BMW’s first electric estate is now on sale, as the i5 Touring joins the saloon. One of a small group of EV wagons, it combines comfort, practicality and driving pleasure and demonstrates that the estate isn’t dead yet. The 5 Series will also return as a Touring, with the plug-in hybrid 530e joining the lineup in autumn and petrol and diesel models following.
Increased Practicality, Increased Proportions
The new generation has a wider boot, contributing to the increased volume of 570 litres, across all powertrains. This can be extended to 1,700 litres if the rear seats are folded down. Speaking of the rear seats, they are configured in a 40:20:40 split and can be remotely unlocked from the luggage compartment. This added space and practicality is reflected in its dimensions. It has the longest wheelbase in its class, rising by 20 millimetres to 2,995 millimetres. Rear passengers will benefit the most from the growth of the Touring, with it being 17 millimetres higher, 32 millimetres wider and the total length increasing by nearly 10 centimetres.
Plenty of Powertrains
The 5 Series Touring is based on a flexible drive architecture that allows combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and EV systems to be produced on one production line at BMW’s Dingolfing plant. The 5 Series is initially available with two electric options, the i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60. The order books are open, with deliveries beginning in May, whilst the 530e plug-in hybrid will go on sale in the autumn of this year. A 520d xDrive has been pictured, whilst a petrol model has been confirmed, although when these will be available has not yet been revealed.
An Electric M5 Touring?
The i5 M60 is available with the Touring body and offers practicality, but also fantastic performance. With a 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds, it’s not far off the M3 Touring and beats many of the Taycan Sport and Cross Turismo models. It has an electric motor on both axles, providing all-wheel drive and a power output of 601 horsepower and 795 Nm of torque. With M Launch Control or M Sport Boost activated this number can rise to 820, providing extra performance. The top model also gets Adaptive Chassis Professional as standard, adaptive M Suspension Professional and an M Sport braking system. Integral Active Steering is equipped, although the Adaptive M Chassis Professional with Active Roll Stabilisation and Active Roll Comfort is also available only as an additional option.
Range and Charging
With the extra performance and setup not being as oriented towards efficiency, the M60 has a range of up to 314 miles, whereas the eDrive40 can cover up to 348 miles on a full charge. Speaking of the cheaper model, it can reach 62 mph from stationary in 6.1 seconds, meaning it’s no slouch. Both models use a high-voltage battery, providing 81.2 kWh of usable energy. The battery can be charged with alternating current with an output of up to 22 kW on the Sport model and M60 and is optional on other models. The battery can be charged with a direct current of up to 205 kW.
A Wide Choice of Trims
The new 5 Series Touring will be available in four trim levels in the UK, with the Sport Edition, M Sport and M Sport Pro joining the i5 M60, which sits at the top of the trim options. The Sport Edition is new for the 5 Series in the UK and provides the cheapest entry point for the new generation. It is available with 19” light alloy wheels and Phytonic Blue Metallic paint as standard. It has aluminium finishes as well as Sun Protection Glass. Inside it features the Interaction Bar and a Harmon Kardon sound system. All models feature Vegan leather inside with alloy wheels up to 21 inches in diameter.
The M Sport gains gloss black exterior mirror caps and 19-inch M wheels as well as the M logo to differentiate it from the base Sport Edition. The M Sport Pro has a more aggressive design with an M Rear Spoiler, high-gloss Shadowline and a black Kidney Grille with Iconic Glow. It has larger 20-inch alloy wheels as standard as well as red M Sport brakes. This trim level and the M60 can be specified with Merino leather upholstery and a panoramic glass roof. The M60 has some additional features over the M Sport Pro, such as a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, which is optional on lower trim levels. It receives 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels at no additional cost.
Technology: For Safety and Enjoyment
Two giant screens dominate the interior. The 12.3-inch Information Display and 14.9-inch Control Display form the Curved Display. The Interaction Bar and flat bottom steering wheel contribute to a luxurious, modern interior. The 5 Series also benefits from plenty of safety features. The Driving Assistant Professional includes Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control with Stop & Go function. In certain countries, the Highway Assistant is available, which allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel if they are paying attention to traffic. This self-driving feature also includes Active Lane Change Assistant with eye activation. Parking Assistant Professional is optional but includes automated parking and manoeuvring which can be controlled from a phone.
The iDrive display runs BMW Operating System 8.5 and has a new home screen and the “QuickSelect” quick access function. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which is an optional extra, includes a head-up display and an augmented view on the Curved Display. The infotainment system offers some entertainment, which could be handy when charging. The Connected Package Professional offers YouTube and the Video app for streaming videos on the Control Display. The new iDrive enables the use of in-car gaming with the AirConsole platform. The 5 Series Touring will always feature the most up-to-date software with the Remote Software Upgrades function.
Practicality Comes At a Price
The i5 Touring starts at £69,040 before options. This is the i5 eDrive40 in the Sport Edition trim before any of the plentiful options are added. The M60 starts at £99,040. They are slightly more expensive than their saloon counterparts, but the additional space means they’re worth the extra cost. Both electric estates are currently on sale, with deliveries beginning in May.
