BMW is working on a redesign for its 5 Series and the latest prototype to be spotted is for an estate version of a planned i5 electric variant.
The electric car, which will likely be called the i5 Touring (Touring is the name BMW uses for its cars outside the US), will be sold alongside a regular 5-Series Touring powered by gas and diesel engines. Don’t look for either wagon to reach the US, as buyers here who need cargo space tend to prefer SUVs.
The redesigned 5 Series is expected to launch next year as a 2024 model. The i5 should arrive at the same time, much like BMW launched its redesigned 2023 7 Series and its electric i7 variant together earlier this year.
2024 BMW i5 Touring spy shots – Copyright: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
If we look closely at the prototype, we can see that the grille is sealed. The tester didn’t lack exhaust covers either, and the warning stickers for the electrified drive train on the flanks and rear weren’t missing either. The side mirrors are also BMW M’s more aerodynamic design, suggesting that this particular tester is a sporty M Performance model, similar to the 2023 i4 M50 and 2023 iX M60.
It’s not clear what specs the i5 will have, but the i4 will come with an 83.9kWh battery, while the i7 will get a 101.7kWh battery. Either way, you’re looking at a max range of around 300 miles.
We’ve also heard that the redesigned M5 will eventually have an electric version as an alternative to its standard V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s possible that this electric M5 will also have an estate variant. As for the electric M5’s powertrain, we could potentially consider a four-motor powertrain, a setup BMW M engineers are testing.
