FIRSTLOOK - The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 - Brooklyn Grey Metallic

FIRSTLOOK - The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 - Brooklyn Grey Metallic

BMW hasn't done anything too drastic with the 5 Series' styling, choosing simply to clean up the car's flanks, fit some new lights at the front and rear, and change the grille slightly. And the i5 really doesn't look all that different from the more conventionally powered versions that also populate the range. The overall result is a more minimalist, more modern design that's sure to stand the test of time, and offer customers all the style and intent they expect from a 5 Series. It's a good-looking car, and the decision to ensure the i5 doesn't look too different will doubtless play well with a multitude of buyers.

While BMW may not have done too much to the 5 Series' exterior, the company has certainly made changes to the cabin. The centrepiece is the Curved Display that houses the digital instrument cluster and the touchscreen, both of which are massive, clear, bright screens that are easy to read and offer plenty of configuration options. BMW has given them both the latest Operating System 8.5 technology, too, making them even more intuitive and user-friendly.

In a bid to clean up the 5 Series' cabin, the central touchscreen has taken on responsibility for the car's climate control panel, with buttons largely eliminated from the dashboard. The BMW system is much better than most touchscreen executions, but it's still less ergonomic and intuitive than conventional switchgear. That said, BMW has retained the iDrive controller on the centre console, which allows easier navigation of the screen while you're on the move.

But perhaps the highlight of the Operating System 8.5 is the option of the AirConsole game system. As the name suggests, it effectively turns the car into a games console, with occupants controlling their avatar through their smartphones. The games aren't detailed RPGs like Red Dead Redemption, but Mario Kart-style racers and cartoon football games. They're good fun, and of course, they're only available when the car is stationary. If you're charging up, they're a good distraction.

But whether you're on the move or not, you'll appreciate some of the materials in the i5's cabin. This is the first BMW to offer an all-vegan interior as standard, with a leather-effect material that has finally made the grade. It all feels very plush, but we aren't completely sold on the i5's extensive use of glossy plastic, which feels a little bit cheap for a car that costs so much. There's no arguing with the way it's all bolted together, though.

Inside the i5, space is bountiful, with those in the front getting ample elbow room and electrically adjustable seats that more or less ensure you can get comfortable no matter what shape or size you might be. Further back, the news is equally good, with enough legroom for rear-seat passengers to sit in comfort and enough headroom for even very tall passengers to sit up normally.

The only slight catch, therefore, is the boot space, which at 490 litres is hardly puny, but it is smaller than that of the Mercedes-Benz EQE. It's also smaller than that of the basic 520i petrol 5 Series, which offers a slightly more competitive 520-litre luggage space. Neat, that. If you do want more room, however, a 'Touring' estate version of the 5 Series is expected next year.

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FIRSTLOOK - The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 - Brooklyn Grey Metallic

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