A storm of epic proportions danced around Strasbourg, the thunder an echoing boom that for one crazy moment, made me think of an AC/DC drum solo taking place right next to my ear. Lightning flashed with the same intensity as the noon sun, sweeping across the mountains and valleys as if they were nothing. Stuck within my guest house room’s confines, I was left wondering whether I’d made a wise choice or not.
The Google Maps’ advanced algorithms had suggested that my plan was a simple one: pick up the recently launched electric BMW i5 Touring estate in Munich and drive it back to Ireland. With a staggering 560km range on a single charge, theoretically, it should be able to cover the 1,270km distance from Munich to the ferry in Cherbourg with only one or two charge breaks along the way.
The i5 Touring is the most recent addition to the 33-year long lineage of the BMW 5 Series estates, boasting 1.2 million sales worldwide. Originating from the E34 model, the 5 Series estates have been a consistent high performer in the BMW roster, particularly in Germany where it surpasses the sales of the saloon model. In Ireland, however, the estate models fail to generate the same enthusiasm.
The BMW transition from the i5 saloon to the Touring model primarily involved extending the roof and incorporating a tailgate, whilst maintaining the overall dimensions. A significant difference lies in the boot space, which at 570 litres outperforms the saloon’s 490 litres, and can potentially be increased to 1,700 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. Additional underfloor storage provides ample space for charging cables and alike. However, unlike other 5 Series Touring models, the i5 model lacks a tailgate glass feature, sacrificed for aerodynamic efficiency and enhanced rear visibility. How times change!
Although the cabin’s appearance hasn’t undergone significant changes, it can be seen as a positive aspect. The vast, multifunction touchscreen could be somewhat intricate for its own good, and it might benefit from more tangible buttons. However, the superior quality it demonstrates surpasses that of both Mercedes and Audi. The extended wheelbase leads to more spacious and agreeable rear seats than one might initially anticipate.
Before departing Munich, we had an opportunity to test the M60 variant of the i5 Touring, a model combining practicality and opulence with a twin-engine four-wheel-drive system that offers an impressive 601hp and 820Nm. Additionally, its acceleration rate to 100 km/h, being just 3.8 seconds, is exceptional. It carries a performance that likely required the possession of a robust Le Mans racer not too long ago. Despite being in the power-conserving Efficient driving mode, this vehicle is tremendously fast. While such superior performance may be unnecessary for some, it is definitely admirable. I’m even partial to its somewhat kitschy blanked-off, illuminated surrounding grille.
However, for a more lengthy journey, it seemed prudent to choose the eDrive40 variant with a solitary engine and rear-wheel drive. This model offers 340hp and 430Nm of torque. Despite being swift – reaching 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds isn’t perceived as slow – this version should be able to glean a significantly greater range than the M60, using the same 81.2 kWh battery.
This eDrive40 i5 Touring can potentially hit around 500km within charges under mixed driving conditions, even though this varies when cruising at speed limits typical on German and French motorways. While I chose not to experiment with Germany’s unrestricted motorway speeds to conserve energy, be informed that the i5 M60 can reach speeds of 200km/h in no time. My cruising speed ranged around the standard 130km/h limit in Germany and the strictly enforced 130km/h in France. This marginally higher speed than in Ireland noticeably drains the i5’s battery more quickly than is comfortable. On one particular lengthy journey, I barely made it with 10% charge from Germany down to my Strasbourg lodging, having covered 380km on a single charge.
Despite an expectation to begin the following day fully charged, I was chagrined to discover that the hotel’s charging station had been knocked out by an overnight storm, compelling me to adopt a cautious driving style until I could locate the closest rapid charger.
However, I had little to worry about as France is well-equipped with EV charging facilities. My journey to Cherbourg was strewn with rapid charging stations, each one furnished with at least ten to twelve connectors and providing power ranging from 300kW to 350kW – more than enough to promptly recharge the BMW at its peak charging rate of 205kW. Plus, I found each charging station to be in perfect working order, and I never had to wait in line for a turn.
Despite my hesitant beginning and the pressing need to catch my ferry, I was compelled to traverse France in consecutive 200-250km dash between charging points. Given the absence of charging facilities on the ferry, and the scarcity of adequate chargers in Ireland, I needed to reach Cherbourg with ample residual charge to take me from Rosslare to Dublin. Fortunately, my worries proved unnecessary—I reached Cherbourg ahead of schedule, and with a 200km surplus indicated on the charging-range display. However, cruising at French motorway speeds implicitly restricts the i5 to a maximum of 400km, another 50km would have made the journey somewhat easier.
The i5 itself could not provide a more comfortable ride. It’s an astonishingly refined vehicle, smoothly handling irregularities in the road even on optional 21-inch alloy wheels, and delivers an auditory experience suggestive of BMW’s Rolls-Royce ownership. Its sophisticated, laid-back persona syncs seamlessly with more athletically inclined features, which made the winding routes through Normandy enjoyable. Although the i5’s weight dampens its agility, it reins as the most pleasurable vehicle to drive in its category, exceeding even the sophistication of speedy, inexpensive Chinese autos.
The i5 Touring, however, is not for the thrifty. Beginning at over €80,000, it’s frighteningly easy to end up costing over a hundred thousand with minor online configuration adjustments.
Is it worth the price though? My verdict is a resounding yes. My appreciation for the 5 Touring remains unaltered with its i5 counterpart. Certainly, it outperforms any comparable SUV in aesthetics, driving experience, and practicality, while exuding prestige that incites envy. Regardless of the range, it’s an irresistible mix.
Specs: BMW i5 Touring eDrive40 M-Sport
Power: 250kW electric motor producing 340hp and 430Nm of torque, channelled to the rear wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission.
Assessing the electrical usage indicates 16-19 kWh per 100km based on WLTP data. The distance you can travel on a single charge, again using WLTP figures, is 560km. Acceleration from a standstill to 100km/h is achieved in 6.1 seconds. The model evaluated priced in at €93,875, yet the i5 Touring begins from a more modest €85,845. We’ve granted it an impeccable 4 out of 5 points. In summation, whilst there is a slight decline in range when travelling at faster motorway speeds, the i5 Touring virtually hits the mark everywhere else.