The long-awaited moment has finally arrived for BMW enthusiasts and electric vehicle enthusiasts alike, as BMW officially commenced production of its first electric 5 series sedan, the BMW i5, on Friday. The company’s CEO, Oliver Zipse, had teased the idea of an electric 5 series sedan for over six years, and now it has become a reality, marking a significant milestone for the automaker.
The revelation of the BMW i5 took place during BMW’s annual conference in March, where CEO Oliver Zipse provided a sneak peek of the much-anticipated electric sedan, highlighting its potential as a “unique selling point” for the brand. Positioned between the 3 series and the larger 7 series in BMW’s sedan lineup, the 5 series has played a pivotal role in the company’s success, ranking as their second-best-selling vehicle, right after the 3 series.
With the introduction of the BMW i5, the automaker is embracing a new era of electrification. In late May, BMW finally unveiled the i5, showcasing a slightly larger, all-electric sedan compared to its predecessors. Packed with BMW’s latest cutting-edge technology and software, the i5 boasts the automaker’s advanced-gen OS 8.5, enabling passengers to play video games while the vehicle charges—an innovative and unique feature in the electric vehicle market.
The commencement of production for the BMW i5 took place at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany, the company’s largest vehicle production site in Europe. Milan Nedeljković, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG overseeing production, expressed his excitement about the milestone, emphasizing the transformation of BMW for e-mobility and the development of their plants towards the BMW iFACTORY.
The i5 marks the third all-electric model to be manufactured at the Dingolfing plant, joining the ranks of the BMW iX and BMW i7. BMW is projecting that electric vehicle production will account for over 40% of its total production in the coming year, showcasing its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
Historically, the Dingolfing plant has predominantly produced BMW 5 series models, representing about two-thirds of their total output. As the i5 enters production, it is expected to significantly contribute to the plant’s growth, shaping the future of BMW’s electric endeavors.
Excitement mounts as BMW unveils two all-electric variants of the i5—the eDrive40 and the M60 performance version. The 2024 i5 eDrive40 model starts at $66,800, offering 335 horsepower and a remarkable 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just 5.7 seconds. For those seeking even greater performance, the M60 version starts at $84,100 and boasts an impressive 590 horsepower, achieving an exhilarating 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds.
With the production of the BMW i5 in full swing, BMW continues to solidify its position in the electric vehicle market, offering consumers an exciting and sustainable option in the premium sedan segment. As the world moves towards a greener future, the BMW i5 sets the stage for a new era of electric mobility, redefining the driving experience for BMW enthusiasts worldwide.
