Still the ultimate driving machine? BMW i5 long term review | Electrifying
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- Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
- #bmwi5 #bmwelectric #electriccars
Having spent some time in the wilderness, BMW is very much back building electric cars. In a short space of time, BMW has launched its polarising iX range-topping SUV, an posh i7 limo and an entry-level model in the shape of the iX1 SUV. There's also an Electrifying.com favourite, the i4, which has set new standards for premium EVs and showed electric saloons can offer a long electric driving range, but also be fun and engaging to drive.
For BMW the i5 is the big one. Why? It's simple - the 5 Series is the most important car the Bavarian carmaker builds. It has churned out more than 10 million of them over 50 years, and is very much its all-rounder - the BMW that has to cover all bases and exemplify exactly what the BMW brand is all about.
Just like the i4, the i5 isn't a bespoke, ground-up electric car. Instead, BMW prefers to build one platform and use it for combustion engined models, hybrids and pure-electrics. BMW's way of doing things is very different from Audi’s or Mercedes’ as these brands tend to build a separate, bespoke electric version of a model; think Mercedes E-Class and the EQE and you'll understand what we mean.
In this extended review, Ginny discovers what the i5 is like to live with over a longer period of time. Is it really as good as we first thought?
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Weird how BMW has different options for different countries. I am in the USA and there is no comfort pack. All of those things are standard. There is an executive pack for the sky lounge roof, crystal controls, and power window shades. Love my i5 M60. Perfect car for long drives. You can almost double the range with the maximum efficiency mode.
I have an E39, 60 and G30 and recently we were give a loaner i5 base…it is an exceptional car. The range for me is not great but the ride, the quietness, the finished product is well done.
Brilliant machine - that back end, though 😵💫
its not even a real electric car. Its basically a conversion. Lol @ that middle tunnel for drive shaft and gearbox.
@@hagestad yeah, thus the machine 😅
I enjoyed watching the video. The New i5 Touring has a larger boot 😊
I absolutely love my i5M60 its the perfect daily both being quiet and comfortable, if I was to complain about anything it's the shape of the boot. In the past my F90 M5 could take my son's regular wheelchair but the new i5 required a switch to a fully folding chair so whilst it might be as big if not bigger than before it's not quite as deep. Other than that it's perfect which is hard to find in a car.
Really looking forward to the M5 touring 🥳😁
I still struggle with the styling of the i5. Something awkward about it to my eyes. Gives me the urge to swipe left
03:55 used to be. The Plaid Channel says it all. It's relentless.
I wish I can afford it. Nice review.
Good motoring journalism
Used to buy a nice spec 520d M for 40k, If legacy auto makers do t get there act together and produce the battery version for 50k, they won’t sell any cars and they will go bust. £70k for a 5 series is reduiculous! Nice review though.
Just love it , can't wait for BMW to bring us i3 sedan ❤❤
If it's fun and not that practical, is there a reason not to buy a well-optioned i4 (or one of its rivals) for less money instead?
How is launch and boost mode for rear seat passengers?
I heard someone say they accelerate with exactly the same m/s2. So they stay behind the front passengers. One exception: car spins! Only then they end up in front!!
A saloon boot has never looked so good.
When is i5 estate review coming 😊?
What about repeating DC charging heard that you get a warning under impossibility to charge more than 6 DC fast charging in a row without one AC in between, the car allegedly blocks to conserve the battery. Meaning if yo go on a trip from London to South of Spain you stop every 150 miles and need one 4 h charge ?
I test drove one and found the steering feedback very vague and the brakes too grabby. Best driven in B mode with the regen. All round cameras are great but the sounds fail to entertain after 5mins use. An I4 M50 would be a better option 😊
Isn't there a Touring coming soon? So much better than any SUV - ever!!
Funny how opinions differ, I not only prefer the raised seating position of an SUV but find them easier to get in and out of which if you suffer a bad back is a bonus. So whilst I acknowledge they aren't as efficient as a regular estate car they still have their place in the market.
Maybe you should test the Estate version with the dog and the teenagers Ginny? You didn't mention it in the review?
Compared to the I4 M50, who is the target market? Why would I choose this over the I4 given the extra cost? I know it gets more mileage, but what else?
I went to look at the I4 in the dealership but was distracted by the I5. The interior feel is several steps above the I4
The difference is in interior quality, rear wheel steering for better handling, an overall more comfortable ride. Better seats.
My question exactly, especially since the i4 has just been given a refresh.
