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Ten thousand dollars (Singapore dollars, that is). That’s the difference between this i5 Touring and its equivalent M Sport-equipped i5 sedan. What does that extra cash get you? How about 90 more litres of cargo space (490 litres in the sedan), expandable to a cavernous 1,700 litres when you fold the seats down?
But this Touring isn’t just about practicality. Its sleek silhouette makes a statement that says you value dynamics, performance, and genuine driving pleasure while setting yourself apart from the sea of SUVs. Dare we call it “E-njoyment”?
Electrifying Efficiency and Clever Battery Management
Beneath that refined exterior lies BMW’s latest fifth-generation eDrive technology, delivering a range of up to 548 km (WLTP) on a single charge. Even with a 10% reduction in range to account for our local climate, the i5 Touring still manages nearly 500 km when fully charged—a solid reminder that it’s not just a stylish ride but also a serious player in today’s electric game.
In full regenerative mode, the battery management system and braking work seamlessly together, transforming everyday commutes into energy-boosting opportunities, and with enough practice, enabling smooth single-pedal driving. Given our local conditions, it’s always wise to consider a range adjustment, but even then, the i5 Touring’s efficiency is nothing short of impressive.
Too busy to read everything? Here are the 5 key takeaways for the BMW G61 i5 Touring eDrive40 M Sport
- The i5 Touring might seem a bit longer at first glance, but it actually shares the exact same dimensions as the i5 sedan—5,060 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height. However, the Touring model does have a slight deficit in weight, coming in at 2,255 kg compared to the sedan’s 2,205 kg, a difference of 50 kg.
- In its eDrive40 configuration, the i5’s rear-mounted electric motor delivers 335 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, propelling it from 0 to 100 km/h in a fairly brisk 6.1 seconds. That’s just 0.1 seconds slower than its sedan counterpart, likely due to the Touring’s extra 50 kg of weight. In everyday driving, though, a 0.1-second gap is practically unnoticeable.
- While the Touring might be a touch slower off the line, it more than makes up for it in cargo capacity. It boasts a generous 570 litres of storage, which expands to a massive 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded down, easily outclassing the sedan when it comes to hauling gear.
- Style may be subjective, but we believe the Touring’s elongated, sloping roofline gives the 5 Series’ new design language a more cohesive and balanced look. Simply put, it’s just better looking than its sedan counterpart.
- Priced at S$420,888, the i5 Touring eDrive40 M Sport carries a S$10,000 premium over its sedan equivalent. Considering its added style, versatility, and rarity, it seems like a worthwhile price to pay for a vehicle that takes both the sedan’s form and function to the next level.
Form Meets Function: Design and Aerodynamics in Harmony
Externally, the Touring boasts an elegantly curved, elongated roofline and a dynamically angled Hoffmeister Kink rear quarter window, eliminating the somewhat controversial oversized “5” numerics on the trailing edges of the rear doors.
These design elements do more than just look pretty; they also reduce aerodynamic drag, allowing for a more efficient drive at higher speeds. The M Sport trim, paired with intricately styled 20″ wheels, further amplifies its stance, creating a look that’s arguably more balanced and cohesive than the sedan.
The added bodywork at the rear increases the car’s overall heft, with the Touring managing an extra 50 kilos. However, with 400 Nm of torque on tap, this shouldn’t pose much of a challenge. In fact, with just an additional 0.1 seconds needed to reach the century mark, any differences in acceleration are likely to be imperceptible in real-world driving conditions.
Cabin Comfort and Tech: Space to Stretch, Tech to Impress
Slip inside, and the difference is immediately noticeable with an overall increased sense of space, especially for those lucky enough to be seated in the back. That said, we all know the best (Veganza-trimmed) seat is still the one behind the wheel. Here, BMW continues to impress with its tech suite: a stunning 14.9-inch curved infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system that delivers a crisp 205 watts of audio bliss, and the crystal-like interaction bar that wraps around the front occupants, echoing the futuristic elegance of the 7-Series.
But let’s not gloss over the quirks. Like the i5 sedan we tested earlier, the latest iDrive system on the Touring has lost its beloved customizable home screen widgets, and the latest interface—while sleek—is less intuitive than its predecessor. While the interface is undeniably sleek and visually stunning, it seems that style has taken precedence over usability. It’s not a deal-breaker, as we’ve seen with other vehicles, but a bit more thought and attention to user flow could greatly enhance the overall experience.
Driving Modes: Beyond Just the Basics
When it comes to enhancing the driving experience, the i5 Touring offers a range of unique driving modes that extend beyond merely adjusting the car’s dynamics. These modes set the mood and ambience for your journey, seamlessly blending tailored visuals, interior lighting colours, and “iconic sounds” to complement your driving style and mood. I found the “Relax” mode to be especially soothing during my time with the Touring, creating a unique atmosphere that made each drive rather enjoyable.
On the move, the i5 delivers remarkably brisk yet smooth acceleration, with a seamless flow of electric power that effortlessly propels it to triple-digit speeds. Despite sitting on the lower, firmer M Sport suspension, ride comfort remains impressively high, with road imperfections absorbed with ease—a testament to its well-tuned and rigid chassis. While it may not be a featherweight, the i5 Touring handles its 2,255 kilograms with confidence. Turn-in is sharp, and the steering responds swiftly and directly to inputs, though it may feel a touch too light and numb for those seeking a more engaging and thrilling driving experience. However, the truth is that if you’re seeking pure excitement, you probably wouldn’t be looking at anything with the letter “i” in front of it.
While the i5 Touring’s expertly balanced driving dynamics are commendable, the overall enjoyment is somewhat diminished not by its weight, but by its size. Measuring over 5 meters in length and 1.9 meters in width, the i5—and every other new 5 Series model—is quite a substantial vehicle. As cars continue to grow larger, our roads have not kept pace, resulting in reduced space and a narrower margin for error when navigating with enthusiasm. Find an open, winding stretch of road, however, I imagine the experience would be quite different.
Sustainability Done Right
The i5 Touring also stands out in how it approaches sustainability—not just with its zero-emission drivetrain but also in the materials used. The interior’s mix of recycled elements and the vegan-friendly Veganza leather-look trim add a green touch without compromising on luxury.
A Few Bumps in the Road
Of course, no car is perfect. The lack of adaptive cruise control with steering assist is a glaring omission, especially when even non-premium brands are offering this as standard. For a car with a price tag that starts with a “4,” this feels like a bit of a miss. It’s a reminder that, while the i5 Touring excels in many areas, there are still a few rough edges that need some polishing.
Ultimately, the BMW i5 Touring eDrive40 M Sport blends practicality, style, and genuine driving joy. Sure, it inherits some quirks from its sedan sibling—like a tech interface that could use a bit more finesse and the absence of adaptive cruise control—but it more than makes up for these with its increased cargo space, beautifully balanced design, and unmistakable BMW driving dynamics.
With a rich array of features, high-quality materials, and customisable drive modes, every journey feels enjoyable. So, if you’re wondering whether the extra S$10,000 over the sedan is worth it, think of it this way: you’re not just paying for a roomier boo
