The BMW 5 Series has been a staple in the executive car market for years, consistently praised for its exceptional driving experience. It's the ideal choice for those who enjoy a thrilling drive but also desire the comfort and space of a luxurious saloon or estate. The BMW i5 Touring continues this legacy, offering the same high standards in an electric format, and stands out as one of the rare electric estate options available today.

Performance

The eDrive40 features a single motor powering the rear wheels, delivering 335bhp—matching the output of a 540i petrol V6—and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds, just a tenth of a second slower than the saloon. For an extra boost during overtakes, a ‘Boost’ paddle lets you temporarily raise the torque to 430Nm for up to ten seconds. Despite riding on 21-inch wheels, the eDrive40 offers an impressively smooth ride, with top-tier noise suppression and refinement.

In short, the eDrive40 provides ample speed regardless of your driving style. Using the B mode for one-pedal driving is great driving in the city, where the regenerative braking is seamlessly integrated for a smooth experience. Even the sound design is carefully crafted, with BMW’s ‘iconic sounds’ adding an extra layer of enjoyment—you can even choose your favourite.

Range and Charging

BMW claims a range of 560km per charge for this model, slightly less than the saloon but still quite impressive. However, like all EVs, the actual range you’ll experience can vary greatly depending on your driving habits and conditions.

When it comes to charging, the process is quick and efficient. The car supports 206kW DC fast charging, allowing you to top up in under 30 minutes on a high-powered DC charger. For home charging, expect it to take around 13 hours to go from flat to full on a typical 7kW home charger, which is about the maximum capacity most Irish homes can support.

Design and Interior

The front of the cabin mirrors that of the saloon, offering a stylish, well-crafted interior with excellent front seats. It's a practical space as well, featuring spacious door bins, ample cupholders, and wireless phone charging.

The BMW Curved Glass display continues to impress, and this holds true for the BMW i5 Touring, you get a massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster seamlessly connected to a nearly 15-inch touchscreen, creating a striking visual effect.

When it comes to practicality, the Touring model enhances the i5’s utility by increasing boot capacity from 490 litres in the saloon to 570 litres here. The back seats fold down easily with a pull of the handles inside the boot, creating a flat load space with a low loading lip and a generous 1,700 litres of total space. There's also handy underfloor storage for charging cables and a retractable luggage cover. As well as that, the i5 Touring will let you tow up to 1,500kg – making it perfect for any lifestyle.

In terms of passenger comfort, the space in both the front and rear seats is just as generous as in the i5 saloon, so you won’t be compromising on comfort. The cabin remains spacious and exceptionally comfortable throughout.

Cost Considerations

The BMW i5 Touring certainly isn’t a budget-friendly option, but the €85,595 starting price for the base Sport Edition feels less shocking than it might have in the past. This price includes a host of standard features such as a large curved digital dashboard, two-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, synthetic leather seats, and driving and parking assistance systems. You also get 19-inch alloy wheels, a Harmon/Kardon sound system, heated front seats, ambient lighting, and adaptive LED headlights.

When it comes to competitors, there aren't many direct alternatives. The Peugeot e-308 SW comes in at about half the price, and even less for the MG5, while the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo is considerably more expensive. The Audi A6 e-tron is also on the horizon. If you’re open to other types of practical electric vehicles, similarly priced SUVs like the Kia EV9, BMW iX, and Audi Q8 e-tron are also worth considering.

Conclusion

So, what's our verdict? BMW anticipates that the electric i5 Touring will account for half of all i5 sales, making it a crucial model—and the good news is that it delivers. It offers the same excellent driving experience as the saloon, with the added benefit of extra space when you need it. Plus, I think it looks even better. It’s a win on all fronts!