BMW i5 teased with illuminated grilles and an i7-like dashboard design

BMW has been testing the first-ever fully-electric 5 Series rigorously for some time now and it is finally ready for its global unveil on May 24, 2023. The i5 will be based on the next-generation 5 Series and the teaser videos from BMW showcase some of the exterior and interior details, which will remind you of the flagship i7. 

The 5 Series has always been BMW’s pride, mainly because of its ideal size (not too big as the 7 Series and not compact like the 3 Series) and its engaging driving dynamics. The launch of the upcoming 5er is not far away, and BMW has just announced the reveal date of the i5, the first 5 Series with a completely electrified powertrain. One of the teaser videos from BMW’s Instagram profile indicates more prominent kidney grilles, which are unlike anything we have seen with the earlier 5 Series. Going ahead with BMW’s latest design trend, this is no longer a surprise. Also, just like the i7, the grilles are illuminated. The same teaser also exposes the new DRLs which are familiar to the facelifted X5 and X6. 

However, the other teaser of the cabin is more revealing, with the crystal-patterned ambient lights which span from the doors to the dashboard and BMW’s latest iDrive 8 equipped dashboard display. Compared to the outgoing 5 Series, the next generation 5 Series will have a heavily revamped cabin, and the interior teaser video of the i5 proves it. If you look closely, the video also reveals the Bowers & Wilkins sound system and the touch-sensitive AC controls under the infotainment display. 

As for the powertrains, the i5 will be globally available with both single-motor and dual-motor configurations. BMW has not disclosed the power figures of the i5 sedan, but rumours suggest that the standard model with the rear-axle mounted electric motor will be producing about 335bhp and the high-end xDrive variant will produce about 590bhp. The i5 will also sport BMW’s latest fifth-generation eDrive technology in addition to a unique torque control system which optimises dynamism, traction, and driving stability. The upcoming i5 sedan will compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQE and the Tesla Model S, globally.