BMW Unveils Cutting-Edge i5 Electric Model with Dual Motors

Jan 31, 2024 04:18 AM EST

GRAYSCALE PHOTOGRAPHY OF BMW CAR — (Photo : PEXELS/Maria Geller )

A few details about the upcoming all-wheel drive i5 model were made public by the BMW Group. This marks the third variation of the BMW i5, now equipped with dual motors, and it's set to begin production in March, emerging as a 2025 model-year electric vehicle.

i5 Electric Model Coming Soon

The BMW i5 series itself is a relatively recent addition to the company's electric vehicle offerings, having made its debut just last year as a 2023 model. Initially introduced with the eDrive40 and the more powerful M60 version, the series now extends its reach with this third all-electric i5 variant, showcasing the brand's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle options and catering to a broader range of customer preferences.

Positioned in terms of pricing between the eDrive40 and M60 variants, the BMW i5 xDrive40 promises to offer a balanced blend of performance and affordability within the i5 lineup. Electrek provided information about this most recent BMW development.

Furthermore, the report share what consumers can expect from this car manufacturer. As shared in the article, everyone can expect a BMW third all electric i5 variant. It will be called xDrive40. Its production is set to begin in March.

Presenting: BMW i5 xDrive40

Upon unveiling the all-electric 5-Series, the i5, BMW initially presented a base-level variant featuring a single motor, known as the i5 eDrive40, alongside a high-performance edition equipped with two motors, named the i5 M60. However, come March, BMW plans to introduce an intermediary option, the i5 xDrive40, bridging the gap between these two models in terms of performance and features.

CarScoops gave consumers a glimpse of BMW i5 variant - xDrive40. The latest addition to the i5 lineup will feature a dual-motor configuration, with one motor positioned at the front axle and another at the rear axle, combining to produce 389 horsepower (290 kW/394 PS) and 435 lb-ft (590 Nm) of torque.

This marks an increase of 54 horsepower (40 kW/55 PS) compared to the base i5 eDrive40, while remaining approximately 200 horsepower (149 kW/203 PS) less powerful than the top-tier i5 M60.

Its twin motors makes it possible for the i5 xDrive40 to boast an impressive acceleration capability, reaching 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds. This represents a half-second improvement over the single-motor variant and is 1.5 seconds behind the quickest model in terms of acceleration.
BMW has not disclosed the precise range for the upcoming model, but it is anticipated to fall between the i5 M60's 256 miles (412 km) and the i5 eDrive40's 295 miles (475 km). However, the car will feature an 84.3 kWh battery pack capable of rapid charging at speeds of up to 205 kW at DC fast-charging stations, enabling it to go from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in just 30 minutes.

Electrek also shared that this latest BMW i5 model introduces Plug & Charge functionality. Thus, allowing it to save up to five different accounts from different charging networks within its iDrive system.

The AWD BMW i5 xDrive40 is said to enter the market with an MSRP of $70,100.