Overview
The BMW i5 Touring is a refreshing departure from the saturation of premium electric SUVs, carving a highly desirable position as one of the few executive electric estate cars. It takes the traditional strengths of the long-running 5 Series wagon formula into the electric age. Built upon an adapted version of BMW's CLAR platform rather than a bespoke EV platform, the i5 Touring targets business executives and families who prioritize effortless, silent long-distance cruising, high-end prestige, and traditional estate practicality without a towering SUV.
Design
In terms of exterior styling, the i5 Touring maintains a highly recognizable, classic BMW profile. It features an elongated roofline and sharper, inward-angled headlights framing a prominent Kidney grille. Flatter, cleaner lines and ultra-slim, wide rear lights define the back. To disguise the physical bulk, BMW have incorporated gloss black sills and matching lower body trims to visually reduce its mass.
Interior
The cabin is heavily influenced by the larger i7, featuring a dramatic, curved display housing the digital driver's display and massive central touchscreen running the latest BMW operating system. Physical buttons are kept to a minimum, with climate controls integrated into touch-sensitive controls on the dash. However, ergonomics are rescued by the retention of the physical iDrive controller on the centre console. The material quality is exceptionally high throughout, though the M Sport variants feature an notably thick-rimmed steering wheel that might feel slightly too big.
Performance & Powertrains
The i5 Touring's mechanical lineup consists of two distinct variants, both drawing power from a 84kWh battery pack. The entry-level eDrive40 features a single, rear-mounted electric motor delivering 335bhp and a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.1 seconds, achieving a range of up to 365 miles. The range-topping M Sport adds more aggressive styling and trims but decreases the range to 356 miles. Both versions support DC rapid charging speeds of up to 205kW, meaning a 10% to 80% top-up in around 30 minutes. On the road, the standard rear self-levelling air suspension manages the vehicle's substantial 2.2-tonne kerb weight efficiently, ensuring great high-speed motorway refinement, accurate steering, and a highly composed ride, even if its sheer size reduces agility on narrow, winding roads.
Practicality
The i5 Touring matches its petrol siblings exactly for luggage capacity. The boot offers 570 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, presenting a completely flat, flush floor with a low loading lip. Quick-release levers drop the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats down to open up a vast 1,700-litre cargo area. Underneath the boot floor is a dedicated 30-litre storage compartment designed to keep charging cables secure. The long 2,995mm wheelbase allows for generous legroom and headroom in the rear, comfortably accommodating three adults. Due to the combustion platform, there is no frunk under the bonnet.
Buying
Prices for the BMW i5 Touring reflect its premium positioning, starting from £69,945 and rising to around £79,000 for the M Sport version. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the i5 Touring eDrive40. This specific setup provides the optimal blend of real-world efficiency and style, retaining the maximum possible 365-mile range, without stepping into the excessive cost and diminished range of the twin-motor M60 variant.