This year, at the legendary Concorso d’Eleganza at the stunning Villa d’Este on Lake Como, we were fortunate enough to get an up-close look at the first-ever BMW i5. And let us tell you, we were absolutely blown away by its captivating new design. As extraordinary as ever, boasting a plethora of cutting-edge digital advancements and, for the very first time, a fully electrified drive – this is how the new BMW 5 Series Sedan conquers all challenges. And now, we had the incredible opportunity to embark on a thrilling test drive with the BMW i5 M60 amidst the breathtaking surroundings of Lisbon and Porto.

Exterior design

The new BMW i5 design embodies a perfect blend of sporty elegance, featuring slightly larger dimensions compared to its predecessor. At the front, this modernised model showcases the iconic twin headlights and kidney grille, now with an optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting. The side view highlights its athletic prowess, characterised by a high shoulder line, well-defined surfaces, and two prominent character lines. The dynamic shape gracefully leads to a distinctive rear highlighted by flat rear lights split by a chrome strip in the shape of an "L".

Interior design

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan introduces a groundbreaking feature – a vegan interior. From the seats to the door panels and even the steering wheel, the high-quality leather alternative Veganza takes center stage. Furthermore, the cockpit has undergone a modern transformation. With digitised functions and a driver-oriented BMW Curved Display, the 5 Series achieves a seamless blend of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display. Alongside, the flattened lower section of the steering wheel incorporates haptic feedback on the control panels and a center console-mounted selector lever. For added convenience, drivers can opt for the BMW Interaction Bar, an illuminated unit that spans the width of the instrument panel, extending into the door panels, complete with touch-sensitive control panels.

Perfomance and charging

The advanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology powers the all-electric BMW i5, available in two versions – the BMW i5 eDrive40 and the BMW i5 M60 xDrive. We had the incredible opportunity to experience the sheer power and thrill of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive, the ultimate top model during our test drive. The car offers up to 442 kW/601 hp of power, along with M performance and unique design elements. With the activation of the M Sport Boost or M Launch Control functions, the electric all-wheel drive distributes 820 Nm of torque between the front and rear axles. This remarkable combination enables the BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h. We have to say, it’s a pure joy of driving the BMW i5 M60 that left us breathless.

The BMW i5 M60 xDrive offers a range of 455 to 516 kilometers on a single charge (according to WLTP). With the new MAX RANGE feature, the range can be boosted by up to 25% by optimising power and speed while temporarily disabling comfort functions if needed. The range of your vehicle will vary depending on several factors, including your driving mode. When you switch to Sport mode, get ready to experience an exhilarating and dynamic ride, where the full sound experience unfolds with a dominant sound conveying power and speed. However then your range is more towards 400 kilometres. In terms of charging: the BMW i5 includes a standard Combined Charging Unit (CCU) that delivers up to 11kW of AC power, but you have the option to upgrade to a total of 22 kW. Additionally, it supports direct current (DC) charging of up to 205 kW, enabling a charge from 10 to 80 percent in just around 30 minutes.

Semi-autonomous driving

What is definitely worth to mention: the BMW 5 Series stands as a monumental achievement, being the first vehicle approved in Germany for partial self-driving capabilities of up to 130 km/h. This groundbreaking feature showcases BMW's unparalleled advancements in the realm of semi-autonomous driver aids.

So what does that mean: drivers can experience self-driving at speeds of up to 130 km/h without the need to touch the steering wheel for continuous engagement. A new interior camera monitors the driver's attention by tracking their face and eyes. Moreover, the upgraded lane change assistant employs state-of-the-art sensors and cameras to assess lane change possibilities. The vehicle will provide a clear signal when it's safe to change lanes, allowing drivers to effortlessly shift their focus to the corresponding side mirror. With these advancements, BMW redefines the driving experience, ensuring safety and convenience for all.

During our test drive, we encountered the semi-autonomous technology and the lane change assistant. The ability to overtake using eye control is an extraordinary and captivating feature. While it may initially seem unfamiliar, it quickly became second nature. This cutting-edge innovation offers a truly thrilling experience, making driving feel effortless and safe.

The all-electric BMW i5 M60 offers a truly exhilarating driving experience, combining confidence, dynamism, comfort, and harmony. Its stunning design, both inside and out, is absolutely captivating.

Pictures: Enes Kucevic / BMW for ellectric