@@Rob-cv3vhit’s not really any different though
Much as I love you Gin, there was too much rabbit in this one! Just to squeeze in some extra ads?? 🥴
I was right with you up until you said about the electrically operated boot! Why? It's a saloon. How hard is it to shut the boot? I'm getting fed up with the need to have everything powered by a motor. If you can clamber into the boot at the tip, you can close the boot lid manually. It still looks a bit too Skoda though...
The grille's still too big but it's a massive improvement, and grille aside, it's a nice looking car.
I've long been annoyed by the gadgetry in modern BMWs because they should have been putting that attention towards making them reliable. But in an electric car, maybe the nerdfest of modern BMWs makes sense.
What is it with reviews that ignore the huge Elephant in the room The price this car is the thick end of £100k no one in the right mind is going to buy it unless its a company car its way beyond the price for a regular consumer and will decrease in value faster than The Tories in an opinion poll. Reviews should take into account VFM . I’m so fed up with current car reviews thinking that the UK Public can be ripped off by greedy car companies and simply go along with it.
There are plenty of other EV options though. The 5 series is now in the higher end of the spectrum unlike in the past, since there are many tiers below it (1, 2, 3, 4 series).
Yes. The Germans are loosing it. Bat shit pricing. You have to be mad to go there 😢
Try being in Ireland. The M60 version starts at €120k before ANY extras. The standard ‘entry’ level starts at €92k insane.
Would be better if the car trim level / spec was actually what most people and company car drivers would buy. Why is it always the top spec performance models that are reviewed? Real life every day versions please.
Unless Mike tests this car and the rear seat leg room your rear seat claims of space I'll disagree on. This car entry level in Australia is about $170k AUD, not in the affordable category. I'll take my new 2024 Kona EV thanks.
After 4 years with an EV thinking I was ahead of the curve, I’d never buy another one again!
Rapid Chargers for touring were 38p kWh 4 years ago now in the last 2-3 years they are 78p kWh!!
It now costs more to charge up your EV than it does to fill up with petrol / Diesel for the same mileage & …. You have to sit there for an hour (I know, you can have lunch, walk the dog etc) but worst of all…. My £60k investment is now worth nearly £10k less than the residual value I was planning to buy it at.
Never again…. Big petrol or diesel engine for me next & I can’t wait!
So you can buy it for less than your thought at the end of the lease. And that’s a problem.
300 quid for iPad holders... What is BMW smoking
Yes Ginny, other tablets (and phone brands) are available.
"what is BMW smoking"
Your rolled up fifty dollar bills! 🤣😂🤣😂
Good video. Seems a shame that BMW made the i3 over 10 years can’t create a bespoke EV platform for the 5 series. They have almost gone backwards in some respects.
Agree, look at all that wasted space taken up by having a bonnet that length, it's like driving your dining table
They literally made the right move. First of all the i3 was very expensive to manufacture and also not cheap to buy for the city car it was. Second, they used the shared platform design to bring down manufacturing costs while at the same time being able to offer a wide variety of motor options for the customers. BMW's EVs sell well while they also rake in money from their combustion engines or hybrid options. EV customers were mainly enthusiasts who were willing to pay more money for a new technology. Until now. The market just happens to shift into mass adoption and practicability like range, charging speed, weight and an ergonomic infotainment for a decent price become more important than acceleration or a single touchscreen slapped in the middle without much ergonomic and interior quality. New battery tech and the lessons learned from the shared platform models as well as the competition made the "Neue Klasse" possible. This is the third aspect.
The "Neue Klasse"-platform, which is coming to the market in 2025, is an EV-only platform and will underpin the most important EVs for BMW, the iX3 + i3 sedan variants. Since the platform is modular it is also possible that they will use the platform for the next generation 5 series as well as an X1/X2. I think for the 7series and IX they will use a second EV-only platform base (the IX is already based on its own EV only platform!). This is the right time for such a versatile EV-only platform. The tech is finally there to meet customers expectations. Think about it, the electric Mercedes CLA will drive further and charger faster than a Tesla Model S but for 20-25k less.
I don't think BMW made any bigger mistakes (unlike Mercedes, because their EV-only platform for the S- and E-Class are too expensive.for what they offer, the MMA platform of the CLA, as well as the MB.EA platform of the C-Class will change that).
The only problem is the less advanced battery technology compared to chinese manufacturers, something which haunts every single western manufacturer, including Tesla and even Hyundai/Kia.
Battery tech, and therefore charging speeds will most likely stay behind chinese competitors, however the range, which is also linked to battery tech but not solely, will be at least on-par with the chinese competition due to great research in field of aerodynamics, drivetrain and electric motors, EV optimized tires, and lightweight materials.
