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

BMW i5 Touring eDrive40

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Power: 250kW (335bhp)
Torque: 400Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6.1 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 193km/h
Battery Capacity: 81.2 kWh
Drive Range: 550 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.1 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$417,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Performance Motors / Eurokars Auto

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@carboy_365)

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Since its debut at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW 5 Series Touring has been synonymous with modern functionality. Now, this model enters a new era with its first all-electric variant.

The all-new BMW i5 Touring, like its sedan counterpart, is built on a flexible drive architecture at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing. Remarkably, only around 620 grams of residual waste are produced per vehicle, with the electricity used for production coming entirely from renewable sources.

The BMW i5 Touring’s 2-box design is highlighted by a long roofline, a gently sloping rear, and dynamically stretched side windows. 

Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length, 1,900 millimetres in width, and 1,515 millimetres in height, with a wheelbase of 2,995 millimetres, the i5 Touring’s front end boasts a modern interpretation of the typical BMW grille, featuring the BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.

The interior of the BMW i5 Touring features a new BMW Curved Display (consisting of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display), steering wheel, and sports seats. The cabin’s progressive premium ambience is reflected in the standard BMW Interaction Bar, a fully vegan interior, and innovative digital services.

The wagon body shape translates to abundant shoulder room in the front and generous leg, shoulder, and elbow room in the rear.

The boot has a capacity of 570 litres, which can be increased to 1,700 litres by fully folding down the rear seat backrest.

The BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring is powered by an electric motor located in the rear axle, generating 250 kW (340 hp) and 400 Nm.

It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, with a range of up to 548 kilometres. The vehicle’s high-voltage battery has a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh.

With the longest wheelbase in its segment, large track widths, and a 50:50 axle load distribution, the vehicle claims to offer optimal conditions for a dynamic driving experience.

BMW Asia offers comprehensive charging solutions for BMW EV customers in Singapore, including a home charging package with a BMW Wallbox and a public charging package with a subscription of 10,000 kWh over three years at Shell Recharge stations. The BMW Wallbox provides fast home charging at a rate of up to 22 kW, while BMW Charging gives drivers access to a large network of public charging stations across Singapore.

The BMW i5 Touring can also stay up to date with the latest software through Remote Software Upgrades. Customers can also test selected functions free of charge for a period of one month and then book them for a specific term.

Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia, shared: “The first-ever BMW i5 Touring is an extraordinary addition to our lineup that our fans in Singapore have eagerly awaited. Its popular touring body type makes it a hot new entry in our electric range, expanding choices for our customers.”

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This is probably one of the most anticipated vehicles in recent history – the 8th generation BMW 5 Series. Dubbed the G60, it follows in the footsteps of a famed legacy, a car that its creators believe is still one of the world’s most beloved executive saloons.

I mean, with 10 million units sold since the first generation launched back in 1972, you cannot argue with success.

But, things are different now, and electric is the new fancy word these days. Therefore, this is also the first time the 5 Series has launched with an electric counterpart, the i5.

The new boy is pitted against stiff competition like the Mercedes EQE, Porsche Taycan and Polestar 2. It’s a crowded room all right, but can the BMW i5 stand its ground against its rivals?

Subdued Wealth

The biggest difference between this G60 5 Series and its bigger G70 7 Series sibling is the omission of a comically large front grille.

Certain BMWs are deliberately ‘louder’ than others (think BMW XM, BMW i7), but the 5 Series is thankfully spared. It may look more subdued and conservatively styled as a result, but I dig this facade more, as it stays true to what is quintessentially BMW.

The kidney grille is modestly sized here but gets the Iconic Glow illumination as standard on this M Sport variant.

This traditional design doesn’t hinder performance too; drag coefficient is just 0.22-0.23cd across the range. This is thanks to innovations like an Air Flap control system that opens intakes in the grille and an Air Curtain that directs turbulent air past the front wheels.

Lightweight alloy wheels also help enhance range, and the omission of tailpipes adds to that sleek dominant look.

The new 5 Series has had a growth spurt too. It’s now over five metres long, with a wheelbase 5mm shy of three metres. Park up next to an older 7 Series, and most people will get confused this is actually a 5-ver.

Plush Innards

BMW has been on a roll with its Curved Glass display, first seen in the iX, and now it’s making its mark in the i5 with some notable upgrades and fresh interior elements. 

