BMW is working on a redesign for its 5-Series, and the latest prototype to be spotted is a wagon version of a planned electric i5 variant.
Likely to be called the i5 Touring (Touring is the name BMW uses for its wagons outside the U.S.), the electric wagon will be sold alongside a regular 5-Series Touring powered by gas and diesel engines. Don’t look for either wagon to reach the U.S., as buyers here in need of cargo space mostly prefer SUVs.
The redesigned 5-Series is expected to debut this year as a 2024 model. The i5 should arrive at the same time, similar to how BMW launched its redesigned 2023 7-Series and its electric i7 variant together last year.
Looking closely at the prototypes, it becomes clear that the grille is sealed off. The tester also lacks exhaust tips, and there’s no missing the warning stickers for the electrified powertrain on the flanks and rear. The side mirrors are also the more aerodynamic design used by BMW M, which suggests this particular tester is for a sporty M Performance model, perhaps similar to the 2023 i4 M50 and 2023 iX M60.
2024 BMW i5 Touring spy shots – Photo credit: Baldauf
It isn’t clear what specs the i5 will have, but the i4 comes with a 83.9-kwh battery and the i7 gets a 101.7-kwh battery. Both vehicles have a maximum 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. The electric M5 could use a four-motor powertrain delivering close to 1,000 hp, a setup BMW M engineers are testing.
