Connect with us

Published

2 years ago

on

electric BMW i5

After teasing glimpses of its first all-electric 5 Series for weeks, BMW has globally debuted the first two available trims of the i5, including an M performance version with 590 horsepower. The German automaker has introduced a lot of new technology in its latest generation of its long-running series, including in-car gaming, a range conservation mode, and eye activated lane changes.

Table of contents

Finally! The all-electric BMW 5 Series has arrived

We’ve been talking about an all-electric 5 series for six years now, but it wasn’t until recently that BMW began hinting at its inevitable arrival.

As a combustion model, the 5 series has been a staple in BMW’s lineup since 1972 and remains the German automaker’s second best-selling vehicle behind the 3 series. We saw BMW kick off its all-electric models with the i3, and the automaker has used that now-defunct EV as an appetizer to larger, better-performing models, like the revamped i4 sport coupe, iX SUV, and i7 sedan.

For months now, we’ve known an all-electric version of the 5 Series was in the works alongside plug-in and combustion variants, but we didn’t really get a feel for what to expect in the new i5 until late April when the sedan was seen enduring summer testing. Still, those images were camo’d.

Last week, we got our first genuine image of the all-electric BMW i5 which we can now recognize as the eDrive40 (seen below). Today however, BMW has pulled the entire veil off both all-electric 5 Series variants, and there’s a lot to get excited about if you’re a fan of the brand.

The electric BMW i5 is longer, wider, taller, and lit up

Boy are German automakers passionate about their work. Their pride in new features is apparent in their consistently “detailed” press releases that leave no tidbits of information left to the imagination. There’s only so much we can cover before you scroll on, so we recommend checking out BMW’s latest press release for all the details of the i5.

The new lineup of the 5 Series is larger all around compared to its previous generation. Its length has been stretched by 3.4 inches to 199.2, it’s wider by 1.3 inches (74.8 in total), and it’s taller by 1.4 inches (59.6 inches in all). As a result of the length, the 5’s wheelbase has been increased by 0.8 inches to 117.9, adding a tad of interior seating space, particularly in the back.

At launch, BMW will provide two all-electric variants of the i5 that feature the automaker’s fifth-generation eDrive technology. Customers can choose from a single-motor RWD i5 eDrive40, or an M60 xDrive performance model, positioned as the pinnacle of the entire 5 Series range.

The M60 variant especially showcases some new exterior features joining the 5 Series, including a black front apron with large air intakes, a grill featuring horizontal slats and the recognizable M performance logo, side skirts and exterior mirror caps finished in high-gloss black, and 19″ M light-alloy wheels.

BMW has also introduced an M Sport Package available to add to all versions of the 5 Series that includes an illuminated kidney grill framed in high-gloss black (seen above), M Shadowline headlights, and a rear spoiler. Customers can also add red calipers to the brakes if they just co choose.

Game on! The 5 Series gets an interior facelift

Moving inward, BMW has introduced a new fully-digital curved display which the automaker states now “represents the heart of the interior redesign.” The electric i5 models will come standard with a new Interaction Bar complete with ambient lighting in the instrument panel and door areas, plus a new gear selector switch in the center console.

The new frameless curved display is comprised of a 12.3″ information screen behind the steering wheel and a 14.9″ control display, merged into one high-­resolution unit powered by BMW’s latest generation Operating System 8.5 – complete with a new graphic display, start screen, and “QuickSelect” access.

BMW says OS 8.5 offers more digital information and entertainment to future drivers, including new streaming programs and for the first time ever in a 5 Series – in-car gaming thanks to the AirConsole platform.

While the EV is stationary, the driver and their passengers can connect their smartphones using a QR code on the curved display, and use them as controllers to begin gaming instantly. BMW says AirConsole already has about 20 game titles including Go Kart Go, which looks similar enough to MarioKart that I’m surprised legal action has not been taken.

Anyways, you can game while you charge, nice!

electric BMW i5

Hands-free driving and eye activated lane changes

One of the cooler features on the upcoming electric i5 is BMW’s optional Driving Assistance Professional package, which includes Highway Assistant. This ADAS features enables the i5 driver to operate hands-free at speeds up to 85 mph where conditions and speed limits allow, as long as they keep their eyes up.

The driver’s attention is continuously monitored by an interior camera, and they are fully responsible for driving and anything that happens on the road, even when Highway Assistant is activated. That means this is still a Level 2 autonomy feature at best.

