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We haven’t seen many BMW i5 prototypes in public, so when one appeared, it caught our attention. Our spy photographer recently captured a test vehicle in Germany and it was in the right place at the right time. As a result, we have some sharp, detailed images to share.
BMW still hides design details with full body camouflage, but the headlights are different from the previous prototype. We see the bracketed daytime running lights on this lens, which we believe represent the production unit for the i5. The same close-up also shows the level of camouflage that BMW used on this test car. There are faux panels with visible screws all over the hood, and down low along the sides. The front fascia is also hidden, but a close perspective allows us to zoom in, revealing a bunch of sensors that could underpin early rumors of the i5 offering Level 3 autonomous functionality.
20 Photo
This new set of spy photos also takes us into, though admittedly, a lot that’s covered. It should come as no surprise to see a pair of digital screens for the driver display and infotainment system. The layout looks very similar to the new i7, with the screen positioned at the very front of the dashboard with a slight notch to support the driver. The controls on the center console that poke through the cover also resemble the layout of the i7. The steering wheel is similar to that used on the current 5 Series, although it may not be a production specification.
Speaking of the Series 5, the all-electric i5 should offer similar styling to its internal combustion counterpart. The next 5er shares its platform with the i5, giving buyers a choice of petrol, diesel or electric power in a familiar sedan package. This is in stark contrast to the EQ models from cross-city rivals Mercedes-Benz, which use a different platform and have a very different look from their ICE sibling.
There is little information at this point regarding power or range for the i5. There are rumors that the hottest M version could use a three-motor layout to produce more than 700 horsepower. Considering the recently launched i7 with a dual motor platform producing 536 hp, 700 hp in the performance-oriented i5 doesn’t seem like a big step.
Unfortunately, we may have more months before our questions are answered. Sources tell us that we won’t see the i5 revealed until 2023, debuting as the 2024 model.
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