BMW has shown a very small glimpse of the new i5’s interior ahead of its imminent reveal.
The range of new BMW pure-electric models is growing and the latest name to add to the list is the i5. The upcoming electric executive sedan will sit alongside the next-generation 5 Series when it goes on sale by 2024.
The full reveal of the BMW i5 will happen overnnight, as previewed by a new teaser video posted by BMW online. The video doesn’t show the exterior of the i5 – although we’ve had plenty of spy shots of test cars throughout its development, but rather the interior – highlighting key changes over the outgoing 5 Series.
There’s clear inspiration taken from the new BMW i7, with an expansive ambient light bar stretching across the dash and door cards, with key climate controls integrated into the centre section. BMW calls it an ‘Interaction Bar’ because it’s also able to provide safety warnings and alerts you when there’s an incoming call.
Above this we can see a 12.3-inch infotainment system already utilised on the i7 and iX – like in those cars we expect this to be connected to a 14.9-inch driver’s display.
As for the new i5’s exterior, we can ascertain a few key design details already. Our latest spy pictures show the i5’s design won’t differentiate too much from the upcoming eighth-generation of the combustion-engined 5 Series, similar to the 7 Series and i7. The kidney grilles will be a little more restrained than those found in the i4 and there’s just a single headlight cluster, rather than a dual cluster setup like on the new 7 Series and iX.
Details such as recessed door handles will help improve the aerodynamic drag coefficient along with a new design of seven-spoke alloy wheel. On the rear pillar we see a plate covering the area where BMW’s classic ‘Hofmeister kink’ design trait would be expected. Like the i4, the charging flap will be situated on the driver’s side rear three quarter panel.
BMW has also confirmed it will offer an i5 Touring all-electric wagon car alongside the i5 executive EV sedan. The EV wagon segment is a little sparse currently with just the MG5 EV and Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo to speak of but more rivals will come in the shape of the Audi e-tron A6 Avant and Volkswagen ID Space Vizzion. The sedan meanwhile, will take on the Mercedes EQE and Tesla Model S.