BMW i5 Touring: A New Electric Option in the Onslaught of Electric SUVs
The electric car segment is dominated by oversized SUVs, but the BMW i5 Touring is a breath of fresh air in this category. We took it for a test drive on the Autobahn to see how it performs.
While electric sedans are making a comeback, the market is overflowing with large-size SUVs. The category of station wagons has been somewhat neglected, with limited offerings. On one side, we have vehicles like the MG 5 and the Peugeot e-308 SW, with versatility that may be somewhat limited. On the other side, there’s the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, which may be too exotic and tight for regular use. In the midst of this, BMW introduces the i5 Touring, ahead of the next Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer.
Launched in 1992, the BMW 5 Series Touring E34 gave birth to the brand’s famous station wagon range. Now in its sixth generation with the G61 model, the new BMW i5 Touring is not only available with traditional and plug-in hybrid engines but also for the first time as a fully electric version. We tested the M60 xDrive station wagon on the German Autobahn.
Compact Size and Manageable Weight
The i5 Touring stands out due to its rear design, maintaining the length of the wagon at 5.06 meters. However, with dimensions identical to the sedan, the wagon raises questions about the need for a conventional sedan. The weight is also well-managed, with only a total of 45 kg of extra weight due to new body panels and interior enhancements.
The trunk capacity has been increased from 490 liters to 570 liters, irrespective of the mechanical configuration. The usable volume remains constant and can reach up to 1,700 liters with the rear seats folded down. The interior space remains unchanged with the same wheelbase, providing sufficient room for passengers. The front cockpit continues to be technologically advanced with a large display and elegant lighting effects.
Power of an M5 in an Electric Wagon
The available motor options are the same as those in the sedan. The electric version includes the eDrive40 with a rear electric motor producing 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque. Above this is the high-performance M60 xDrive with dual motors generating 517 hp and 795 Nm of torque, or even 601 hp and 820 Nm in Sport mode.
The M60 xDrive model, akin to the previous generation M5, is well-suited for its missions, especially on German roads. It offers quick acceleration (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) and smooth overtaking capabilities. The acceleration is firm but gentle, unlike some other models, providing a consistent push up to 200 km/h.
The BMW i5 Touring M60 xDrive performs excellently at high speeds. It maintains stability without requiring frequent steering corrections and offers top-notch safety features, including robust regenerative braking and adaptable anti-roll bars. Although its top speed is capped, the BMW i5 M60 Touring excels on the Autobahn.
A More Convincing eDrive40 Touring?
Similar to the sedan, the BMW i5 Touring is available with the eDrive40 version, featuring a single rear motor producing 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque. This model provides sufficient power, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 193-199 km/h. Based on previous tests, the eDrive40 Touring could offer around 430 km of mixed-range and approximately 320 km on highways.
The eDrive40 model, without a front motor, offers a more pleasing driving experience with lighter front-end handling and better overall balance. While the handling may be slightly less precise on winding roads, the driving comfort and practicality of the vehicle are enhanced. The significant price difference between the eDrive40 M Sport and M60 xDrive models may make the eDrive40 a more appealing choice.
The Autobahn: A Challenge for Range
The high speeds on the Autobahn make it challenging to provide accurate consumption figures for normal usage. According to the WLTP standard, the M60 model consumes 1.7 kWh/100 km more on average than the eDrive40 model. Despite the additional luggage capacity, the Touring model shows only a minimal increase in consumption compared to the sedan.
During our assessment, we recorded an average consumption of 36.6 kWh/100 km at an average speed of 133 km/h. At this rate, the BMW i5 Touring M60 xDrive could offer an autonomy of around 210 km. The vehicle’s 81.2 kWh battery, the same as the sedan model, can be charged from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes with a peak power of 205 kW.
BMW Highway Assistant: Hands-Free Driving up to 130 km/h
In addition to high-speed testing, we explored the BMW Highway Assistant, which can manage speeds, distances, and lane changes autonomously up to 130 km/h, without the need for constant hand presence on the steering wheel. This system, which requires the driver to focus on the road, not only prompts lane changes but also executes them after the driver provides visual confirmation. While considered a step towards autonomous driving, the utility of this feature remains questionable as manual maneuvers are often quicker and more efficient.
Conclusion: The Ideal Choice
The BMW i5 Touring demonstrates the practicality and dynamic performance of electric wagons without compromising on efficiency. The Touring variant is a preferred option over the sedan, offering more practicality at a reasonable incremental cost. Although the price range is on the higher side, starting at €77,700 for the BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring, the model offers a compelling electric wagon solution in the market.