Review of the BMW i5 Touring

The new all electric BMW i5 Touring is a masterclass in blending elegance with practicality, designed to cater to both urban commuters and long-distance travellers. This estate car not only offers BMW’s signature sporty look but also ensures plenty of space and comfort, making it ideal for the UK market.

Rivals to the BMW i5 Touring include the Audi A6 Avant e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQE Estate, Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo.

Our BMW i5 Touring review covers:

• Sporty yet refined design with kidney grilles and streamlined profile
• Spacious interior with high-quality materials and a spacious layout
• 500-litre boot, expanding to 1, 550 litres with rear seats down
• 81.2kWh battery with up to 344 miles of range on a single charge
• Three trim levels are available: Sport Edition, M Sport and M Sport Pro

Pros:

• Impressive electric range
• Luxurious and spacious interior
• Smooth and quiet driving experience

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Limited Towing Capacity
• Weight Impact on Handling

BMW has done an impressive job with the exterior design of the i5 Touring. It boasts sleek lines, giving it a sophisticated yet athletic appearance. The iconic kidney grilles at the front are complemented by striking LED headlights, which add a modern edge to the overall look. From every angle, the i5 Touring feels dynamic, with a low stance that not only improves aerodynamics but also gives it a sportier profile compared to typical estates.

This refined design is functional, too. The aerodynamic shape helps reduce drag, improving efficiency and range, an essential consideration for any electric vehicle (EV). The i5 Touring’s design is equally at home in the city or cruising along the motorway, making it versatile for a variety of driving conditions across the UK.

Practicality is one of the standout features of the BMW i5 Touring, especially for families or those needing extra space for their lifestyle. The interior is thoughtfully designed, offering plenty of room for both passengers and luggage. With generous legroom in the rear seats, adults can travel comfortably, making long journeys far more enjoyable. There’s also a range of practical storage solutions dotted around the cabin, from spacious door bins to cupholders and clever compartments, ensuring that there’s space for everything you need on the go.

When it comes to boot space, the BMW i5 Touring doesn’t disappoint. With a 500-litre boot as standard, there’s ample room for everyday essentials, from groceries to sports gear. For those bigger trips, you can easily fold the rear seats down to expand the boot capacity to a generous 1,550 litres, offering more than enough space for family holidays, DIY projects, or even a weekend getaway with plenty of luggage. The low boot lip and wide opening make loading and unloading straightforward, which is particularly useful when handling bulky or heavy items. Additionally, the i5 Touring features an electronically operated tailgate for added convenience, which is particularly handy when your hands are full.

The BMW i5 Touring offers a premium experience inside, with its beautifully designed interior reflecting the brand’s commitment to luxury, technology, and practicality. Step inside the BMW i5 Touring, and you’re immediately greeted by an interior that feels both modern and sophisticated. Theres high-quality materials, such as leather and soft-touch surfaces, are used throughout, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The minimalist dashboard design, paired with ambient lighting, enhances the premium feel of the car.

At the heart of the interior is the 14.9-inch curved touchscreen that forms part of BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 system. This infotainment system is responsive, user-friendly, and packed with features. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Voice control and gesture commands make it easy to navigate, even while driving. You’ll also find a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital driver display, providing clear and customisable information such as navigation, speed, and battery levels.

Comfort features like heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof (optional on certain trims) further enhance the interior’s appeal. The cabin is also designed with practicality in mind, with ample storage compartments and USB-C ports for charging multiple devices.

The BMW i5 Touring comes in three distinct trims: Sport Edition, M Sport, and M Sport Pro.

Sport Edition

The entry-level Sport Edition trim is perfect for those looking to enjoy the essentials of BMW luxury with a focus on comfort and tech. Key Features:

• 14.9-inch iDrive 8.5 touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3-inch digital driver display
• Heated front seats in synthetic leather upholstery
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Dual-zone climate control
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Automatic tailgate

M Sport

The M Sport trim adds a more dynamic look and feel, with sportier styling both inside and out, and additional technology for an enhanced driving experience. Key Features:

• M Sport aerodynamic styling
• 19-inch M Sport alloy wheels
• M leather steering wheel
• Upgraded upholstery with exclusive trim details
• Adaptive suspension for a more engaging drive
• Rear-view camera
• LED headlights and taillights

M Sport Pro

For those who want the ultimate in performance and luxury, the M Sport Pro trim offers the highest specification with premium materials and the most advanced technology. Key Features:

• 20-inch M Sport Pro alloy wheels
• M Sport Pro braking system
• Adaptive M suspension for superior handling and comfort
• Full Vernasca leather upholstery
• Harman Kardon surround sound system
• BMW Laserlights for enhanced night-time visibility
• Electric tailgate with hands-free access
• Head-up display for driving information

The new BMW i5 Touring is a benchmark in electric vehicle (EV) performance, delivering a blend of power, efficiency, and refinement that’s tailored for the modern driver.  At the heart of the BMW i5 Touring range are cutting-edge electric motors that provide instant torque and responsive acceleration. The electric drivetrain means that power is delivered seamlessly, giving the car a sprightly feel, particularly when overtaking or merging onto motorways. In terms of speed, the i5 Touring can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in as little as 4.6 seconds in the M60 xDrive model, which is impressive for an estate car of this size.

The BMW i5 Touring is available with the following fully electric models:

• BMW i5 eDrive40: The entry-level model, the i5 eDrive40, offers rear-wheel drive and delivers 340 horsepower. With a range of up to 357 miles on a single charge, it provides an excellent balance of performance and efficiency for everyday driving.
• BMW i5 M60 xDrive: For those seeking even more power, the M60 xDrive model adds all-wheel drive and boosts the output to an impressive 601 horsepower. This model is the performance-focused version of the i5 Touring and is ideal for drivers who want exhilarating acceleration alongside a luxury driving experience.

Driving the BMW i5 Touring is an effortless experience, with its electric powertrain providing near-silent operation and an ultra-smooth ride. The adaptive suspension ensures that the car remains composed on uneven surfaces, making it ideal for British roads, whether you're cruising down a motorway or navigating country lanes. The instant power delivery means the i5 Touring feels agile and responsive, even in urban settings. The car’s low centre of gravity, thanks to the placement of the batteries, also enhances handling and stability, offering a sporty yet controlled driving experience.

Regenerative braking is another feature that enhances the driving experience. It allows you to recover energy while slowing down, which not only boosts efficiency but also extends the range. For drivers in the UK, where stop-start traffic is common, this feature proves particularly useful. Furthermore, the various driving modes available, including Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport, allow you to adjust the car’s behaviour to suit your driving style and conditions.

The BMW i5 Touring is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £69,040.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from Price On Request.

If you're considering leasing a BMW i5 Touring, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a BMW i5 Touring can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.