BMW i5 Touring eDrive40 M Sport Review

23 September 2024

The BMW i5 Touring merges luxury, performance, and practicality in a unique, all-electric package. But in today’s challenging car market, can this sleek EV justify its premium price?

The all-electric BMW i5 Touring is a bold statement on wheels. As someone who’s always had a soft spot for wagons (yes, we do exist), I was eager to see how BMW would bring the executive estate into the electric age.

When I first laid eyes on the i5 Touring, I knew it would be something special – and I wasn’t wrong. This car merges luxurious sophistication with practical versatility, making it a real contender in the EV market. Plus, it’s a wagon. What’s not to love?

First Impressions

Walking up to the i5 Touring for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity. There’s a subtle nod to the E61 Touring in its design, with edgy diagonal lines and a sleek silhouette that somehow feels both modern and timeless. In some ways I wouldn’t have blamed BMW if they had gone straight from the E61 to this G61, it just seemed like a natural progression, design-wise.

At a glance, it might seem like just another 5 Series or i5 sedan, but take a step back, and its wagon profile becomes clear. The way the taillights wrap around the rear in a graceful, hockey-stick shape is a nice touch—an homage to BMW’s design heritage. It’s a car that whispers elegance, not shouts, which I personally appreciate.

Offered exclusively in the M Sport trim, the i5 Touring gets 20-inch M Sport wheels and glossy black accents contrasting BMW’s current favourite colour, Cape York Green, adding an aggressive edge to its elegance. For me, these little details really set the car apart.

It’s understated but distinctive and sporty, like the car equivalent of wearing a tuxedo with sneakers; you know you look good, but you’re not trying too hard.

Driving An Electric Wagon

The 20-inch wheels mean the tyres are pretty low in profile, which makes for a slightly bumpy ride. But the suspension sorts the overall dynamics out and creates a perfect blend of comfort and sportiness.

Steering weight is a tad light, but that’s understandable, given the fact that most people who drive these cars will be older folk. But the handling remains precise and manages to feel both sporty and spirited when driven hard.

While the dual motor xDriveM60 version might be available elsewhere, here in Singapore, we get the i5 Touring’s eDrive40 variant only. It delivers 335 horsepower to the rear wheels, and let me tell you, it’s potent enough. As with all EVs, there’s no drama, but there is efficient power delivery on tap. It feels as calm as a Zen master, or a bit like a cheetah that’s learned to meditate.

Speaking of fast things on the horizon, with BMW planning to launch the M5 Touring soon, I can only imagine what kind of insanity that wagon will deliver. It’s definitely something to look forward to, especially since the M3 Touring was also such a stellar drive.

Living With It

One of the things I appreciate most about the i5 Touring is how spacious and practical it is. While it doesn’t have the depth as most estates, it still takes in plenty. At over five meters long, this car offers loads of interior room, and with nearly three meters between the axles, you really feel that extra legroom in the back. The 570-litre boot is also impressive – it easily swallows up luggage for weekend getaways or shopping hauls.

You could probably squeeze four adults (with in-out seating like in the old days without MPVs – gosh I’m old!) back there if needed. Whether it’s camera equipment, football gear, a road trip or a quick grocery run, the i5 Touring fits into my life with ease.

But yes it is pretty long, and while parking and navigating in tight spaces could feel like trying to parallel park a yacht, the parking aids will assist you and it’ll be fine.

Areas To Consider

Now, let’s talk about the two elephants in the room: price and the current state of the car market in Singapore. There’s no sugarcoating it—the i5 Touring comes with a hefty price tag. With the current high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices and a market that’s feeling the pinch, this car is a significant investment. It’s the automotive equivalent of buying designer shoes when maybe just flip-flops will do. So if you can afford and justify it, great. If not, well, you’ll have to admire it from afar.

The range is also something that might give potential buyers pause. While the real-world range of around 400 km is respectable for an electric vehicle, it’s not quite enough for long-distance drivers. If I had a wagon, I’d be the kind to take nice long trips into Malaysia, often! So there seems to be a bit of a mismatch here.

Final Thoughts

After spending time with the BMW i5 Touring, I can confidently say it’s a trailblazer. This is a car that doesn’t have any direct competition right now, and that’s part of what makes it so special. It’s a rare blend of comfort, style, and performance, wrapped in a package that’s versatile enough for everyday use.

That said, in the context of Singapore’s current car market, where prices are sky-high and competition for car ownership is fierce, the i5 Touring represents both a dream and a challenge. It’s a vehicle for those who are ready to embrace the electric future, have the means to spend, and don’t plan on going too far without having to plan a charge during the trip.

For me, the i5 Touring checks almost all the boxes. Sure, at SGD 410k, the price is pretty high (I was expecting maybe 360k to 380k), but if you’re looking for a unique car that combines the luxury and driving experience BMW is known for with the environmental benefits of an EV, this is it.

With the upcoming M5 Touring on the horizon, the future of BMW estates looks incredibly exciting, hats off to BMW for even making this!

Technical Specifications