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“Despite a dark and wet M4, I was impressed at how planted and refined the i5 felt at the national speed limit.”
Planted and refined drive
Our BMW i5 is proving to be great on long trips. Martyn Collins
The BMW i5 is a real opinion divider it turns out, as I ended up in heated debate about the ride when compared with rivals on a recent launch. As I’ve said before, given the 21in wheels that are fitted, the i5 has impressed me with how comfortable and compliant the ride is whatever the journey. Despite some noticeable body float (that affects other EVs and is the result of that heavy battery) mainly on A and B roads, it has surprised me at how sporty and dynamic it feels, too.
A perfect example of this, was that I spent a weekend driving a hybrid executive rival, on 20in wheels, with a far harsher ride. Then, coming back to this BMW for a trip to the Cotswolds for a launch, it again made me grateful for the BMW’s more supple set-up. So, while there are more dynamic EV rivals, and smaller wheels might be even more comfortable, I’m very happy with this BMW’s set-up. More good news is that I’ve thankfully managed to keep all the wheels round!
This 110-mile drive again highlighted the supportive ‘comfort’ front seats, that live up
BMW i5 eDrive 40 M
Sport Pro P11D price £76,200 As tested £94,375. Official range 362 miles Our average consumption 2.6 miles/ kWh Mileage 2,560 miles
to their name. All I needed to do was then select ‘drive,’ my ‘drive mode’ (usually ‘efficiency’ to make the most of the range) and pick my music on the excellent optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system, via the physical wheel. Having a physical wheel is far preferable to the touchscreen set-up in the previous iX1 in my opinion, however I
must admit this wheel’s operation has been a bit hit and miss this month, with me instead having to resort to touching the screen instead – which is not ideal. I’ll be keeping an eye on this, to see if there’s a fault. Despite a dark and wet M4, I was then impressed at how planted and refined the i5 felt at the national speed limit, along with the excellent adaptive LED headlights, making for a confident stress-free drive. Two hours later, I arrived at my overnight hotel. I was tired, but think I was a lot less tired than I would have been if I was driving an ICE-powered car. The i5’s range has been something I’ve been wondering about since its arrival. More range is always welcome, but through winter, the most I’ve seen has been 255 miles – some way off BMW’s claimed 357 official figure. I believe the i5 is quite efficient – well more than the 2.6 miles/kWh figure for this month would suggest. I got to the Cotswolds with 60% and 150 miles left of the range, in spite of motorway speeds, and the cold, wet weather, meaning I was having to use extra kit which is a battery drain. This meant I’d have enough charge to get to the event early next morning, and I took advantage of an offered free charge to top-up for the way home.
Despite comments from friends that the i5 has a particularly long nose considering there’s no engine underneath that long bonnet, this BMW’s styling continues to grow on me. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the best-looking models in the range. It continues to suit the Brooklyn Grey paint with black and carbon detailing. I’ve also found that Brooklyn Grey is a good colour to hide road muck, after a wet and muddy month.
Spring is almost here, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the i5 will cope.
Why we’re running it
To see if the all-electric BMW i5 can revitalise the executive class.
www.businesscar.co.uk | March 2024 | 43
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