Although on occasion BMW has not been particularly encouraged by a rapid shift towards electric mobility, repeatedly highlighting the problems of this accelerated transition, it has little or nothing to do with the increase in its electric range. The Germans want to become a reference in the sector, offering a wide variety of products. To those already known, today we have to add the last of the confirmations, the electric BMW i5.
During the meeting held to report on the results achieved in the first quarter, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has confirmed the arrival of a 100% electric version of the BMW 5 Series. “Over the coming months and years, this accelerated pace will continue. The iX1 will launch later this year. This means that one of our highest-volume models in the premium compact class will also be available as a pure electric vehicle. Next year, we will electrify another core product of the BMW brand: the 5 Series.”
The arrival of the BMW iX1 was already known by all, BMW has been responsible more than once to remind us of its landing. However, although the rumors were very intense, the arrival of an intermediate model in the range below the BMW i7 had yet to be confirmed. The strategy to follow is going to be almost identical to that taken with the great saloon of representation. On the one hand there will be the thermal versions under the emblem of the 5 Series and on the other hand the 100% electric units that will receive the name of BMW i5.
At the moment many data and details remain to be known. The launch of the i5 is scheduled for the second half of next year. It will be then when we discover what secrets it keeps for us. One of the issues of greatest interest will be aesthetics. It will be necessary to see if BMW opt for a more conservative design or, on the contrary, opt for a more risky format like that of the BMW i7. Where there is no doubt is in the technological section, being able to show almost all the elements presented in his older brother.
We recently learned that BMW is working on a completely new platform for its electric models. Under the name ‘Neue Klasse’, the architecture will not come into play before 2025, so the BMW i5 will feature a modified version of the current CLAR platform. This will mount state-of-the-art electric propellers and a set of high-capacity batteries that will allow it to roll for autonomy of more than 600 kilometers. A direct rival of the Mercedes EQE that is currently very lonely.
There is still a year to discover the i5, although it has already been seen during various stages of its development phase. During the results meeting, Zipse himself has commented that they have been surprised by the excellent reception of their electric models, mainly the new BMW i4 and BMW iX. They will be the ones who give up much of their technology to drive the new Series 5. Little by little we will know more details, including what versions and what official autonomies they will present.
