Your Definitive Guide to the new BMW i5 Electric saloon

The new BMW i5 Electric saloon-Your Definitive Guide

May 2023 is proving to be a busy month for new electric cars, with a whole of host of announcements, innovations and updates. Volvo confirmed their new small SUV  will be ready to order soon, Land Rover confirmed the UK will be the home for its global battery production   and rumours have emerged of a “breakthrough battery” capable of up to double the range of existing technology.

All in all a busy month for zero-emission technology, which amassed some 20,000 registrations in April compared to the 13,000 for the same period last year! As the SMMT data demonstrates - electric car demand is still continuing, notwithstanding some adverse press coverage over the last few months. The ongoing obstacles in the used-EV market has not gone unnoticed but in the new car industry, the product is still evolving and being delivered to personal, business and salary sacrifice customers across the UK in some volume.

And while BMW have not been slow to the electric car revolution, they have been a tad bit sluggish compared to their arch nemesis, Mercedes, in terms of their suite of products.

While Mercedes have produced an EQA / EQB / EQC / EQE / EQS plus an array of SUVs, a people carrier EQV and also a Maybach option, the BMW group have concentrated on their SUVs via the iX1, iX and iX3. Their later innovation, the popular Gran Coupe i4, has assisted in bringing more company car focused customers.

And while SUVs are perhaps the perfect product for the UK demographic (we are genuinely obsessed), it’s important that manufacturers do offer a wide-range of options to emulate what their combustion aspects offer. So this may include smaller hatchbacks (which are cheaper), estates, sports cars and also luxury saloons.

With the BMW 5 series being the quintessential company car favourite for those looking at saloon propositions, it was only a matter of time before a pure electric model was introduced. Combining practicality, sharp designs and robust battery tech, this new Sedan is looking to win all of the accolades for 2023 - 2024.

What specifications of i5 EV can I, or the company, order? As per the  BMW  website  leasing customers can configure their perfect car, choosing from:

M Sport (the BMW i4 eDrive 40)

From £74,000 this entry model will include lumbar support, Harman/Kardon Surround Sound, BMW Online Services, M Sport brakes, heated front seats, ambient lighting, eDrive exterior sound, adaptive LED headlights, driving assistant, smartphone integration, wireless charging, 19” alloys wheels, cloth OR leatherette, leather steering wheel and M Sport steering wheel.

In terms of colours, choose between the free alpine white and chargeable paints like carbon black, black sapphire, sophisto grey, phytonic blue, cape york green and deep grey. Drivers can also upgrade their alloys to the 20” or 21” bicolour alternatives. For just over £2,000 you can opt for full individual leather in the vehicle. Not to mention a whole host on interior trim finishers like the dark silver accent, silver bronze and carbon fibre high gloss. 
     
On the Packs, you can add the Technology Plus Pack for £3,300 (adds natural interaction, interior camera, HUD and the technology pack), the Comfort Pack for £1,700 (which adds comfort access, electric bootlid, heated steering wheel and the travel comfort system) or the £5000 Comfort Plus Pack (adds front and rear comfort seats with ventilation). Other options to consider include the £470 sun protection glass, £1,200 towbar and £1,600 panoramic glass sunroof. The EV will arrive with both a Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cable.

M Sport Pro (the BMW i4 eDrive 40)

From £77,000  this makes certain elements standard including the 20” alloys, M alcantara/veganza upholstery, dark silver interior trim and Active Guard,

M Model (the BMW i4 M60 xDrive)

From £97,750  a more aggressive M version of the sedan will be made available for those customers wanting more performance and style. Offering agility, dynamics and power, this is set to offer prestige coupled with performance.

So what battery options can you get with the BMW i5? As at May 203, UK leasing customers can choose between:

1. I5 eDrive 40  - the 81.2 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 6.0 seconds, 120 mph top speeds and 250 kW (or 335 hp). This model is a RWD. Expect a combined winter range of 245 miles with warmer weather allowing for 340 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 205 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. As an executive saloon, this has a favourable cargo volume of 490L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 147 mpg. This i5 can tow 1500 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked;

2. I5 M60 xDrive Saloon  - the 81.2 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 3.8 seconds, 143 mph top speeds and 442 kW (or 593 hp). This model is a AWD. Expect a combined winter range of 225 miles with warmer weather allowing for 300 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 205 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. As an executive saloon, this has a favourable cargo volume of 490L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 132 mpg. This i5 can tow 2000 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked/

When can you order the new BWM i5?

This exciting EV is ready for order now on the BMW website. Simply configure your ideal option - and ensure BMW have your order ready if you want to receive this during 2023. The early deliveries are planned for as soon as October 2023! However, with stiff competition from comparison EVs like the Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan and the Mercedes EQE success is by no means guaranteed.

Want to know more about electric BMW leasing? Just to call our expert team at e-car lease on 01942 910 001 or email at [email protected].