The BMW i5 is a fundamental model in the brand’s portfolio, and in addition to the sedan version that we already had the opportunity to test, this time we also received a station wagon variant labeled BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring. It is already clear from the label that this is the most powerful and, of course, fully electric version of this model. It represents a combination of sporty performance, luxury and innovation, all with a practical station wagon body.
The novelty belongs to the new generation of the BMW 5 model, while it uses a universal platform, also intended for combustion engines. The tested model is therefore the first fully electric station wagon in the BMW 5 series. Just like the sedan, the BMW i5 Touring can be distinguished from the other models mainly by the front grille, the kidneys of which do not have a traditional grille, they are full and in the lower half they have motorized air intake flaps. The new double headlights have almost vertically positioned daytime running lights, which form the vehicle’s new light signature. This can be enhanced by the optional contour lighting of the BMW Iconic Glow kidneys. Other interesting features include black side sills, recessed door handles and the number 5 stamped on the lower part of the C-pillar.
The vehicle offers a wide range of equipment, but as is usual with BMW, there is always something to add and further improve the equipment or functions of the car. The tested model had some interesting extra packages, such as the adaptive M suspension Professional, which can adapt to different driving conditions and ensures maximum stability even during sporty driving. Driving Assistant Professional adds active lane keeping, adaptive cruise control and a few other features that make long journeys easier. The Innovation package includes several components that significantly improve user comfort and simplify the daily use of the vehicle, such as comfortable entry and exit, interior camera and other elements. The distinctive Fire Red color, in which we received the car, is also available for an extra charge. It gives it an aggressive look and evokes dynamics and performance. The i5 model takes quite a lot of design and equipment elements from its bigger brother, the i7. While the latter is designed more to be chauffeur driven and you sit in the right rear seat, the i5 is focused on the driver and their driving experience. I think he succeeds in this intention very well. The interior of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring is a place where sophisticated technology and premium elements meet. Very nice, elaborated details down to the smallest detail create a pleasant, comfortable and modern environment, full of innovative elements. The white leather seats are electrically adjustable, ventilated and heated in the front. They are also equipped with lateral support, which automatically adapts to the driver during sporty driving. The beautiful ambient lighting takes its inspiration from the i7 model, it can change color according to the driving mode, creating a unique atmosphere for each passenger. In the individual mode, the driver can adjust it according to his taste, but can also turn it off. The curved BMW Curved Display is turned towards the driver and hides a 12.3″ dashboard display and a 14.9″ central display under one glass. The models in the new BMW 5 series are the first for the brand to come with a completely vegan interior as standard. This includes seat covers, dashboard, door panels and, for the first time, the steering wheel. Whether this is an advantage, maybe time will tell, I can’t seem to find it there at the moment.
The Tourer version additionally gives you the argument of a large trunk for a family vehicle for your wife before you buy. The fact that in the case of the tested vehicle it is the most powerful version, the wife probably won’t appreciate it, but then again it is in a beautiful red color. And when dad takes the kids to school, he can tickle 442 kW with a torque of 820 Nm and have a little fun. With acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, the settled family station wagon suddenly becomes a sporty beast that wants to be run over. Thanks to the Boost mode, which increases power for a short time, the driver has the opportunity to use the maximum potential of the car in short sections. It is switched on with a paddle on the left side under the steering wheel and provides maximum power for 10 seconds. Regenerative braking can be adjusted according to the driver’s preferences. The system also uses automatic intelligent recovery. On winding roads, you can use the One Pedal Drive mode, which allows the driver to control the vehicle with one pedal, which, in combination with the regenerative system, means that when the gas pedal is released, the car automatically slows down and recharges the battery. It’s true, the weight can’t be fooled and you have to take it into account, but the excellently tuned chassis cuts corners very willingly and, together with a strong pull, can put a smile on your face.
The battery has a capacity of 84.4 kWh, of which 81.2 kWh is used. It can be charged by DC charging with a power of 210 kW, during the test we charged with a power of up to 216 kW. The built-in AC charger is even supplied as standard with a power of 22 kW. The charging parameters are therefore excellent despite the fact that the i5 still uses a 400 V system.
The vehicle is also available in some foreign markets, including Germany, with the Highway Assistant autonomous driving system, which allows you to take your hands off the steering wheel up to a speed of 130 km/h, while the driver only needs to watch the traffic closely. However, it is doubtful whether it will ever be available here. We also had the new parking assistant Parking Assistant Professional, including Reversing Assist. The system enables automatic parking even from a mobile phone outside the vehicle. However, this feature only works with iOS so far, so we haven’t had a chance to test it. Reversing Assist works up to a distance of 50 meters. Parking Assistant Professional also includes a trained parking system. This allows you to record a complete maneuver to a parking space with a length of up to 200 m and then repeat it at any time. It is therefore suitable if, for example, you have a complicated entrance to the yard or garage. It works very precisely and completely autonomously. You can check the route on the display. Infotainment works under the OS BMW Operating System 8.5 with a redesigned home screen. The equipment also included the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which includes the BMW Head-Up Display and Augmented View. The latter displays augmented reality on a digital dashboard. The latest version of the OS has a wider offer of digital content, focused on information and entertainment, faster updates, improved information about charging points and better access to many specific online services. Videos, for example from YouTube, are displayed directly on the central control display, as are games first introduced in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan with the AirConsole platform. The driver and passengers can play games controlled by their smartphones while the vehicle is stationary. It’s fun, for example, during a charging break. The new OS also enables purchases from the application store environment, thanks to which you can purchase additional equipment for your vehicle. Some functions can be activated for a certain time or permanently.
During testing in the summer heat, we achieved a total average consumption of 21.5 kWh/100 km, which is a very respectable result for such a powerful and large car. When driving on the highway at a speed of 130 km/h, consumption was 26.2 kWh/100 km.
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring is the perfect combination of sporty performance, luxury and the latest technology. Considering the price tag, it is clear that it is aimed at demanding and especially wealthy customers who are looking for a luxury electric station wagon with exceptional performance and advanced technologies, while not intending to give up sporty driving dynamics.
TESTY:
- Consumption in the test (kWh/100 km) 18.9 – 21.5 – 26.2
- Test range (km) 433 – 381 – 310
- AC charging power on 22 kW 3f charger (kW) 22
- Max. DC charging power UFC charger 350 kW (kW) 216
- Charging time 10-80% (min) 26
Technical data:
Fifth generation BMW eDrive electric drive, BMW xDrive electric all-wheel drive, system power: max. 442 kW, maximum torque: 820 Nm, acceleration (0-100 km/h): 3.9 seconds, battery capacity: 84.4 kWh (81.2 kWh usable), DC charging: 210 kW, AC charging 22 kW , maximum speed: 230 km/h, range according to the WLTP cycle: 444 – 506 km, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 5.9 s, range WLTP: 625 km
PROS, CONS:
+ Chassis, charging options, performance, processing, technological equipment, sound system
– Nothing important
- Model price from (with VAT): 102 000 EUR
- Tested vehicle (with VAT): 125 095 EUR
Source: www.nextech.sk
