[Stormbitch]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Having driven on a launch day - first UK drive.

There were a number of interesting items I discovered.

I did not put them in the review - but you can ask me questions if you had specific ones here or via PM if you are thinking of getting one. Happy to assist if I can.

[BimmerGuyFL78]

How would you rate the ride quality compared to the previous generation BMW G30. Would you say they're similar in terms or refinement, better isolation over bumps vs the other?

Also, the steering, is it variable where it gets quicker the farther you turn the steering away from center, or is it consistent?

[zvery777]

Also interested in the build and materials quality if you could share any insights.

[Stormbitch]

Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL78

How would you rate the ride quality compared to the previous generation BMW G30. Would you say they're similar in terms or refinement, better isolation over bumps vs the other?

Also, the steering, is it variable where it gets quicker the farther you turn the steering away from center, or is it consistent?

The i5 "appears" to be around the same in terms of refinement levels as old G30.

The G30 pre facelift 530e was comparative almost identically in terms of refinement.

Suspension wise on the very small wheels that this car had is softer than previous 5's yet very accurate, zero body crashing or roll.

More testing will give more accurate readings and db tests for road noise... I hope to share when I get a longer run in one across different surfaces.

Felt a more "expensive" "mature" ride than the i4 but still impressively sporty.

G30 530e on 18s for reference is the quietest 5 I have driven so far whilst also being entertaining suspension wise.

Steering appeared to be consistent. Fractionally lighter than the G30 but not in anyway light like some of the competition.

[Stormbitch]

Originally Posted by zvery777

Also interested in the build and materials quality if you could share any insights.

There are very big differences between the old and the new. The car tested feels very much like a completely new vehicle. One has to almost not compare apples and apples.

It appears that all the materials are completely new and things like the smells.

A change of design elements and or materials is noticeable. Perhaps some focus on weight saving here and there. The indicator stalk for example felt different to my G11 / G30 LCI as did the iDrive wheel compared to my ceramic.

The single screen format and removal of the hot keys and other menu buttons around the iDrive controller are further examples of fresh and different environment.

Be keen to know what you think when you have sat in one.

[BimmerGuyFL78]

Originally Posted by Stormbitch

The i5 "appears" to be around the same in terms of refinement levels as old G30.

The G30 pre facelift 530e was comparative almost identically in terms of refinement.

Suspension wise on the very small wheels that this car had is softer than previous 5's yet very accurate, zero body crashing or roll.

More testing will give more accurate readings and db tests for road noise... I hope to share when I get a longer run in one across different surfaces.

Felt a more "expensive" "mature" ride than the i4 but still impressively sporty.

G30 530e on 18s for reference is the quietest 5 I have driven so far whilst also being entertaining suspension wise.

Steering appeared to be consistent. Fractionally lighter than the G30 but not in anyway light like some of the competition.

Awesome!! Thank you for the details. I test drove the i5 M60 and I have a 2023 G30 540i RWD in standard spec suspension with 18” Michelin None RunFlats.

I had similar feelings. The i5 rode amazingly refined, very soft over imperfections in the road. Seemed to absorb slightly a bit better the smaller bumps/manhole covers but I’m talking about small differences only a back to back test drive would present.

Steering on the i5 did feel lighter but very precise and accurate.

[GOLFFRR]

nice video. handle name lol, love it . interested in seeing some forum members reviews once they start to get them

[Sushimaster]

Such an amazing car. Thanks for the info so far.

[KoenG]

Can you compare to the i4 that you also tested lately? Some of my colleagues have remorse to have chosen their i4 and seem to believe that the i5 feels much more premium and refined. I, on the other hand, have difficulties to believe that since the i4 edrive40 already is such an impressive drive. Tx!

[440i6MT]

Is it the best feeling BMW you've ever driven? The most connected?

[M3N4CE]

AMA: how do you unsee that Joker face once you've noticed it? Seriously though cause I can't, just like I can't unsee miss piggy every time I see my M440i's front.

[Stormbitch]

Originally Posted by KoenG

Can you compare to the i4 that you also tested lately? Some of my colleagues have remorse to have chosen their i4 and seem to believe that the i5 feels much more premium and refined. I, on the other hand, have difficulties to believe that since the i4 edrive40 already is such an impressive drive. Tx!

Other than the seats in the i4 being a little narrow for me I didn't notice very much difference at all.

Where the F15 5 series was night and day different to the 4 series of the time and the same from the 4 series to the 5 in the "G" cars, there isn't much in it. I prefer the steering in the i5 to the i4.

Yes the i5 has a slightly more cosseting ride. I am not sure I would agree with your friends. i4 and i5 feel similar to me at this stage.

[Stormbitch]

Originally Posted by 440i6MT

Is it the best feeling BMW you've ever driven? The most connected?