Nope, this is exactly what i want. No weird looking spaceship, but a good looking electric car
Perhaps the Neue Klasse BMWs will be game changing and silence the critics if they are launched next year? They certainly look promising.
Exactly!
Nice to see that the oilseed rape is coming along well as it can be a problem crop 🚜
Thank you for the detailed review. It's not for me because it is too big and too expensive. I specced an I4 Touring 40 M Sport and finished up at £85k I wonder how much I'll have to pay for a 12 month old one when they come round?
EV comes with big transmission tunnel !!
My 520d m sport lease is up soon and time to hand back a totally brilliant vehicle that I have enjoyed every time I drove it. This new electric car leaves me cold. I am not sure I like the styling, the range isnt very good and it is so expensive compared to existing car. Think its time to move brands..... Not sure I am even ready for ev but the tax advantages for me to lease one as a business use vehicle are extremely attractive. Sorry but I had to close the review early as I was nodding off..... too long and needs condensing instead of going on and on and on..... ps it hasnt "missed a beat" as it doesnt have a beat, therein is the problem, cold and clinical electric
Yes finally proper review of a bmw i5 soft M car. Lots of people troll it when comparing with an M5. 😂
Great review. Nice EV. Too bad BMW abandons next gen Apple CarPlay :(
Every premium manufacturer with high-end software know-how will do that. Apple is just like a virus in the system, transfering customer data and revenue away from the manufacturers over to Apple without offering a better experience than the in-house infotainment systems of the next generation. Just check out what BMW iDrive 10 or Mercedes-Benz MB.OS will be capable of and how deep the software interconnections run. You can't give that away to a third party, the data, the driving and infotainment experience is literally what defines next generation EVs.
How can you make such an entertaining video without any practical information (or test data for that matter).
It's interesting you don't mention the price. In the UK it's the thick end of £100K before you get into options. Add the packs to get the extras you expect were standard on a £100K car and the price climbs further. I wouldn't spend that kind of money for this car even if I could afford it but if I did, I certainly wouldn't want one with shiny black plastic, tasteless 'crystal' controls and tacky LED lighting. The screen UI looks a confusing mess as well. I love a saloon but this looks like an expensive dinosaur to me.
I have one on a business lease which was only £90 more a month than a Tesla model 3 highland LR, and mine is an ultimate spec. The funny bit is the insurance is £200 less than the Tesla too. Wouldn’t dream of buying it personally but BMW have some excellent lease deals.
@@simonsays911 I guess the point most would like to hear is how much are you (or your employer) is paying to rent this car from BMW? These reviews aren't helpful when the reviewer doesn't address the critical issue for 99% of buyers.
I’m paying £780 + vat a month on 12000 miles pa over 3 years but 9 deposit in. The i5 40 was considerably cheaper than a Tesla on that basis but I much preferred the security of AWD over the RWD and the perforamce is addictive. Mine came with the sunroof which is absolute rubbish as it doesn’t open. Don’t spec it as it’s expensive for what it is,
@@simonsays911 that’s very helpful. I guess to pay that much without actually having an asset at the end of the day is a big decision. Hope you enjoy it. 👍
Cars are never really an asset unless you are buying a classic or getting a ltd production model such as a GT3 RS. Buying a £112000 BMW EV for a personal purchase would be suicide - just have a look at Taycan used prices. Just look at car finance rates now and how much basic cars cost today.
I took a look at this car the other day and found that the car was massive, but the usable space was so poorly executed. For the size of the car, the boot is tiny and the space inside feels cramped, but the worst of all is the bonnet is huge, but no frunk. I don’t get it. For what this car is, it’s too expensive.
Affluent consumers would definitely take this over a Tesla. Good!
100%. The EVs based on the "Neue Klasse" platform will be even better, starting with the iX3 in 2025, even a Model Y "Juniper", if it ever arrives, will have no chance against it. And Mercedes introduces the electric CLA at the end of this year, the Model 3 will just look cheaply build and outdated against it. The C-Class follows right afterwards with a projected range of at least 500miles. Nobody should buy outdated Teslas at this point.
This affluent customer wouldn't. I am still waiting for a reason to replace my 2019 Model S Performance and this isn't it.
@@Alantj22 Model S looks and feels cheap inside and out. Only gullible/naive customers would buy it.
@@Aztasu But still more impressive than the M5 it replaced.
So expensive great buy in 3/4 years time just buy hybrid or deisel😊
Camera work needs to be far better to be informative.
what's the point of talking about led grill when its illegal almost everywhere?
There's nothing illegal about that. You confuse with brand logo? But that became legal meanwhile also.