BMW has utilized its eye monitoring technology in a new and unique way that alleviates the need to activate a turn signal in order to initiate a proposed hands-free lane change. When BMW begins deliveries, electric i5 owners will be able to confirm the movement by simply peering over to the respective sideview mirror.

The i5 can recognize the visual cue, then perform the lane change at speeds again, up to 85 mph (traffic conditions and speed limits permitting). Can’t wait to try this feature out.

Specs, pricing, and an introductory video

Alright, it’s been a journey to get here, but let’s dig into how these two versions of BMW’s first all-electric 5 Series break down. As we previously mentioned, initial customers will get to choose between the standard RWD i5 and the dual-motor M variant.

The i5 M60 xDrive as well as an eDrive40 donning the optional M Sport package, come equipped with a shift paddle left of the steering marked “Boost” that can be tapped to activate the electric BMW’s full drive power and trigger maximum acceleration. The i5’s electric sound design also automatically shifts to “sport” to add to the sensory driving experience.

The single motor in the rear of the electric BMW i5 eDrive40 delivers a maximum power output of 335 hp and of 295 lb-ft maximum torque (317 lb-ft when the Sport Boost or Launch Control function is activated). Its acceleration from 0-60 mph is laggard 5.7 seconds and its max speed has been electronically limited by BMW to 120 mph. The automaker also described what the i5 M60 is packing:

Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, in which the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission are compactly combined in a common housing, form an electric all-wheel drive system that enables the BMW i5 M60 xDrive to deliver captivating dynamic performance. The electric motor acting on the rear wheels generates a maximum power output of 335 hp, while the motor at the front axle produces 257 hp. The total system torque generated by both motors is 549 lb-ft, or 605 lb-ft when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated.

The new BMW i5 M60 is significantly quicker than the eDrive40, accelerating 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Its max speed has been electronically limited to 143 mph when equipped with performance tires (130 mph with all-season tires).

Like the motors themselves, BMW’s battery packs also make up its fifth-generation iDrive unit and consist of four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with twelve cells each. The modules combine for a usable capacity of 84.3 kWh and deliver the following estimated ranges and charge rates:

  • The i5 eDrive40 is estimated to travel up to 295 miles on a single charge on 19″ wheels (BMW estimated, not EPA)
  • i5 M60 xDrive delivers a (BMW) estimated 256 miles of range
  • Combined Charging Unit enables Level 2 AC charging up to 11 kW
  • The i5 can reach a rate of 205 kW on a DC fast charger, replenishing from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes

To help conserve range during dire situations, BMW has introduced a new drive system function owners can activate called Max Range. In this mode, drive power and top speed are restricted, while comfort functions are reduced to conserve battery power. Per BMW:

Max Range mode is primarily for critical situations where drivers are unable to recharge mid-journey where they had originally planned and must continue to an alternative charging point. The Max Range mode can be selected using the control display’s touchscreen functionality, the iDrive Controller, or voice commands to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It can also be deactivated by full-throttle acceleration (kickdown), engaging the M Sport Boost function, or switching the window defrost to maximum.

Still with us? Almost done, promise.

The new all-electric i5 models will be be built at Plant Dingolfing, BMW’s largest European plant – which has been home to Series 5 production since its birth 50 years ago. The global market launch will begin in October 2023 with the all-electric versions and will be followed by plug-in hybrid variants in the US in 2024. Here’s how initial pricing will break down.

  • i5 eDrive40 – $66,800 (+ $995 destination and handling)
  • i5 M60 xDrive – $84,100 (+ $995 destination and handling)

Want to see more? Check out the introductory video of the all-electric i5 posted to BMW’s YouTube page today.

Are you into the first electric 5 Series? Is the eye activated lane change a gimmick or the future of hands-free? Tell us what you think in the comments!

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

Jay Leno had to remind Tesla executives that the Roadster exists

Published

51 mins ago

on

February 11, 2025

By

Jay Leno had to remind Tesla executives that the Roadster exists

Tesla

In a short but funny interaction, Jay Leno had to remind Tesla executives that the Roadster still exists – sort of, since it has been delayed seemingly indefinitely.

The next-generation Roadster has become basically a running gag in the Tesla community.

