Today, BMW marked the official start of production for its inaugural all-electric 5 Series sedan, the BMW i5.
The time has lastly come. BMW has been teasing the electric version of its popular 5 Series sedan for more than six years, sparking anticipation among enthusiasts and potential buyers alike.
At BMW’s annual conference in March, CEO Oliver Zipse unveiled the brand-new i5, touting its potential to elevate the manufacturer’s competitive edge with a “unique market positioning.”
The new BWW i5 will occupy a sweet spot in BMW’s sedan lineup, nestled comfortably between the compact Three Series and the larger 7 Series. As BMW’s second-bestselling range after the three-series, the 5-series has played a crucial role in the manufacturer’s enduring success over the years.
As the automaker navigates its transition to an electric era. In late May, BMW officially introduced the i5, an all-electric sedan that builds upon its predecessors by offering a slightly larger package.
The Electric i4 model comes equipped with BMW’s most advanced technology and software, including its latest generation Operating System 8.5, which enables passengers to play video games while their vehicle is being charged. Find out the comprehensive details about Intel Core i5 processor right here.
BMW starts production of new i5 electric sedan.
Two months following the initial announcement, BMW revealed that it had commenced production of the iX5 at its primary European manufacturing facility, BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, located in Germany.
BMW’s Manufacturing Chief, Milan Nedeljković, noted the significance of this achievement, stating that
The BMW i5 and our manufacturing facility in Dingolfing exemplify the BMW Group’s transformative efforts towards electrification, with a focus on expanding its sustainable production capabilities at the BMW iFACTORY.
The i5 would become the third fully electric model to roll off the production line, joining the BMW iX and BMW i4. BMW anticipates its electric vehicle (EV) production will account for more than 40 per cent of its total output within the next 12-month period.
In the final 12 months, more than 280,000 vehicles left the production line at Dingolfing; BMW anticipates this figure will surge to “significantly more than 300,000” once i5 production commences.
Historically, roughly two-thirds of the vehicles produced at the facility are BMW 5 series models, making the i5 a crucial component in the site’s expansion plans for the next few years?
The BMW iX5 will be available in two all-electric variants: the eDrive40 and the M60 efficiency model. The 2024 i5 eDrive40 starts at $66,800, boasting 335 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The M60’s efficiency boasts a potent 590 horsepower, accelerating from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds, with a starting price tag of $84,100.