I drive a lot of cars and often it takes me a few days to find out how brilliant something is, so it might be unfair to answer in like 2 hours.

Does it feel more connected than the EQE for example yes 400% but they are different cars for very different things.

Is it impressive and almost strange how it is an EV and not a normal car? Yes.

Does it handle addictively in spirited driving fashion. Absolutely. It's a BMW. Everything I said was genuine. I don't get paid to say nice stuff. If I don't like stuff I tend to say, hint, or leave it out.

If you want one for engagement, it's unlikely you will find anything better that is electric.

[Tallest]

Are you happy with the dash look overall?
How is the range anxiety? Real life range?
What about best colors for the car that highlight it in your opinion (having seen it in real life)?
Perfect rim size? Is biggest rim possible still best for looks or can do smaller size for comfort?

[rereynol]

Here’s Tanzanite Blue. Looks even better than I expected. Goes well with the Smoke White Veganza. The blue really shows in the sun but almost looks black at night. The ride and look is excellent with 20” rims. Overall, the car is phenomenal. Fast, sporty and luxiourous. It is big and long though - no doubt about that. The integral rear axle steering certainly helps with that size.

[wesleyan92]

I live in Dallas Texas and my dealership got their first i5 in. Got to try it out. In person verdict:

- looks great overall. Front is very nice. Not crazy about the rear end.

- Interior is amazing. Super comfortable and aesthetics are special with the light bar.

- I hate the fact the thigh support is manual. Massive no no.

- Car drove fabulous; albeit very short test drive. You don’t feel the heft and the power and relative agility is top notch.

- Excited to see what they do with the M5.

[wagonallterrain]

Originally Posted by wesleyan92

I live in Dallas Texas and my dealership got their first i5 in. Got to try it out. In person verdict:

- looks great overall. Front is very nice. Not crazy about the rear end.

- Interior is amazing. Super comfortable and aesthetics are special with the light bar.

- I hate the fact the thigh support is manual. Massive no no.

- Car drove fabulous; albeit very short test drive. You don’t feel the heft and the power and relative agility is top notch.

- Excited to see what they do with the M5.

Are you sure the thigh support is manual? It can't be controlled via the buttons on the side but you can electronically adjust it in the "seat" function of idrive. Although, with that much navigation in the system, I'd rather it just be manual lol

[Stormbitch]

I think those pics tell the best story and answer a lot...

Great shots.

ALLL about the colour and the rims.

Dash was ok. It's different. I think the images here look more high end - particularly that steering wheel!!!

Will report back on usage of kwh.

[Deke]

Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL78

Awesome!! Thank you for the details. I test drove the i5 M60 and I have a 2023 G30 540i RWD in standard spec suspension with 18” Michelin None RunFlats.

I had similar feelings. The i5 rode amazingly refined, very soft over imperfections in the road. Seemed to absorb slightly a bit better the smaller bumps/manhole covers but I’m talking about small differences only a back to back test drive would present.

Steering on the i5 did feel lighter but very precise and accurate.

How do you like your G30 with 18's and non-RF tires? Do you have anything to compare that setup with? I'm considering switching from 19's with RFs to 18s non-RF tires, but don't want to do it if the difference in ride quality/road noise is minimal. Thanks!

[BimmerGuyFL78]

Originally Posted by Deke

How do you like your G30 with 18's and non-RF tires? Do you have anything to compare that setup with? I'm considering switching from 19's with RFs to 18s non-RF tires, but don't want to do it if the difference in ride quality/road noise is minimal. Thanks!

When I purchased my 2023 540i, it came with 19” All season RunFlats.

I find there is a noticeable difference in ride quality as switching from 19” RunFlats with 40 profile tires to 18” None RunFlats with 45” profile, the suspension has to work less when absorbing smaller road imperfections and it does give it a more isolated refined ride quality.

I’m happy I made the switch. I’d recommend it to anyone in the same situation.

Also, the 18” wheels I switched to are brand new OEM style 632 rims, and had installed BMW OEM approved Michelin Primacy Touring None RunFlat 245/45R18

[aherman18]

Originally Posted by wesleyan92

I live in Dallas Texas and my dealership got their first i5 in. Got to try it out. In person verdict:

- looks great overall. Front is very nice. Not crazy about the rear end.

- Interior is amazing. Super comfortable and aesthetics are special with the light bar.

- I hate the fact the thigh support is manual. Massive no no.

- Car drove fabulous; albeit very short test drive. You don’t feel the heft and the power and relative agility is top notch.

- Excited to see what they do with the M5.

Is this Tanzanite or Phytonic Blue?

Thanks.

[wagonallterrain]

Originally Posted by aherman18

Is this Tanzanite or Phytonic Blue?

Thanks.

that is phytonic blue