I’ve asked Grok, Elon Musk’s truth-seeking AI, to compile all the times the CEO announced timelines to bring the Roadster to production and compare them to reality:

  1. Initial Announcement (November 2017):
    • Announced Launch: 2020.
    • Reality: Delayed; no production by 2020. Revised to mid-to-late 2021 in July 2020.
  2. July 2020 Update:
    • Announced Launch: Mid-to-late 2021.
    • Reality: Delayed; no production by 2021. Revised to 2022 in January 2021.
  3. January 2021 Update:
    • Announced Launch: 2022.
    • Reality: Delayed; no production by 2022. Revised to 2023 in September 2021.
  4. September 2021 Update:
    • Announced Launch: 2023.
    • Reality: Delayed; no production by 2023. Revised to 2024 in May 2023.
  5. May 2023 Update:
    • Announced Launch: 2024.
    • Reality: Delayed; no production by 2024. Revised to 2025 in February and October 2024.
  6. February 2024 and October 2024 Updates:
    • Announced Launch: 2025 (production version unveil by end of 2024, deliveries in 2025).
    • Reality: Current target; not yet launched as of February 11, 2025 and the production version was not unveiled in 2024.

We are coming up on a decade since the original unveiling, and Tesla has nothing to show for it despite not having launched a new vehicle other than the Cybertruck over the last 5 years.

Based on Musk’s last update, Tesla was supposed to unveil the production version by the end of 2024, which did not happen, and then start production in 2025.

Tesla has basically gone silent on the program other than being listed “in development” without a production location for years in its list of vehicle programs (still the same as of last month’s update):

The current state of the Tesla Roadster program couldn’t have been better illustrated than by this quick conversation between Jay Leno and Tesla executives Franz von Holzhausen and Lars Moravy.

As we have often reported, Tesla doesn’t have a press relations department and doesn’t maintain any relationships with US media other than with a few “friendly” publications and media personalities, including Jay Leno.

Tesla gave Leno an exclusive look and first drive at the new Model Y, which is not expected to hit US roads until next month:

During the drive, Leno asked von Holzhausen, Tesla’s chief designer. and Moravy, Tesla VP of engineering, if the new Model Y would come with a three-motor powertrain.

Moravy answered:

“We do not make three, just one or two. Three is reserved for Plaid and the Beast.”

By that, he meant the top performance “Plaid” versions of Model S and Model X, which do come with a tri-motor powertrain, and the Cyberbeast version of the Cybertruck.

Then Leno had to remind them that they said the Roadster would also have three motors:

“and the Roadster?”

Then, both executives repeated “and the Roadster” before quickly moving on.

Electrek’s Take

I think the odds of Tesla launching the new Roadster this year just crashed. Not that they were very high to start with.

It’s true that the Roadster wouldn’t be very impactful as a vehicle program, but it would make things fun and exciting at Tesla again with some cutting-edge fun EVs to drive rather than everything being about self-driving.

It would be a fun distraction amid failing FSD deployment, crashing sales, lower margins, etc.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

FIS shares plunge most since 2023 on disappointing revenue, guidance miss

Published

2 hours ago

on

February 11, 2025

By

FIS shares plunge most since 2023 on disappointing revenue, guidance miss

Lori Moffett | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Shares of Fidelity National Information Services plunged the most since 2023 on Tuesday after the company reported quarterly earnings that fell short of Wall Street estimates and issued a disappointing forecast.

The stock dropped 12% as of afternoon trading, heading for its biggest drop since March 2023.

Here’s how the company did, compared to analysts’ consensus estimates from LSEG:

  • Earnings per share: $1.40 adjusted vs. $1.36 expected
  • Revenue: $2.6 billion vs. $2.63 billion expected

Revenue at the fintech company increased 3.5% from $2.51 billion a year earlier, FIS said in a statement on Tuesday. Net income jumped almost fivefold to $304 million, or 56 cents per share, from $62 million, or 10 cents per share, a year earlier.

FIS said revenue in the current quarter will be between $2.49 billion and $2.51 billion, and sales for the full year will be between $10.44 billion and $10.5 billion. Analysts were expecting revenue for the first quarter of $2.56 billion and $10.6 billion for the year.

On the earnings call, CEO Stephanie Ferris said the company missed its own estimates for growth in 2024 “due to some one-time items.” She said “growth in new sales” and stronger relations with clients “leave us confident in further acceleration in 2025.”

FIS said new sales of digital solutions increased 70% year over year in 2024.

Stock Chart IconStock chart icon

hide content

FIS shares fall on revenue miss

The company raised its share repurchase goal from $800 million to $1.2 billion as part of its commitment to return excess cash to shareholders.

