For nearly 50 years, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been vying for supremacy in the now dwindling market for mid-size luxury cars. But as we move toward an electrified future, both brands have adapted their iconic offerings to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. With the advent of the next generation of the 5 Series, BMW will rely on electrified models to strengthen the replacement of the internal combustion engine and fight with Mercedes-Benz's electric vehicle products.
According to reports, the i5 may be listed in 2023, compared with Mercedes-Benz EQE, Tesla Model S and other models. The new car has three powertrain options, including the eDrive40, xDrive40 and i5 M50. While technical details have yet to be disclosed, we expect the upcoming BMW to offer a similar power output to the smaller i4, as the i4 currently offers the same configuration options.
In the i4 model, the eDrive 40 produces 355 horsepower, while the sportier M50 has 536 horsepower. At the moment, the i4 does not have an entry-level xDrive derivative, but sources told this magazine that the i5 will offer the xDrive40, a four-wheel drive model, with more power.
The i5 M50 will most likely have dual electric motors (just like the i4 M50) to make this sporty sedan electrified while also having some performance. Similarly, BMW has not yet revealed any official figures, but expects the i5 to have the same or better range as the i4, with 100 km/h acceleration expected to be between 4-6 seconds. While the high-performance M50 may have a reduction in range, it will not fall below 300 miles (about 482 kilometers).
The Mercedes-Benz EQE UV 350 will be equipped with a rear motor with a maximum power of 215 kW and a maximum torque of 530 N·m. And the new car will also be available in a dual-motor four-wheel drive version. In terms of endurance, the new car will be equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 90kWh, and the pure electric endurance of WLTP is about 650km. It can be seen that BMW's competition in the same market is not small.
It is worth noting that this time the crock tank fans can be blessed, because BMW officials said that in addition to the introduction of ordinary car body design, the official will also launch a travel version, which is expected to be called BMW i5 Touring. Like the BMW Station Wagon from years ago, the choice of powertrain could mimic its sedan model, which is expected to debut in 2024.
The design of the travel model is still in a mysterious state, but we can refer to the i5 spy model photos. The front face of the new car will feature an enclosed grille, which contrasts with the exaggerated design of the i4. The headlights become sharper and the top-up design enhances the aesthetic. The lines of the entire body do not seem to be much different from the fuel car, it is more like a BMW 5 Series modification model. The side angle is still the familiar BMW style, including the design of The Horns corner.
Write at the end:
BMW is fully engaged in the transformation of electric vehicles, and as far as possible, the existing fuel version of the model matrix is launched according to the corresponding electric version of the model. With the listing of the iX model, it is a confirmation that BMW is getting stronger and stronger on the road of electrification development. i5 benchmark Mercedes-Benz EQE, Tesla Model S, in the face of such a strong opponent, I don't know what countermeasures they will make, let's wait and see!