If the 5 Series Touring enjoyed great success during its career, it also had to go through an electric box. The 5 Series Touring has exactly the same dimensions, regardless of whether it is in the thermal or electric version. As soon as we said that, it is true that we are facing a car that is very long and impressive. Compared to the previous generation 5 Series Touring, it is longer, wider and taller. For the first time, it exceeds 5 meters in length from 5.06 m. Our width is 1.90 m and height is 1.51 m.

A more assertive style

At the front, we depart from what BMW has accustomed us to, such as more tapered headlights with vertically positioned LEDs that serve as both daytime running lights and indicators. Obviously, this is a BMW, so we have the presence of the brand’s legendary double grille. A full, very impressive double grille, which on our presentation version of the I5 Touring edrive40 is surrounded by lighting on all sides.
It has the M Sport trim for €4,350 and the M sport professional package for €2,100. This means that our presentation i5 is equipped with an updated black screen, the same goes for the air intakes located on the ends of the bumper. Looking at the front, we see a sculpted hood that emphasizes the sporty side. You also get M badging on the fenders, 20-inch wheels and red calipers, also with the M logo as an option. Finally, you have the presence of flush door handles, which improves the car’s aerodynamics.

Big, but not big!

The i5 Touring has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2.99m. In fact, it’s certainly impressive, but the black rocker panels, gloss black shadow line and black roof rails reinforce the dynamic and fluid lines of this i5. Compared to the old versions, the rear end of the new Touring version is more muscular. The effect, in particular, is due to the significantly larger rear shield, as well as the diffuser, which is specific to our version. The design of the lamps adds nuance to everything. They have a much wider design, using that ‘L’ shape typical of BMW. Because the rear is wider, you also have a wide trunk with just one cargo compartment that stays low. In terms of boot space, this I5 Touring offers 570 liters in its regular configuration and up to 1,700 liters with the rear seats down. A little light for a car over 5 meters, especially when compared to the competition.

Technology and comfort

On board this BMW I5 Touring eDrive 40, you immediately catch the eye with the huge plate facing the driver. It consists of two screens of 12 and 15 inches. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen on other models equipped with this panel, the whole thing is not very ergonomic with a huge number of sub-menus. However, BMW decided to remedy the situation by improving the display system. To do this, they added “quick selection”, a quick selection in French that allows you to access the main functions of the car more quickly without having to search through all the menus. Thanks to this screen, we control various driving parameters, as well as air conditioning.
On the other hand, we have some shortcuts present under the screen as well as on the center console. Here you have a control panel, as well as a crystal dial that allows you to control the screen.
Returning to the driver’s side, you’ll find a redesigned flat-top steering wheel. On the other hand, this I5 comes standard with BMW’s interactive light bar that crosses the dashboard and continues onto the doors.
In this version, we have a very high-quality two-tone leather upholstery, but it still costs 2,300 euros. You also get a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated front seats with electric memory.

In the back, this i5 Touring offers us plenty of room, be it for legs, shoulders or overhead. We’re not left out in terms of equipment in the back of the car with the presence of a screen for controlling the air conditioning and seats, as well as the presence of four USB Type-C connectors.

When is it scheduled?

For this presentation, we had the entry-level version of the i5 Touring, namely the i5 eDrive40, which develops 340 hp. and a maximum torque of 430 Nm, has a rear-wheel drive engine built into the rear axle. As for the battery, this i5 eDrive40 offers a capacity of 81.2 kWh. You combine this battery with an improved version of regenerative braking and you get a range of 300 to 350 miles on the WLTP cycle. We will wait for the measurements from the Auto Plus laboratory to know the real autonomy. BMW released this I5 in a sporty version with the M60 xDrive version, which develops 601 hp. and 79 Nm of torque. The latter offers from 445 to 506 km of autonomy in the WLTP cycle.
It’s time to talk about the annoying thing – the price. The eDrive40 i5 version starts at 76,200 euros. As for the M60 xDrive, its starting price is 107,500 euros. Its commercial launch is scheduled for May 2024.

In the meantime, you can watch the i5 eDrive40 sedan test on the AutoPlus YouTube channel.

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