Separately on Tuesday, FIS announced a new partnership with online lender Affirm, to offer a debit service to its banking clients. Through the arrangement, any bank that partners with FIS will be able to provide its own version of the Affirm Card without asking customers to adopt a new piece of plastic.

WATCH: Affirm shares spike

Affirm shares spike on revenue beat

Continue Reading

Environment

Heybike’s new ALPHA all-terrain e-bike opens preorders at $1,599, Aiper Valentine’s sale, EGO Power+, Autel EV charger, more

Published

2 hours ago

on

February 11, 2025

By

Heybike's new ALPHA all-terrain e-bike opens preorders at ,599, Aiper Valentine's sale, EGO Power+, Autel EV charger, more

Today’s Green Deals are headlined by Heybike’s early bird preorder sale on its latest ALPHA All-Terrain e-bike, a first from the brand’s Galaxy eDrive System, at $1,599. Next, we have Aiper’s Valentine’s Day sale with up to 40% discounts across its autonomous pool cleaners, like the Surfer S1 Cordless Solar Robot Pool Skimmer that has fallen to $300, among others. We also spotted the EGO Power+ 56V Power Head, which drives the brand’s Multi-Head System, down at $155 while attachments begin at $111. Lastly, we have Autel’s MaxiCharger AC Lite Home Level 2 EV Charger dropping back down to its $455 Amazon low after being the center of a Lightning deal that has since ended, keeping the savings intact. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Valentine’s savings from EcoFlow, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Heybike launches new ALPHA all-terrain e-bike with 60-mile range at $1,599 in limited early bird preorder sale

Running alongside its ongoing Valentine’s Day sale, Heybike is officially launching its new ALPHA All-Terrain e-bike for preorder with an early bird discount through February 25 of $1,599 shipped for either its black step-over model or its white step-thru counterpart. If you were fortunate enough to be one of the hundred buyers of the brand’s early bird coupon ahead of today, you can look forward to an additional $50 being taken off the total price for $1,549 shipped. This model will begin shipping on February 23, at which point the price will return to its full $1,699 price tag, so the $100 to $150 markdown here is appreciated. One thing to note though, the brand has stated that there will only be 300 units released as part of this first round of launches – so don’t dawdle on decisions too long or you’ll miss out!

Heybike’s latest ALPHA e-bike arrives as the first release from the brand’s Galaxy eDrive System, which utilizes a 500W Mivice mid-drive motor alongside a 680Wh battery, five levels of pedal assistance, and a torque sensor to provide rider support for up to 60 miles on a single charge at up to 28 MPH top speeds (depending on state laws). This e-bike has been designed to be a more cost-friendly solution, with its performance improvements not impacting its price as readily as other brands, much in the same tradition as Lectric’s XPeak 2.0 e-bikes (though they’re still coming in $300 under the starting price here).

That’s not to say Heybike is holding back, as they’ve decked out the ALPHA e-bike with a bunch of nice features, like the hydraulic front suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, the Shimano Altus 8-speed derailleur, 4-inch puncture-protected fat tires, fenders over both wheels, an integrated rear cargo rack, an LED headlight with an auto-on functionality, an integrated taillight with braking light functionality, and an LCD for settings and controls (as well as app controls too). It weighs in at just under 72 pounds, boasting a 400-pound total payload, and don’t worry, it comes with a half-twist throttle for electric-only preferences, though it has been given a safety feature that won’t allow it to be activated until you’ve pedaled it into motion first.

Be sure to check out Heybike’s full Valentine’s Day sale for more e-bike options – especially if you’d prefer a folding e-bike – as the brand’s popular models start from $999. 

Aiper’s Valentine’s Day sale drops the Surfer S1 cordless solar robot pool skimmer to $300

Aiper has an ongoing Valentine’s Day sale that is taking up to 40% off its lineup of robot pool cleaners, with some bonus gifts at certain pricing thresholds ($900 and $1,200), free gear with select models, and bundle deals. Among its offers, the popular Surfer S1 Cordless Solar Robot Pool Skimmer is down at $299.99 shipped. Originally hitting the market with a $470 price tag, it has since fallen to a more recent $400 MSRP, which we saw hit a $270 low during October’s Prime Day event for the first time. While December saw it keep above $380, we’re seeing much more frequent falls to $300 in the new year, with the trend continuing here at $100 off its normal going rate. You’ll also find it matching in price direct from the brand’s official Amazon storefront.

