BMW has officially commenced the production of its highly anticipated i5 series electric car, filling the gap between the i4 and i7 models in their electric car lineup.
Manufactured at the BMW Group Dingolfing Factory, Europe’s largest production base, the i5 sedan is set to hit the United States (US) market by the end of 2023.
The BMW i5 boasts cutting-edge technology and remarkable performance, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market. According to Gizmochina’s report on Monday (24/7/2023), the base model, i5 eDrive40, is equipped with rear-wheel drive and offers an impressive estimated EPA range of 270 to 295 miles, supported by a 340 HP powertrain that allows for a swift 0-60 mph acceleration in just 5.7 seconds.
With a price tag of US$66,800 or approximately IDR 1 billion, the BMW i5 promises a perfect blend of efficiency and driving pleasure. Stepping inside the car, you’ll be greeted by a dominating 14.9-inch infotainment touch screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Reminiscent of Tesla cars, the i5 provides its users access to streaming services and the luxury of playing video games while parked.
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For those seeking even more power, the i5 M60 is also available at a starting price of US$84,100 or approximately IDR 1.26 billion. The i5 M60 is equipped with a robust 601 HP engine and an all-wheel-drive variant that can go from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds. However, its range is slightly reduced, offering an EPA-estimated range of 240 to 256 miles.
The BMW i5 comes equipped with the “Driving Assistance Professional” package, offering a hands-free driving experience on the highway at speeds of up to 85 mph. The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) enables the car to change lanes and automatically activate its indicators based on the driver’s signals through the rearview mirror. Furthermore, the car’s interior camera continuously monitors the driver’s attention level, sending an alert if focus seems to wane.
To ensure maximum driver safety while using the hands-free feature, the i5 is powered by the latest OS 8.5 software from BMW. This software works seamlessly with the ADAS system to provide a safe and secure driving experience.