I noticed the full price wasn’t mentioned. Maybe some European car manufacturers want to price themselves out of the everyday good value for money EV’s , or perhaps they will convince the EU to band cheaper imports. Please let’s see more everyday EV’s full featured at £23k.
BMW in Europe ironically even more so in Germany charge 'extra' for everything! Just profiteering! It's also way over priced standard BMW - only two in the back really so pretty poor space there - not a touch on Tesla levels of efficiency and also way overweight - probably 500+ kilograms heavier than a Model 3 and due to poor packaging don't think it has better space at all...
Total waste of money, previous gen 530d for a fraction of the price, much better.
Righto, so that "d" in 530d, what does that stand for? 🤦
Not a fan of all those fake engine noises. EV's are better as they are quiet. Why do the legacy manufacturers want to pretend it is an ICE car?
To bring the luddites and knuckle-draggers, into the 21st century. They only understand ICE, so getting them to enjoy an EV is an uphill struggle. I needed no such convincing, but I must admit, I quite like the sounds in my i4.
60K for a car, with a truly nasty looking cheap plastic grill...great deal!
For the price the efficiency is poor and until we get real world 400 miles in a car like this then frankly it’s a No from me and my company (125 company cars )
Ugly front - just stick a blob of plastic over the grille.
Will be good to see a review comparing it with the new Model 3 a Performance.
Lol
Who want's to drive the Model 3 Performance?! They screwed over the non-us customers by offering a widely inferior product with even lower range than the previous performance model and only a few hp more than the Model 3 LR. The Model 3 LR is ALWAYS the better option for any non-us customer. Tesla is a scam.
@@bullshitbingo2259 Are you 12?
Weight is over 2 t. No thanks to fat car.
Too many fails on that car. And range of 290, which drops to nearly 200 in winter. Ah come on. And then 30 mins at the fastest to charge. Not for me.
It’s still not a dedicated ev platform,just a quick fix strapped battery and electric motors to ICE car !
It’s not quicker than model y performance SUV do not even mention model3 or S.
There are better , quicker and cheaper cars to choose from those days why would you bother with this !
Only badge snob would go for this one !!!
Yes, nice car but cmon the price is eye watering, far to expensive to even be considered, I shudder at the depreciation …..
VW thanks xpeng
Are you mentally challenged?! You write the same crap under every single video
Launch control and silly noises show that BMWs designers are still held back by their ICE background.
You are clueless
@@bullshitbingo2259 Hardly previously owned 2 M3s and a M5, now have a Model S Performance.
Way faster than the BMWs, without a silly launch control or Brm Brm noises..
@@Alantj22 Hahhaa man you are truly clueless. The Model S "Performance" still has such a bad suspension and grip level and therefore lateral G performance that an M5 would just mop the floor with it on a racetrack. And we are not even talking about the continous power output or the breaking performance, which are just abysmal in the Model S. Even the Model S Plaid is slower than the latest M3 Competition Touring. A mid-size station wagon/estate you can use to haul your IKEA shopping!
Only the Model S Plaid with track package would save it. But then: A 550hp Nissan GTR from over 10 years ago is way faster then the Model S Plaid with track package. And an 2022 M4 Competitiom XDrive with 510hp is 3 seconds behind the Model S Plaid with track package. What a joke!
You are writing nonsense and are trolling.
@@bullshitbingo2259 Lol, I had to look that up! The 2013 Nissan GTR model with 550hp, so literally half the peak power of the Model S Plaid with track package, achieved a 7.19 on its Nordschleife run performed at the end of 2012. That is hilarious. At least the Porsche Taycan GT (and the Rimac Nevera) obliterated the Nissan GTR and re-established some form of decency for performance EVs.
@@bullshitbingo2259 Unlike you I actually owned a BMW M5, a V10 (the last great one). Compared to the Model S the M5 is gutless 90% of the time and its better suspension would only make any difference on a race track. When you are old enough to have a driving licence you may learn the difference between real world performance and your Top Trumps fantasies.
That Kristal must be a girl thing. Not my cup of tea, in any of them Models. On Ix just completely awful.
Blimey it's bloody ugly, so typical BMW!
What a load of crap a relation of mine works for bmw he told me the electric bmws are crap loads of problems wouldn't touch one with a barge pole
Come on now Ginny, every 2nd word is “um” or a lip schmack.
Stop dropping your voice and whispering during reviews. Can hardly hear you especially when sat in the car.
I am bored of "middle class" Reviewers now 😢
End this EV nightmare, the majority of people can see through the scam.....
The twentieth century is behind us! Who is scamming you is the fossil fuel industry, they enjoy taking your cash.
That’s quite a charge… if you’ll pardon the pun.
Big oil companies propoganda!