BMW 5 Series: A Stylish and Advanced Electric Car Option

Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on the new BMW 5 series, a car that comes in two delightful flavors: the traditional internal combustion engine version and the full electric version, also known as the I5. Now, let me tell you everything you need to know about this beauty. The design is quintessentially BMW, with a touch of sportiness for the M performance version. The rear bumper is sleek and free of any fake exhaust trim bits, unlike some other manufacturers cough Mercedes cough. And let's not forget the carbon fiber boot spoiler that adds that extra touch of aggression.

Moving to the front, BMW has wisely stuck with the more traditional star kidney grills, unlike some of their competitors who seem to have lost their way. The headlights are sleek and stylish, with unique DRLs that really come to life at night. It's a design that may take some time to grow on you, but trust me, it will grow on you. And speaking of growing, the price of the I5 starts at a cool £74,000, so make sure you're sitting down when you check out the configurator.

Step inside this luxurious beast and you'll be greeted by a dash that is both cool and interesting. The different layers of materials, from wood trim to glass effect to leather, give it a minimalist and relaxing vibe. The quality of the materials is top-notch, as expected from BMW, with soft surfaces and leather abound. The seats are super comfy, and the M sport steering wheel adds that extra touch of sportiness. The entertainment system has been updated to be more user-friendly, with a high-definition screen that is responsive and a joy to use. And let's not forget the cool features, like the touch-sensitive lock and unlock buttons and the ability to control the climate of the footwells independently.

Now, let's talk practicality. The back seats offer plenty of room, although you may feel a bit closer to the floor due to the batteries underneath. There's decent storage throughout the cabin, with large door bins and a reasonable glove box. The trunk has a capacity of 490 liters, and the rear seats can be folded down for even more space. However, there are a few drawbacks to this electric beauty. Adaptive cruise control is not included as standard, which is a shame considering its price tag. And speaking of price, the I5 is heavier than its petrol counterpart, which may affect its performance.

But fear not, my friends, for the I5 makes up for these shortcomings with some truly cool features. The car's satellite navigation system can plan your route via charging locations, ensuring you never run out of juice. And if you do start running low on charge, you can activate the max range mode, which limits your speed to 60 MPH and turns off unnecessary features to conserve energy. But the real icing on the cake is the ability to play computer games using your phone as a controller through the car's screen. Imagine battling it out with your friends while waiting for the car to charge. It's a game-changer, quite literally.

In terms of power, the I5 offers various engine options, from a 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine to a single electric motor version to the range-topping M60 with two electric motors. The charging capabilities are impressive, with fast DC charging up to 205 kW and the option to upgrade to 22 kW charging on AC power. The range is decent, although not quite as impressive as some of its competitors.

So, the verdict on the BMW I5? It's a stylish and technologically advanced electric car that may take some time to win you over with its design, but once it does, you'll be hooked. It offers a luxurious and comfortable interior, with plenty of cool features to keep you entertained. However, the lack of standard adaptive cruise control and the increased weight compared to the petrol version are slight disappointments. But overall, the I5 is a step in the right direction for BMW, and it's definitely worth considering if you're in the market for an electric car.

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Viewer Reactions for New BMW 5 Series review - still the best?

Plastic-looking side skirts and back bumper design
Comparison to previous BMW 5 series models
Mixed opinions on the design changes
Complaints about the turn signals and interior materials
Positive feedback on the infotainment system upgrade
Mention of specific features available in the Chinese market
Negative comments on the rear design
Comparison to other car models like Toyota Camry
Request for flood-related EV test
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Mention of Tesla as a competitor
Reference to "5 annoying things" video
Criticism of door handles and overall design
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