BMW i5 2023: BMW’s new electric car

BMW, the German automaker, has confirmed the launch of the all-electric version of the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series model this year, marking the end of this model’s seven-year run.

The new electric car, called BMW i5, will bring a radical transformation from both a technological and stylistic point of view. This is part of BMW’s major transition to producing electric cars, according to the company’s sales report for 2023, released this week. In this report, BMW proposed to derive 15% of its sales this year from electric vehicles.

«We will continue to have a clear focus on electromobility. The next goal for 2023 is for 15 percent of our total sales to come from fully electric vehicles,» said BMW head of sales Pieter Nota. “With the launch of the BMW i5 later this year, we are taking another important step towards the electrification of our model range,” he said.

Design of the BMW i5 2023

From the first images already appearing on the Internet, it seems that BMW is developing the new generation of the 5 Series with a familiar silhouette, which suggests that the BMW i5 from 2023 will have traditional sedan proportions.

For fans of the old grille, there is good news: from the images that have appeared, it seems that BMW will not adopt the highly criticized grille with a vertical accent, the one seen on the 4 series models nor that of the BMW iX. The new 5 Series’ grille looks bigger, but luckily it won’t extend all the way down. The future model is expected to feature flush (but not retractable) door handles for a clean look and aerodynamic benefits.

Mainly, it seems that the future 5 Series model, especially in the sedan version, will not undergo significant changes in terms of its current appearance and dimensions. Furthermore, this luxury executive car will retain the distinctive design of the BMW range, namely the horizontal kidney-shaped grille, instead of adopting the huge vertical butterfly-shaped grille, present on several BMW models starting from the Mk2 4 Series. It seems that the electric version of the 5 Series will share the same classic design of the BMW range, thus avoiding the controversies associated with the new BMW models.

The BMW i5 has been designed with a new front design, which gives it a youthful and more dynamic appearance. The headlights have been reshaped and now feature unique daytime running light rings with a hexagonal shape and blue tint, adding an additional element of style to the car. The kidney-shaped grille has been enlarged and has a completely covered surface, without vertical bars. The «i» symbol and blue frame are added to the front of the car to indicate that it is a BMW i model.

The bonnet has been outlined with more pronounced pencil lines and has a lower shape, creating an impression of speed and agility. Meet the kidney-shaped grille, which is also clad, creating a sleek, seamless look. The bumper is robust, with strong ends, which contain vertical air panels towards the outer edge, which direct rushing air towards the wheels, to improve the performance and aerodynamic efficiency of the car.

BMW prototypes tested on public roads proved the tailgate to be more aerodynamic, thanks to the coupe-like way it blends harmoniously into the windshield. The trunk lid spoiler is sharper, suggesting a separate aerodynamic addition. The car’s low, wide stance is accentuated by slim, angular taillights. Although they are connected by a thin light strip on the prototype, it seems that BMW designers have no intention of including this detail on the iX or i4 models.

The BMW i5 appears to be equipped with the Sport package, as suggested by the diffuser rear sill. The lower part of the sill features blue accents on the edges, providing a sporty contrast and highlighting the car’s eDrive system. These elements compensate for the absence of two exhausts, which are present on conventional BMW models, but are not necessary on electric vehicles

BMW i5 2023 variant

According to information provided by BMWBlog, it appears that the future BMW i5 model will be available in eDrive40, xDrive40 and M50 versions. The eDrive40 version will be equipped with a powerful rear motor of around 250 kW (equivalent to 335 HP), while the xDrive40 version will be equipped with an additional front motor to provide better traction and higher power. The most powerful model, the BMW i5 M50, will have the same configuration, but with an impressive additional power, estimated at over 400 kW (equivalent to 536 hp). Furthermore, the battery is assumed to be 80.7 kWh, which would guarantee an impressive range of around 550 kilometers according to the WLTP standard.

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Although the BMW Group has not yet confirmed it, it is assumed that the operating voltage of the electric 5 Series model would be around 400 volts or even less. In this case it can be expected that fast charging will be possible with a power of 200 kW. With fast charging of around 200kW for ten minutes, customers purchasing the 5 Series should benefit from a range of over 120km. As for the maximum alternating current (AC) power supported by the i5, it could be 11 kW, which would mean a full battery charge in around 8-9 hours.

Release date

BMW has announced that it will offer only electric variants in Europe at the launch of the seventh-generation 7 Series, underlining the priority given to electric mobility. In the US and China, BMW will offer both electric and internal combustion versions at launch.

The company will introduce the all-electric 5 Series to its portfolio in 2023, already having at least one all-electric model in 90% of its market segments. BMW first launched its electric version, the i7, alongside the latest generation 7 Series in April 2022 and is expected to introduce the next generation 5 Series and its first i5 model in 2023. According to an October 2021 report, the next generation 5 Series could be «launched» by late spring 2023, but it’s unclear whether this refers to the global launch or the launch in China.