The BMW 5-Series will change generations and gain an all-electric version by the end of the current year, said Pieter Nota, Board Member for Marketing and Sales. He did not reveal any parameters, but we expect the i5 powertrain to be similar or identical to that of the i4.
The new cars will be based on the latest iteration of the CLAR platform suitable for various powertrain types. As such, it is expected that the new 5-Series will go on sale with petrol, hybrid and full-electric options to choose from, just like the 7-Series before it.
Compared to its ICE cousins, the BMW i5 may get individual features like a different radiator grille, new wheels and a reshaped rear end.
The current BMW i4 comes equipped with either a single electric motor rated at 340 PS (335 hp / 250 kW) or two rated at 544 PS (536 hp / 400 kW). The maximum range amounts to 590 km (366 miles) according to the WLTP standard.
The all-electric 5-Series will be the 12th EV from the Bavarian automaker already. The manufacturer believes EVs will constitute 15% of its sales structure by the end of the year. By the end of the decade, it will have sold at least 7,000,000 hybrids and battery EVs.
Spy shots made back in September let us know that the new i5 would have an M version, too. That one might come equipped with the same electric system as the iX SUV, rated at 600 PS (592 hp / 441 kW).