BMW Is Planning an Electric 5 Series to Compete With the Tesla Model 3
In 2020, EVs have longer ranges and have more powerful motors than ever before, leading to increased demand. Despite the setbacks caused by COVID-19, many automakers are still moving forward with planned electric roadmaps. Plenty of exciting new EVs have recently been announced, like the all-electric BMW 5 Series.
BMW is one of the companies working the hardest to implement more EVs into its lineup. According to recent reports, the automaker will electrify its 5 Series sedan to compete with the Tesla Model 3. Could the BMW 5 Series EV have enough power to rival one of Tesla’s most popular vehicles?
BMW’s EV roadmap
According Car and Driver, BMW stated this week that 25 new electric vehicles have been planned, half of which will be fully electric. The company intends to have all of these vehicles released by 2023. The X1 and the 5 Series sedans are expected to be the first set of cars to get the electric treatment.
The electric batteries will be the latest additions to the X1 and 5 Series models’ extensive powertrain options. Currently, drivers can also choose between a diesel, plug-in hybrid, and 48-volt electric powertrain. BMW currently doesn’t have a release date for the all-electric versions of these models.
However, it did hint at electric vehicles we can expect on the road by the end of next year. The Mini Cooper SE, i3, i4, iNext, and iX3 will all have electric powertrains for the 2021 model year. We’re especially excited about the BMW i4, which will reportedly make 530 hp and have a range of 372 miles.
BMW has previously used EV technology on its popular plug-in models, like the xDrive45e. It’s much more powerful than its previous incarnations, but its all-electric range is still only 40-50 miles. However, the latest model is still very fast, with a top speed of 85 mph using electric power alone.
The future of the 7 Series
Back in March, BMW announced that there would be an EV version of the 7 Series sedan as well. No power specs have been released for this version, but it’s predicted to go on sale in 2023. For now, drivers can still have their pick of either a gas-operated, plug-in, or diesel 7 Series vehicle.
Many suspect that BMW made these plans to compete with several other rivals. Mercedes-Benz, one of BMW’s biggest competitors, is expected to release an EV of its own in 2021. The EQS is expected to have over 300 miles of range and Level 3 autonomy.
Upcoming plans for the BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series EV will be released to go up against Tesla’s Model 3 sedan. The Model 3 is in its 4th year of production, with a 2021 model set to be released soon. The most powerful Model 3 has 322 miles of all-electric range and a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.
As you can see, the 5 Series EV has some tough competition. However, the 5 Series Power BEV prototype released last year gives us a promising glimpse of the future. This concept car has a power output of 720 hp and can reach 62 miles in under three seconds.
As it stands, the BMW 5 Series is one of the best luxury sedans on the market. Even the base model is filled with state-of-the-art technology and has a plush interior. The infotainment system even comes standard with a unique touchpad controller.
All of its engines are packed with a considerable amount of power, as high as 617 hp. It also has a smooth drive, excellent brakes, and engaging handling. Since the BMW 5 Series is already a great car, we expect the EV to be a worthy Model 3 rival.
