A fully-electric BMW 5-Series seems like a very long
stretch right now. However, if this latest rumor turns out to be correct, then
we can expect such a version to co-exist alongside BMW’s next generation 5er. Expected to arrive in 2023, the
successor of the outgoing G3X will reportedly get at least two electric
drivetrains, according to BMWBlog, quoting insiders. Also rumored is the
fifth-gen eDrive tech found in the i4 and iNext.
The publication thinks the alleged electric 5-Series
will get both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions, plus battery packs
producing anywhere between 60-80 kWh, providing it with a range of at least 483 km. Upper grades might be able to travel for up to 700
km on a single charge.
Giving the 5er battery-electric power will fall in
hand with the company’s plans of electrifying the range. CEO Harald Kruger
confirmed that plans of offering 25 electrified models by 2025, with more than
half being electric, have been moved for 2023.
With the unveiling of the Power BEV last month, BMW
might have tested the waters for an electric 5-Series. The concept is equipped
with the fifth-gen electric drive, enjoying a massive output of 710 hp. Performance wise, it’s on the same level with some of the best
supercars of the moment, needing less than 3 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h, while retaining the practicality and comfort of a car in this
class. Until the next-gen 5-Series will be unveiled, the automaker is
prepping a mid-cycle refresh. The facelifted iteration is currently undergoing
testing and should be presented later this year or in 2020.
