A lot of well-known nameplates are transitioning to all-electric as automakers scramble to meet emission regulations globally. Sometimes, these changes often drastically alter a vehicle’s character, alienating customers and fans.
In the case of BMW, the eighth-generation 5-Series (G60) still thankfully retains the DNA of what made this so popular, all while still offering multiple powertrain options. The spotlight is on the battery electric variant, the i5,as it’s seen as a bit of a “fresh start” for the model in today’s electrified world.
In the Philippines, we have two variants of the electric 5: the power-crazed i5 M60 Touring, and the more sensible i5 eDrive40, which more traditional customers gravitate to, which costs P5,890,000.
Unlike BMW’s other offerings, the i5’s exterior has a traditional and conservative approach with its styling, just with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency in mind.
It sports a modestly sized and illuminated kidney grille, and the side profile retains the traditional three-box design with recessed door handles, a textured side skirt, and the traditional Hofmeister kink with a “5” engraved within. The rear is understated, with slim taillights and L-shaped trims accentuating the bumper.
Our specific eDrive40 variant comes with the standard appearance package that sports satin silver accents and two-tone 19-inch aero wheels.
Compared to the previous generation, the G60 grows in every dimension, measuring 5,060mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,515mm tall. That’s 7-Series numbers at this point. In fact, this new 5-Series resembles its larger sibling more this time, especially when you sit inside.
The entire dashboard is a total overhaul from the previous generation: following the modern trend of bucking controls for a minimalist, all-screen layout.
Amidst the sea of black plastic trimmings (in soft touch, glossy, and satin finishes) is a long strip of crystal-like material called the Interaction Bar that adds visual flair to the cabin with multi-color ambient lighting. It’s home to a few important buttons such as the door locks, hazard lights, and even airflow control, which feels odd to use at first as they’re touch-sensitive but require a firm press.
A single curved pane of glass houses the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch main display. Both run the BMW Operating System 8.5 software, which you use to control almost every function in the car as a handful of essential functions have been buried behind several menus and more capacitive buttons. At least the iDrive and volume dial are still present.
BMW wants you to use voice commands or automatic settings for functions like climate and lighting, which work well from my testing, but as a driver, commonly used functions such as these should not require you to take your eyes off the road to change something.
The entire operating system resembles a smartphone OS with various applications. It features built-in navigation that is updated with real-time traffic information, live weather, and even Spotify integration, but most will use the wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.
Other niceties include an excellent-sounding Harman Kardon sound system, a wireless phone charger, four USB-C ports, quad-zone climate control, and deployable sunshades for the rear passengers, and the BMW ConnectedDrive system where you can monitor the status of your car and other functions from your smartphone.
The suite of advanced driver assistance systems doesn’t have everything as it lacks adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera, but it features lane-keeping assistance, a blind-spot monitor with automatic rear braking, and a reversing assistant. It even features an adaptive brake regeneration mode that uses the front radar to adjust the level of recuperation on the go.
There is black Veganza vegan leather upholstery, and the front seats are very supportive, with power adjustments and memory functions. Visibility as a driver is excellent, and rear passengers have a lot of head, leg, and elbow room, thanks to the 2,995mm wheelbase.
Unfortunately, the i5 suffers in cargo capacity. Normally, the boot is spacious enough to carry several golf bags or multiple luggage with ease, but BMW Philippines has specified the i5 with a spare tire, a trade-off for not utilizing a tire inflator kit. This eats into precious cargo space and makes it hard to access the space under the false floor. The i5 lacks a front trunk, too.
Powering this massive sedan is a single rear-mounted electric motor with 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque. The electric propulsion allows it to hit 100km/h in six seconds flat, and drivers are guaranteed to get a smile on their faces from the instant torque with the option of BMW’s IconicSounds to accompany your antics.
Handling-wise, it has all the hallmarks of a traditional BMW: quick, responsive, and precise steering, a planted and confident suspension, smooth brakes that seamlessly transition from regenerative to hydraulic, and a comfortable and extremely quiet ride that easily makes do with the battered roads in Metro Manila without making passengers nauseous.
The two downsides are that the steering is a little too over-assisted, especially for a vehicle of its size, and the vehicle’s weight can be felt during acceleration and cornering as the mass shifts from one side to the other, which is to be expected from a luxury midsize battery electric vehicle.
The 81.2kWh battery is quoted for up to 582km on a single charge. In real conditions, I drove for 200km before reaching 50% charge, and my average consumption sat at 6km/kWh. It supports DC fast charging (which brings it up to 80% from 10% in around 30 minutes), and AC charging via the CCS Type 2 port.
While it may look like the tech in the cabin may need time to mature (as we’re seeing with BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse vehicles and Heart of Joy platform), the first electric 5-Series nails the fundamental aspects of a midsize executive sedan in terms of comfort and road presence while retaining the hallmarks of what makes a BMW exciting to drive.