The Curved Glass setup features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster blending seamlessly with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen.

It’s also rocking OS 8.5, boasting new graphics, a crisp start screen, and a ‘QuickSelect’ feature that adds shortcuts to key menu items; a very useful addition in practice, since most folks only dabble with audio and navigation.

BMW’s also introducing in-car gaming to the 5 Series with AirConsole. Simply scan a QR code on the Curved Display, and your smartphone transforms into a game controller. BMW offers 20 built-in games, with more on the way. It’s a neat way to pass the time while waiting for your i5 to charge, as BMW openly admits.

New to the i5 (and the 5 Series) is the Interaction Bar, making its debut on the 7 Series. It’s a bit more subtle here, but it’s still a backlit unit that spans the dashboard’s width.

It’s got a crystalline look, flirting with a hint of bling without going full Versace. The trim below it can be customised in aluminum or carbon fibre too.

The Interaction Bar lights up for phone calls or to signal if it’s safe to exit, and can be tweaked to your liking in the My Modes menu. However, I do feel it does go a little overboard sometimes, especially when you turn the hazards on.

The air conditioning controls is another area that the i5 feels foreign. Car designers have been trying to hide air vents for ages without sacrificing function, and even though the touch controls are responsive, the controls for the vents can be frustrating for users who aren’t accustomed to its unorthodox design.

The centre console control panel gets a makeover for the 5 Series, housing the iDrive controller (though you’ll likely use the touchscreen more), a redesigned drive selector switch, stop/start button, My Modes button (Personal, Sport, Efficient), parking brake, and, thankfully, a physical volume control. 

Wireless charging comes standard, and you get a Harman Kardon audio system with a 205-watt amplifier. There are four USB-C ports, with the option to add more.

The 5 Series is BMW’s first vegan model, featuring a leather-like material called Veganza. It covers the seats, dashboard, and door panels. Merino leather is also available for those who want the real deal.

The seats are supportive, with electric adjustment and heating as standard. The rear seats split 40:20:40, and while the regular 5 Series has 520 litres of boot space, the i5 has 490 litres due to its rear axle drive unit.

Silent Comfort

When it comes to the BMW i5, its driving characteristic sings a familiar tune – and that’s not a bad thing. Following in the footsteps of the i4, iX, and i7, the i5 is another addition to the competent stable of electric BMWs.

Even if you’re someone who’s deeply acquainted with BMW’s internal combustion engines, especially those charismatic straight-sixes, you might feel a twinge of nostalgia with the way this car handles.

The 5 Series rocks BMW’s modular Cluster Architecture (CLAR), the foundation for all their bigger models. The double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle have been fine-tuned for better refinement, and it shows its worth when pushed enthusiastically. 

The i5’s vibration dampening and acoustics are top-notch, keeping errant noises at bay as you trundle silently along. M Sport suspension is standard, so the springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars are all set a bit firmer. It might feel a tad firm on bumpier roads, but for the most part, it just glides over the bumps like they’re not even there.

This EV is as dynamic as executive saloons come. The eDrive40 is quick without being overly aggressive, rewarding sharper inputs without pushing you to drive like a maniac. It’s more about enjoying the luxurious interior and giving your occupants a smashing ol’ time than throwing the car into corners.

The brakes and regen blend so seamlessly that you hardly notice them, a far cry from what you find in most Mercedes EQ models. Whenever the need arises to prove you’re the fastest off the line, a ‘boost’ paddle shift gives you a 10% energy boost for 10 seconds when you need it. 

Of course, the new 5 Series is packed with every kind of assistance imaginable, including Evasion Assistant and Crossroads Warning with brake intervention.

You can even park the car using your smartphone. Manoeuvre Assistant uses GPS and trajectory data to pull off complex parking moves. Or, you know, just park it yourself.

Range anxiety isn’t an issue either, with the 81.2kWh battery giving sufficient coverage for easily a week’s worth of driving. I managed around 22.2kWh/100km, which equates to about 4.5km/kWh, and this was with driving that wasn’t exactly nursing the throttle.

Expect better returns with less liberal use of the boost paddle.

