The BMW 5 Series Sedan has come a long way since its debut in 1972, and now, as we approach the fall of 2023, the highly anticipated eighth generation of this successful business sedan is almost here. This time, BMW has taken things a step further by launching the new model as a fully electric car under the name of BMW i5.
As the countdown to the premiere of the BMW i5 Sedan continues, the automaker has released some exciting details about the camouflaged prototypes that have been on tour for the past year. The prototypes have covered thousands of kilometers on various roads and surfaces, including in Denmark and on ice and snow in the Nordics. The focus has been on optimizing the driveline and undercarriage, as well as the thermal management of the high-voltage battery in wintry environments.
The BMW Group's test center in Arjeplog in northern Sweden has also played a crucial role in testing and fine-tuning the new models. Last year, several camouflaged prototypes with extra mounted plastic on the body and provisional front and rear lights were driven for five days from the foot of the Alps in Bavaria to Lapland in Sweden. The approximately 3,000 kilometers on country roads and motorways provided useful experience for optimizing charging over long distances.
While BMW has not yet revealed all the details about the BMW i5 Sedan, they have announced that there will be a model with the letter M in the designation and a BMW i5 Touring set to hit the roads next year.
The BMW i5 Sedan is an impressive addition to the BMW 5 Series Sedan lineup. However, I cannot help but wonder how it will fare against other electric car models, such as the Tesla Model Y, which has quickly become a top-selling electric car in Europe.
Regardless, it is clear that the BMW i5 Sedan is a game-changer, revolutionizing the BMW 5 Series Sedan and setting a new standard for electric cars in the market. With the production of the new BMW i5 model set to take place at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Bavaria, Germany, it is clear that BMW is making a significant investment in the future of electric cars, and I, for one, cannot wait to see the finished product.
The BMW i5 Sedan is a remarkable addition to the BMW 5 Series Sedan lineup, and the excitement is palpable as we approach the fall of 2023. With camouflaged prototypes on tour, the countdown is on for the official premiere of the BMW i5 Sedan. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the launch date!