When a brand known for straight-six engines and rear-wheel-drive balance goes fully electric, the big question is simple: does it still feel right? After living with both the BMW i5 Saloon and i5 Touring for a few days, the answer is reassuringly clear. Yes. Very much so.
This isn’t just BMW electrifying the 5 Series. It’s BMW re-engineering it for people who care about technology, comfort and driving feel in equal measure.
Saloon: Silent speed through the Peak District
Our first drive was in the i5 Saloon, easing out of Belper and heading along the A52 towards Ashbourne. On paper, 250kW and 84kWh sound like spec-sheet bragging rights. On the road, it translates into effortless pace and calm confidence.
The i5 Saloon glides rather than charges. Steering inputs are precise, body control is impressive, and the car shrinks around you once you’re moving. From Ashbourne we cut back through quieter roads towards Turnditch before returning to the Cocoon office in Belper, enjoying a mix of flowing bends and broken surfaces that usually expose flaws. The i5 barely noticed.
Range? A non-issue. Even with enthusiastic driving and plenty of tech running inside, the battery just kept going quietly in the background.
Touring: where electric meets everyday life
The i5 Touring took on the longer journey: up the M1 towards Leeds, across the M62 to Manchester, then back to Belper via the legendary Cat and Fiddle road.
Motorways were dispatched in near silence, with adaptive tech and excellent sound insulation making long-distance driving genuinely relaxing. But it was the Cat and Fiddle that sealed the deal. Despite the extra weight of batteries and the estate body shape, the Touring remained planted, controlled and surprisingly engaging.
For families, the Touring simply makes sense. Rear-seat space kept the kids happy, and the boot swallowed bags, cables and everything else without a second thought. If practicality matters, this is the one to have.
Inside: screens done right
BMW’s curved display is a standout feature. The combination of the central infotainment screen and digital cockpit feels modern without being overwhelming. Apple CarPlay integration is excellent, flowing naturally across the display and instrument cluster without lag or confusion.
This is tech that enhances the drive rather than distracting from it, which is exactly how it should be.
Living with the i5
Both versions of the i5 deliver outstanding comfort, whether you’re threading Derbyshire back roads or cruising across the country. Seats are supportive, ride quality is polished, and there’s a sense of solid engineering throughout.
Most importantly, despite being fully electric, the i5 doesn’t feel sterile. There’s still feedback through the steering, composure through corners, and that unmistakable BMW confidence when you push on.
Final thoughts
The BMW i5 Saloon and Touring prove that electric cars don’t have to sacrifice character. The Saloon is sleek, refined and quietly quick. The Touring adds real-world usability without dulling the driving experience.
If you love tech, appreciate smart interior design, and still want a car that feels engineered rather than programmed, the i5 should be very high on your list.
Try the BMW i5 on a flexible subscription
Both the BMW i5 Saloon and Touring are available via Cocoon Vehicles on a flexible car subscription, starting from just one month. Longer subscriptions of 90 days or more unlock additional savings.
Your subscription includes:
Maintenance and servicing
Road tax
Manufacturer warranty
Breakdown assistance
You simply charge the car and insure it on a fully comprehensive policy.
👉 Find out more and view availability:
https://cocoonvehicles.co.uk/car-subscription/
Electric, executive and unapologetically BMW – the i5 gets the balance just right.
