BMW Rolls Out Electric i5 and 5 Series Worldwide
Munich recently witnessed the launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the inaugural BMW i5 Sedan, which was first introduced in South Korea. These models are now reaching dealerships in several other regions. In Germany, customer deliveries are set to commence on October 21, 2023, with other European countries following suit on the same day. The U.S. market will welcome the new BMW 5 Series on October 28, 2023, with additional global markets joining from November 25, 2023.
The latest, eighth-generation BMW 5 Series is the top choice for a business sedan and debuts its electric iteration, the BMW i5. The BMW i5, particularly in high demand even before its sales start, marks a significant step in BMW's electric mobility expansion. Two versions of the BMW i5 will be available from the beginning. The BMW i5 eDrive40 Sedan offers up to 254 kW and a 498- 582 km range per WLTP cycle, with a combined power consumption of 18.9 - 15.9 kWh/100 km. The flagship BMW i5 M60 xDrive Sedan boasts up to 601 horsepower and slightly higher power consumption.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan's appeal extends beyond its electric models, featuring cutting-edge digital services for gaming, streaming, and advanced driver assistance systems. A standout feature in Germany is the Highway Assistant, which allows hands-free driving at speeds up to 130 km/h as long as the driver remains vigilant. Another innovative feature is the Automatic Lane Change, which enables lane changes with a mirror check.
The BMW 5 Series Touring will debut globally in spring 2024. Sharing the same range of engines as the new Sedan, it will be the first premium car in its category to offer efficient combustion engines, including 48-volt mild hybrid technology, plug-in hybrids, and an all-electric drive. Designed for European, Japanese, and Taiwanese markets, it combines sporty elegance and modern functionality with eco-friendly driving.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW i5 cost in South Africa?
The BMW i5 eDrive40 starts from around R1,250,000 in South Africa, while the flagship i5 M60 xDrive will likely push closer to R1,800,000 when it arrives at local dealers.
Q: Is the BMW i5 worth buying over a petrol 5 Series?
The i5 delivers 254 kW of instant electric torque and costs significantly less to run than petrol variants, making it worth the premium if you can handle the charging logistics and have a budget over R1.2 million.
Q: What is the BMW i5 range and charging time?
The i5 eDrive40 offers between 498-582 km range on a full charge and can rapid charge from 10-80% in around 30 minutes using a DC fast charger, making it practical for longer South African road trips.
Q: When will the BMW i5 be available in South Africa?
BMW South Africa typically receives new models 3-6 months after global launch, so expect the i5 to arrive at local dealerships around March-April 2024 with first deliveries following shortly after.
Q: Should I wait for the BMW 5 Series Touring electric version?
The 5 Series Touring launches globally in spring 2024 but BMW South Africa rarely brings Touring models here, so if you want an electric BMW wagon, you'll likely need to stick with the X3 iX3 or wait for the iX1.
Should You Buy It?
The BMW i5 eDrive40 at around R1,250,000 is absolutely the best executive electric sedan you can buy in South Africa right now. With 254 kW of smooth electric power, a real-world range of over 450 km, and BMW's excellent build quality, it demolishes rivals like the Genesis Electrified G80 and Mercedes EQE on both performance and value. Yes, it's expensive, but if you're spending over R1.2 million on a luxury sedan anyway, the i5 gives you cutting-edge tech, instant torque, and running costs that'll make your accountant smile. The only reason to hesitate is if you can't install home charging or regularly drive routes longer than 400 km without decent charging infrastructure. For everyone else with the budget, this is an easy yes.
