BMW.SG | BMW Singapore Owners Community The Ultimate BMW Community – Established Since 2001
The BMW 5 Series has long been the benchmark for executive sedans. With the introduction of the i5 models, the landscape shifts. The i5 eDrive40 stands out, built on the CLAR architecture like its siblings, the i5 M60 and i7 M70.
Without a doubt, the BMW i5 boasts a grand stature. Its measurements echo the E65 7 Series, stretching over five meters long, 1.9 meters wide, and substantially 2.9 meters long. It tips the scales at 2130 kg (4695 lbs) DIN when unoccupied, excluding the driver. On a brighter note, it’s roughly 200 kg lighter than its counterpart, the i5 M60.
When contrasting the BMW i5 eDrive40 with its M60 counterpart, certain features set the former apart. This specific version is equipped with a single electric motor strategically located at the rear, delivering 335 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, activating Boost Mode unlocks an extra 26 horsepower, culminating in a robust 317 horsepower during launch control. It boasts a swift acceleration, taking just 5.7 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill and has a peak speed of 193 km/h. An enthusiast measured the 0-60 mph using a RaceBox GPS and, despite not having high-performance tires, recorded a time of 5.88 seconds. While these figures don’t classify the i5 eDrive40 as a sports car, they certainly attest to its brisk acceleration capability.
Electric vehicle range is vital. The i5 eDrive40, with its 81.2 kWh usable battery pack, matches the i5 M60 and offers an impressive 295-mile reach. Multiple charging options exist. The BMW i5 eDrive40 can rapidly charge with its 205 kW DC capacity. In roughly 30 minutes, it boosts from 10% to 80%. While not as fast as 800V systems, BMW highlights that its charging hits a peak swiftly, then plateaus.
In several respects, it offered more joy than the potent i5 M60. As the rear wheels spun more, safe drifting increased, along with my smiles.
In Comfort mode, the i5 eDrive40 behaves like a premium executive sedan. It provides responsive steering and a ride that gracefully handles road bumps. The i5 eDrive40 also boasts a remarkable turning radius, making tight turns on busy roads easy. Such roads were familiar near Sintra, a famous town near Lisbon.
In conclusion, the BMW i5 eDrive40 makes a compelling case for those transitioning to electric while retaining the unique BMW sedan feel. Its blend of decent power, impressive range, and rapid charging makes it ideal for everyday drives. Whether commuting or on a road trip, the i5 eDrive40 delivers style and sustainability.
