BMW’s aggressive expansion of its electromobility portfolio has given rise to many highly anticipated products, such as the iNEXT electric SUV and Vision M Next. Now, reports suggest that the automaker will introduce battery-electric versions of the existing G30 5 Series and G12 7 Series.
According to German newspaper Handelsblatt, the 7 Series electric is expected to be launched in 2022, while the 5 Series is due a year later in 2023. Both models will be made at the existing production line and crown their respective model range.
Before some of you start dismissing the legitimacy of this news, it’s worth remembering that BMW has already started doing road tests for the upcoming G20 3 Series electric. All three sedans share the same CLAR underpinnings, so battery-electric versions of the 5 and 7 is only a question of when, not if. Expect the larger sedans to be fitted with larger battery packs, as well as more powerful motors to match their petrol or PHEV counterparts.
Speaking of the powertrain, all electrified BMW models will be powered by the automaker’s fifth-generation eDrive technology, which it claims can deliver a zero emissions driving range of up to 700 km. The system will first be introduced with the iX3, which boasts a driving range of 440 km thanks to a 74 kWh prismatic battery pack. There will still be some use of cobalt in the battery, but reduced by two thirds, BMW says.
In fact, just last June, BMW showcased the Power BEV, a mad electric rocket powered by three motors that produce over 710 hp. It was clad in the shell of the G30 5 Series, and at full pelt was good for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of under three seconds.
The three drive units are split – one mounted at the front axle and two (a double drive unit) at the rear axle. Those at the back are control separately, allowing e-torque vectoring and maximum thrust in the corners. BMW says this setup offers a more effective and precise power delivery, and acts as an “enhanced” version of a limited slip differential, much like what the folks at Porsche are doing.
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Tried electric. i’d goin back to past ICE tech,
Come to Malaysia, battery alone RM140k like the Mercedes E300 Bluetec Hybrid owner kena.
Pity him
So why have you been harping for a brand to sell EVs and hybrids, if you knew the battery replacement is going to be expensive? You sound like someone intending for our rakyat to go bankrupt. Such traitorous intent!
I think Government then fixed us up because they made us buy EV cars telling us that Government was pushing for EV and EEV cars.
Made you buy EV cars? When? AFAIK all Proton and Perodua cars isn’t EV-fied yet so nobody is making you buy EV cars. Or did you got confused between EV and EEV? Kunta oh Kunta, can I advice you something, better do your reading before you make yourself a fool. Again.
No thank you