A handy device for what I’ve always considered the most annoying job in pool upkeep, Aiper’s Surfer S1 utilizes paddle wheels to maneuver around your pool’s water surface while its ultrasonic sensors guide it to floating debris, insects, and more – trapping it all inside an easy-to-remove basket. The remote smart controls for this device are accessed through its companion app, letting you monitor its progress, adjust settings as needed, and even providing manual steering when you want it tackling a certain concern. The battery provides it with a 10-hour lifespan, with the option to either plug in to its DC port for recharging or take advantage of its solar charging capabilities thanks to the panel on top, which means far less work for you during the brighter months.

Be sure to also learn about the newer Surfer S2 Solar Pool Skimmer that is still benefitting from its first-ever discount at Amazon, where it’s down at $340 from $540 for an unforeseen amount of time longer. This new model comes with upgraded features like the latest brushless motor, a larger suction inlet, an improved filtration system, a 35-hour starting battery runtime (and the same solar capabilities), and more.

Aiper Valentine’s Day sale in-ground pool cleaner deals:

  • Seagull Pro: $500 (Reg. $750) | $30 more at Amazon
    • for pools up to 1,600 square feet in size
    • floor/wall/water line cleaning
    • comes with free roller brush film
  • Flagship Scuba S1: $520 (Reg. $700) | $19 more at Amazon
    • for pools up to 1,600 square feet in size
    • floor/wall/water line cleaning
    • comes with free debris basket
  • Scuba S1 Pro: $900 (Reg. $1,200) | matched at Amazon
    • for pools up to 2,150 square feet in size
    • floor/wall/water line cleaning
    • comes with free replacement caterpillar treads

Aiper Valentine’s Day sale above-ground pool cleaner deals:

Aiper Valentine’s Day sale bundle deals:

EGO Power+ Multi-Head system

The EGO Power+ 56V Power Head drops to $155 (Reg. $185), attachments start from $111

Amazon is offering the best rate in months on the EGO Power+ 56V Power Head that is down at $154.94 shipped. Normally fetching $185 these days at Amazon, we saw it fall to its $119 low back in September before keeping at $149 during Prime Day and rising back near its full rate by November, only falling to $162 during Black Friday sales. We haven’t seen it fall any lower in the time since, with today’s deal coming in as a long-awaited relief that cuts $30 off the going rate, giving you the best price we’ve tracked in months. I do want to point out that this deal is only on the Power Head itself, with no included battery or charger, making it a great opportunity for those who have the brand’s 56V ARC batteries already lying about and want to get more use out of them.

The focal point of EGO’s Multi-Head System, this 56V Power Head sports a brushless motor and comes compatible with the system’s many attachments for better versatility and efficiency, as you’ll be saving more space with less single-use tools while also utilizing more out of your existing batteries. There’s a two-speed selector to dial up or dial down speed settings, as well as a lock-off button for safety and an adjustable front handle for added comfort and control when working for extended periods. You can also grab it with a carbon fiber build at just $14 more, if you want an even sturdier design – with both sporting an IPX4 water-resistance rating to stand against any adverse weather that might roll in while you’re in the middle of a job.

EGO Power+ Multi-Head attachment deals:

Autel MaxiCharger AC Lite Ev charger

Autel’s MaxiCharger AC Lite 50A level 2 EV charger with J1772 connector returns to $455 Amazon low

Autel’s official Amazon storefront is offering its MaxiCharger AC Lite Home Level 2 EV charger for $455.20 shipped and matching direct from the manufacturer. This model usually goes for $569, but we’ve been seeing frequent Lightning deals over the last year (and some longer-lasting discounts) that dropped costs to this same rate. Today’s deal continues the trend, as the 20% markdown here saves you $114 at the lowest price on Amazon.

An affordable alternative for non-Tesla drivers, Autel’s 240V MaxiCharger AC Lite sports compatibility with any EV using a J1772 connector. Tesla drivers don’t need to feel left out though, as ordering this model direct from Autel here, gives you a choice between the J1772 or a NACS connector, which beats out the pricing on Tesla’s Universal Wall Connector (rarely discounted) by nearly $100. You’ll get up to 50A charging speeds by installing this model at your home, which averages about 37 miles per every hour of charging when set to its maximum output, complete with smart controls to monitor and adjust settings as needed. It also comes ready to stand against your regions year-round weather, as its upgraded 25-foot cable can function in cold as low as -40 degrees while the unit as a whole can withstand “snow, rain, hail, and sleet.”

Best New Year EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending