i5 is expected to debut alongside the combustion engine new 5 Series in October. Image: BMW
The wraps will officially come off of the all-new BMW 5 Series in October, a model Munich claims will be “more dynamic and more comfortable than ever”.
Called the G60, the new Five will also spawn an all-electric model called the i5, which joins the i4 and i7 as BMW’s third electrically dedicated sedan.
Before going on-sale though, the G60 prototype has been teased winter weather testing on the frozen lakes of Arjeplog in Sweden, which carmag.co.za reports has been strenuous.
Throughout the year, the business sedan also took to the foothills of the Alps where chassis technology and acoustic properties were refined under a variety of conditions.
The zero-emissions powertrain was also honed with power delivery to produce a well-resolved driving experience.
ALSO READ: Wait starts: BMW confirms all-new 5 Series’ debut in October
A month ago, the prototypes finally made their way to snowy Sweden, where fine tuning powertrain and chassis control systems continued on low-grip surfaces.
This included frozen lake beds around Arjeplog, where the disguised sedan went sideways to instill a sense of hope for prospective buyers with an inkling of enthusiasm.
That being said, all of this has culminated into the current day where the current electric only 5 Series is having its final tweaks done before it arrives on the market in 2024 to take on the Mercedes EQE.
Despite the gallery comprising stunning photos and context to the locations, BMW doesn’t give away any details on the powertrain or technical specifications with the only hint being that it will incorporate the fifth-generation eDrive technology.
Similar to its ICE powered lineup, the i5 is confirmed to receive an M Performance version which will presumably be named the i5 M60.
This may come with an all-wheel-drive system which will more than likely employ a dual motor setup, one on each axle.
Based on these prototype images covered in camo, the i5 may also receive slender kidney grilles, as opposed to the sizable iterations found on the flagship models.
Article first appeared on carmag.co.za.
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