Fully electric BMW i5 leaked ahead of official unveiling

The design of the new BMW 5 Series has been leaked after an image of the fully electric i5 variant was shared online ahead of the sedan’s official unveiling next week.

Up until now, we’ve only ever seen the new model wrapped in camouflage. Now comes the day when we get to see most of the car in full thanks to what looks to be an advertisement for the i5 being published by a user on Autospy.

At first glance, it’s hard not to miss the large kidney grilles up front which now feature an illuminated border, much like the XM. The headlights also look as if they take after the X1’s design.

We’re also shown its sleek side profile, dominating much of the single image, as well as its tapering roofline which looks as if the new 5 Series has taken inspiration from fastbacks.

Another noticeable feature is the flush door handles, a trait commonly found on many streamlined electric cars to keep drag as low as possible.

Some reports suggest the new i5 will be underpinned by the same platform found on the iX, meaning the EV could see upwards of 399kW and 1015Nm of torque if not the same.

As for the petrol and diesel-powered models, BMW has already confirmed that they will each be fitted with a 48V mild hybrid system while also offering a plug-in hybrid variant. It’s likely these models will look relatively similar to their electric sibling, apart from the obvious inclusion of intakes for the engines and cut outs for the exhaust.

BMW also confirmed that we’re set to get a wagon variant in 2024, after the model launches in Europe in October 2023.

That’s not all, because we’re also due for a quicker variant courtesy of M Performance, as announced by carmaker’s Chairman, Oliver Zipse.

The fully electric BMW i5 is set to be unveiled on 24 May 2023.