BMW’s new large, electric sedan and its petrol brother are not all that far away from Australia.
The brand hasn’t officially locked in launch timing just yet, beyond the global press team confirming the first launches for the i5 electric sedan will take place in October in some markets.
But CarExpert understands the car is on track to hit local showrooms before the end of 2023, with its petrol-powered 5 Series following close behind it.
Set for reveal in the coming months, the i5 will take on the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan, along with the next Audi A6 e-tron, the Genesis Electrified G80, and the Tesla Model S.
The i5 sedan and wagon will sit alongside the petrol- and diesel-powered 5 Series in BMW showrooms, with a similar design – just like the i4 sits alongside the 4 Series, but features unique wheels, detailing, and grilles.
Under the skin, the i5 rides on a version of the CLAR platform that will also underpin the petrol 5er, and forms the base for the i4 and iX electric cars.
BMW has confirmed it will offer a longer-range, less-powerful i5 eDrive40 with rear-wheel drive, and an all-wheel drive M60 xDrive flagship.
How much power they’ll offer isn’t yet clear; the iX xDrive40 makes 240kW and 630Nm, while the M60 pumps out 455kW and 1100Nm.
Rear-wheel steering, active anti-roll technology, and a fully active suspension setup will be offered. BMW promises it will blend “ride comfort approaching BMW 7 Series levels with the sporting agility familiar from the BMW 3 Series”.
It’ll also feature a new active driver assist suite. In some markets, the highway driving assistant is capable of acceleration, braking, and steering at up to 130km/h.
An interior camera means when the driver looks at the relevant exterior mirror, the car will make a lane change in that direction if it’s safe.
Production of the new i5 will start in Dingolfing, Germany in the Northern Hemisphere’s summer ahead of first global deliveries in October 2023.