Luxury Defined

The BMW i5 is a great executive EV saloon. Sure, there are small issues I may dislike with the car, and the tech can come off as a little too aspirant, but these are tiny compared to the overall user experience.

BMW was confident they could combine the dynamism from the 3 Series with the opulence from the 7 Series, and they pretty much nailed it.

Best of all, the price for the i5 is pretty competitive against its rivals, and it feels like you’ve got your money’s worth. 

In a crowded room full of executive EVs, the BMW i5 really makes a strong case for itself. Can’t argue with success, right?

Technical Specifications

BMW i5 eDrive40

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Power: 250kW (335bhp)
Torque: 400Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 193km/h
Battery Capacity: 81.2 kWh
Drive Range: 582 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.1 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$370,888 (eDrive40), S$381,888 (eDrive 40 M Sport), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Performance Motors / Eurokars Auto

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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It’s not just your run-of-the-mill 5 Series; it’s got a twist that’s electrifying the Singaporean automotive scene.

First things first, let’s talk numbers. The starting price for the 520i, the base model, kicks off at S$385,888 with COE. And, for the first time ever, BMW is offering the 5 Series in a full-electric i5 eDrive40 variant. This electric variant starts from S$417,888 with COE.

Now, if you like your cars with some sporty touches, you’re in luck. Both the 520i and the i5 eDrive40 are available in the sportier M Sport spec. The M Sport cars come with a lower, sportier suspension setup and some slightly more aggressive design elements. 

BMW is also offering a limited run of 20 Launch Edition units for both models (10 of each). What makes these Launch Edition models extra special? Well, for starters, they come with unique 20-inch wheels that are exclusively finished in Titanium Bronze. That finish extends to the interior and exterior trim and even the grille.

Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter – the design. The new 5 Series has grown in size, now 5,060mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,515mm tall, with a wheelbase that stands at 2,995mm. In simple terms, it’s bigger, bolder, and more impressive than ever before. You’ll feel the difference when you get behind the wheel.

But the design isn’t just about size; it’s about making a statement. The iconic double kidney grille takes centre stage (thank god it hasn’t been elongated), and you can even opt for the Iconic Glow illumination around the frame.

Pair that with the sleek new LED headlights, and you’ve got a front end that means business. And let’s not forget the rear end, which takes inspiration from the latest 7 Series, with its slim LED taillights and that classic Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar. It’s a design that’s both familiar and forward-thinking.

The interior of the new 5 Series borrows cues from the 7 Series too, with the usual BMW Curved Display double-screen setup. You’ve got a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver instrument display, creating the illusion of one massive screen.

The BMW Interaction Bar is present too; a backlit element with a crystalline effect, complete with adjustable lighting and touch-sensitive control panels. It’s like stepping into the future.

And speaking of the future, the new 5 Series comes equipped with the latest BMW Operating System 8.5. It’s got a revised user interface and something called “QuickSelect,” which lets you access functions without diving into submenus. Convenience at your fingertips, quite literally.

Plus, you get the Parking Assistant Plus package as standard, which includes nifty features like Parking View, Panorama View, and even a Remote 3D View function that lets you see a 3D live image of your car and its surroundings on your smartphone.

Now, let’s talk power, because what’s a BMW without some serious oomph under the hood? The 520i packs a 2.0-litre turbo inline-four engine that churns out 190hp and 310Nm of torque. It’s no slouch, going from 0-100km/h in a respectable 8.1 seconds and hitting a top speed of 230km/h.

The i5 eDrive40 is the first-ever full-electric 5 Series, and boasts 313hp and 400Nm of torque, which can be boosted to a whopping 340hp and 430Nm of torque with the My Mode Sport and Sport Boost/Launch Control functions activated.

Translation? 0-100km/h in a lightning-fast 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 193km/h. Electrifying in more ways than one.

And let’s not forget the range. The i5 eDrive40 is equipped with an 81.2kWh battery that can take you up to 582km on a full charge. That’s a lot of kilometres between charging stops. 

Plus, it’s an eco-warrior with an electric power consumption rate of just 19.5kWh/100km. And if you’re in a hurry, no worries – it can handle up to 205kW in DC fast charging, which means you can go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 30 minutes.

The all-new BMW 5 Series is bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than ever. It’s a car that combines the best of BMW’s design, technology, and performance, all wrapped up in a sleek and stylish package.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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