BMW Teases i5 Electric Sedan, Confirms M Performance Version

BMW has offered a tantalizing glimpse of its upcoming i5 electric sedan, while simultaneously confirming the addition of an M Performance variant.

The Munich-based automaker released a handful of images of the i5’s exterior on Tuesday, offering up an early preview of the four-door’s design. The images also provided confirmation of the presence of a more powerful M Performance variant, complete with an aerodynamic body kit and an aggressive front fascia.

The i5 is slated to arrive in the latter half of 2021, and will be the second model to join the German automaker’s developing lineup of electric vehicles. It will utilize the same fifth-generation eDrive technology as the iX3 crossover, which is set to launch in the U.S. later this year.

BMW promises the i5 will be capable of providing long-range travel on a single charge, with the automaker’s 80 kWh battery pack offering up to 373 miles on the European testing cycle. A more powerful 150 kW motor will power the M Performance variant, with the electric sedan capable of providing all-wheel drive.

The i5 will also look to offer a luxurious interior, with the electric sedan fitted with the latest in BMW’s connected vehicle technology. This will include the automaker’s advanced driver-assist system, which combines a suite of sensors and cameras to provide semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

The i5’s reveal is expected to take place in the coming months, with the electric sedan set to go on sale by the end of the year.

BMW has procured a tantalizing preview of its forthcoming i5 electric sedan, and has concurrently affirmed the addition of an M Performance variant. On Tuesday, the Bavarian carmaker unveiled a series of exterior images, which also provided confirmation of the more powerful version boasting an aero body kit and a voracious front fascia.

The i5 is anticipated to debut during the latter portion of 2021, and will become the second model to join the automaker’s budding selection of electric vehicles. It will incorporate fifth-generation eDrive technology, akin to that of the forthcoming U.S.-bound iX3 crossover, and will be equipped with an 80 kWh battery pack that is projected to allow 373 miles of range on the European testing cycle. The M Performance trim will be driven by a 150 kW motor, and will be capable of all-wheel drive.

Furthermore, the interior of the i5 will be outfitted with BMW’s cutting-edge connected vehicle technology, including a suite of sensors and cameras for semi-autonomous driving operations. The electric sedan is due to be disclosed in the upcoming months, with sales slated to commence at the end of the year.