{"id":401182,"date":"2023-11-21T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=401182"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"Ditch-your-gas-car-the-2024-BMW-s-i5-EV-s-refined-athleticism-tops-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/Ditch-your-gas-car-the-2024-BMW-s-i5-EV-s-refined-athleticism-tops-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Ditch your gas car; the 2024 BMW\u2019s i5 EV\u2019s refined athleticism tops it"},"content":{"rendered":"

F<\/strong>or BMW, the lucky number always seems to be 5. It was the 507 that proved to be the most beautiful sports car the company has ever built. And while the 3 Series remained the foundation of the brand since its inception, it\u2019s the larger 5 Series, introduced in 1972, that brought it the lasting fame and admiration that BMW always enjoyed.<\/p>\n

And so it\u2019s fitting that even though the company has already released the battery-electric i4 compact hatchback and the sizable yet exquisite i7 full-size sedan, it\u2019s the midsize i5 sedan that seems to be its Goldilocks EV. It\u2019s just right.<\/p>\n

Like the i4 and i7, BMW\u2019s i5 looks mostly like its gas-powered counterpart, albeit with a couple of styling differences. Like other BMW EVS, it has a different grille from its petrol-powered siblings. Its LED lighting and shark-nose grille recall the past models, albeit updated for the 21st century. The i5 proves reassuringly contemporary, looking mostly like any other 5 Series. It just happens to be electric. In this regard, BMW is taking a different approach than Mercedes-Benz. BMW\u2019s prime competitor is separating its vehicles into a unique EQ line, with its sedans having all the visual presence of a four-wheel suppository. It\u2019s as if Mercedes-Benz is walking away from its heritage\u2014something BMW embraces, thankfully.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, for 2024, the battery electric BMW i5 comes in two forms.<\/p>\n

The first is the rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40, base price $66,800, delivering 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Running 0-60 mph takes 5.7 seconds according to BMW. Top speed is 120 mph. Range is EPA rated at 295 miles\u2014if you have 19-inch wheels. That declines to 270 miles with 21-inch wheels.<\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s the all-wheel-drive i5 M60 xDrive, base price $84,100, which generates 593 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. Reaching 60 mph takes conspicuously less time, a mere 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 130 mph. EPA range is 256 miles with 19-inch wheels, 240 miles with 21s.<\/p>\n

Given the difference in their power, it\u2019s hardly surprising that the two models possess different personalities. The BMW i5 eDrive40 is the consummate luxury sedan, one that takes advantage of the electric driveline\u2019s quiet nature to deliver a comfortably serene experience. The ride tends to be soft, but not at the expense of handling or driving fun. It\u2019s very controllable in the best BMW tradition. Rear air springs are standard; electronically controlled dampers are optional. Acceleration is fairly strong, and most drivers will enjoy the beautiful restrained balance that this model offers.<\/p>\n

By contrast, the i5 M60 xDrive is a far more aggressive animal, albeit one draped in the automotive equivalent of a post-modern tuxedo. If you\u2019re the type of person for whom the party never stops, or you just love a great luxury sports sedan, this is your ride. While both models deliver the instant torque that makes EVs so endearing, the i5 M60 xDrive delivers more of it more immediately. The ride is definitely firmer, with all the athleticism you\u2019d require without the discomfort. Handling is superbly sharp, thanks to rear-wheel steering, active anti-roll bars and unique suspension tuning.<\/p>\n

And once it comes time to recharge, a Level 3 DC fast charger replenishes the 2024 BMW i5 from 10-to-80 percent in 30 minutes. For home charging, its Level 2 charger refills the batteries at a rate of 11 kW.<\/p>\n

While driving, you\u2019ll find yourself perched in seats covered in leather or, for the first time, Veganza, a new faux-leather that might fool the unsuspecting. The front seats are heated, ventilated and feature a massage function on the M60 xDrive. Thankfully, they\u2019re optional on the eDrive40.<\/p>\n

Regardless of model, all i5s come with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single sheet of glass. A head-up display, which projects key information like speed onto the windshield, is optional. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, a Harman\/Kardon audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard.<\/p>\n

It all makes the 2024 BMW i5 a truly contemporary luxury sports sedan experience, with a refined athleticism that\u2019s sublime. Sure, some rivals offer more range. But they won\u2019t offer the blend of ingredients that have always made a BMW a true driver\u2019s car. It\u2019s been true for decades. And that hasn\u2019t changed, even in this age of electrification.<\/p>\n

NUTS & BOLTS<\/p>\n

Base price<\/strong>: $66,800 (eDrive40), $84,100 (M60 xDrive)<\/p>\n

Motors<\/strong>: Synchronous AC<\/p>\n

Horsepower\/Torque:<\/strong> 335\/295 pound-feet (eDrive40), 593\/586 pound-feet (M60 xDrive)<\/p>\n

Range<\/strong>: 295 miles (eDrive40), 256 miles (M60 xDrive)<\/p>\n

Charging time (10-80%)<\/strong>: 30 minutes (DC fast charger)<\/p>\n

Length\/Width\/Height<\/strong>: 199.2\/74.8\/59.6 inches<\/p>\n

Ground clearance<\/strong>: 5.4 inches<\/p>\n

Payload<\/strong>: 1,157 pounds<\/p>\n

Cargo capacity: 17.3 cubic feet<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 is a truly contemporary luxury sports sedan experience.<\/p>\n

-DANIEL KRAUS\/BMW\/TNS
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40. All i5s come with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single sheet of glass.<\/p>\n

-DANIEL KRAUS\/BMW\/TNS
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