The BMW i5 is an all-electric version of the popular 5 Series sedan, and for the first time, there is also a battery-powered version of the 5 Series wagon. Additionally, the German company is offering a plug-in hybrid version of the wagon in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
However, the BMW i5 Touring and the 5 Series Touring plug-in hybrid will not be available in the United States. A previous press release dashed Americans’ hopes of ever getting their hands on the electrified wagons with the statement: “The unique combination of sporty elegance, modern functionality, and locally emission-free driving pleasure is developed specifically for the automotive markets in Europe as well as in Japan and Taiwan.”
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The 5 Series wagon goes all-electric
The BMW i5 Touring is the German company’s first-ever series production all-electric wagon. It comes with a larger trunk than the sedan but, unlike the sedan, it won’t be offered in the United States. In fact, none of the 5 Series’ wagon options are available here.
BMW is offering a variety of powertrain options for the 5 Series Touring, including plug-in hybrid gasoline options, mild-hybrid diesel burners, and all-electric trims. Despite this, an all-electric wagon, especially one branded as a premium product, is quite unique in the automotive industry.
It could be argued that the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo and the Nio ET5 Touring in China and Europe are wagons, but the options are limited. The MG5 and Volkswagen’s ID.7 Tourer are also in the mix, but they have their own market focuses.
So, what does the i5 Touring offer? Well, a larger trunk than its sedan counterpart, for starters. BMW claims the wagon has a cargo volume between 570 and 1,700 liters (20.1 to 60 cubic feet), regardless of the powertrain version. In comparison, the i5 sedan sold in the United States has 490 liters or 17.3 cubic feet.
Aside from the different body style, the electric wagon is similar to the sedan in terms of its battery, electric motors, charging capabilities, and technology.
The base i5 Touring, labeled eDrive40, comes with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 230 kW (308 hp) in day-to-day driving conditions and 250 kW (335 hp) in Sport mode. Torque is rated at 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) but increases to 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) in Sport Boost or Launch Control.
The WLTP driving range of the BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring is between 300 and 348 miles (483 to 560 kilometers).
The most powerful version, the i5 M60 xDrive Touring, features a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup producing 380 kW (509 hp) most of the time and up to 442 kW (592 hp) in optimal conditions. Torque is also higher, with 586 lb-ft (795 Nm) available most of the time and up to 604 lb-ft (820 Nm) with select features active. Its range on a full charge is between 276 and 314 miles (445 to 506 km).
Regarding charging, the i5 Touring can accept up to 205 kW of power from DC sources and up to 11 kW from an AC source (a 22 kW onboard charger is available as an option).
On the plug-in hybrid front, the 5 Series Touring comes in either 530e or 530e xDrive form, both combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor to produce a combined output of 220 kW (295 hp) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm). The all-electric driving range is between 49 and 59 miles (79 to 96 km) on the WLTP cycle thanks to a 19.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack.
Pricing for the BMW i5 Touring starts at 72,200 Euros in Germany, which is about $78,600 and includes VAT.
Would an electric 5 Series appeal to you if it ever made it to the U.S.? Let us know in the comments section below.