BMW has recently wrapped up a major testing program for its upcoming i5 electric sedan, with prototypes spotted undergoing testing in the wintry conditions of Northern Europe. The testing took place over the course of a year, with the program concluding at BMWās winter test center in Arjeplog, northern Sweden.
During the testing, the i5 completed a grueling 3,000 km (1,850 mile) road trip from Munich to the Arjeplog testing center, giving BMW the opportunity to evaluate the performance of the carās motors, power electronics, battery, heating, and cooling systems. The testing continued throughout 2022 in Sweden and at BMW facilities in Germany and Munich near the Dingolfing factory.
In the most recent round of testing, BMW focused on fine-tuning the powertrain and chassis control systems, including a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system with a near-actuator wheel slip limitation function and a drive torque control system to ensure the i5 performs proficiently on ice and snow.
While specific technical specifications have not been released, it is known that BMW will offer different variants of the i5 with varying power outputs. This will include an M variant produced in a similar vein to the i4 M50. Additionally, BMW plans to release a Touring model in 2024.
The i5 will be unveiled in October alongside the rest of BMWās eighth-generation 5-Series range. BMWās testing program has provided a glimpse of what to expect from the highly anticipated electric sedan, with the brandās commitment to performance and innovation evident in the thorough testing process.
