German automaker BMW has introduced the latest addition to its lineup, the new 5 Series Touring, which marks the debut of the i5 Touring as an all-electric model. The electric estate will be available in two variants right from the outset: the i5 eDrive40 Touring and the i5 M60 xDrive Touring.
The performance specifications of these two i5 Touring variants mirror those of the existing i5 saloon. The i5 eDrive40 Touring features a 250 kW electric motor on the rear axle, while the i5 M60 xDrive Touring, positioned as the flagship model, offers a substantially higher power output of 442 kW, thanks to a second motor and all-wheel drive. Both variants are equipped with the familiar battery boasting a net energy content of 81.2 kWh, situated in the underbody.
Due to the estate’s slightly heavier build and less aerodynamic profile, the ranges of the two i5 Touring models are slightly lower compared to the saloon. Nevertheless, the discrepancy in range is minimal, ranging from 483 to 560 kilometers for the i5 eDrive40 Touring and 445 to 506 kilometers for the i5 M60 xDrive Touring, depending on the configuration.
Charging capabilities remain consistent across the saloon and estate models, with standard 11 kW AC charging and optional 22 kW onboard charging. Direct current charging of up to 205 kW is also supported, with BMW quoting a charging time of approximately 30 minutes from ten to 80 percent. The unique “Multi Contract Option” enables Plug&Charge functionality, allowing customers to store multiple Plug&Charge-enabled traction current contracts digitally in the vehicle.
See also: BMW Expects Strong Reception for All-Electric i5 Variant of the New 5-Series
The primary distinction between the two lies in the boot space. Regardless of the drive type, the estate offers 570 liters of load volume, expandable to 1,700 liters with the rear seats’ backrests folded down. Standard equipment includes automatic tailgate operation and remote unlocking of the 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest from the boot. However, the separately opening rear window featured in previous Touring models is absent in the new 5 Series.
While the i5 xDrive40 all-wheel drive system is currently unavailable in the estate variant, BMW plans to roll out the i5 Touring in numerous European countries and Japan starting in May 2024, with additional markets to follow in June 2024. As of now, pricing details have not been disclosed, and the i5 Touring is not yet available in the configurator.
