of standard equipment include powered and ventilated front seats, supple Merino leather upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic glass roof, adaptive dampers, manual side and powered rear sunshades and a hands-free powered boot lid that hides a 490-litre boot. A Travel & Comfort system allows you to mount an optional coat hanger or iPad holder using a slot behind the front seats.
In terms of safety features, the i5 comes with the Driving Assistant Professional package that adds Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, including autonomous lane changes. You also get the Parking Assistant Plus that helps you park and features a Reversing Assistant and a 360-degree camera system with a 3D view. Watch the video above for more information.
