Style Edit: The BMW i5 comes to Hong Kong – how the German carmaker’s first 5 Series EV saloon combines luxury with zero-emission mobility, while exploring plant-based alternatives to leather

For some time, the BMW 5 Series has been a standard bearer for quality among executive saloon cars. Over its first seven generations, between 1972 and 2017, it gained and retained a reputation for combining refinement, performance and pure driving pleasure. Over the years, more than 10 million BMW 5 Series cars have left the German luxury automaker’s factories, making it not only one of the finest vehicles on the market, but also consistently the world’s most successful business saloon.

BMW is deeply committed to securing a better future for everyone through its commitment to sustainability and zero-emission mobility, which manifests itself in everything from making new vehicles from an average of 30 per cent recycled materials to exploring plant-based alternatives to leather and even sustainable paints. With that in mind, a critical element of the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series saloon is the i5. It’s the first all-electric model in the series and recently had its local launch at a special event at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

An immediate hit with fans of the marque that has received rave reviews, the BMW i5 comes in three variants: the i5 eDrive40, i5 eDrive40 M Sport and i5 M60 xDrive. The i5 eDrive40 knocks out up to 250kW (340 horsepower), while the i5 M60 xDrive can go up to 442kW (601 horsepower) and accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds. All versions are equipped with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and traditional rear-wheel drive, along with a low battery position that ensures a nimble experience. They come with numerous eye-catching features, from the panoramic glass sunroof that makes it feel like you’re driving in the open air to the dynamic Interaction Bar that runs between the dashboard and doors, and allows for touch screen climate and lighting control.

The Hong Kong launch gave the i5 sedan a suitably dramatic introduction, with all three versions of the new vehicle on display. They were joined in four specially designed thematic areas by other electric cars from the extensive BMW range, including the iX1, iX3, iX, i4, i7 and Motorrad CE04.

Committed to helping the Hong Kong government meet its target of “Zero Carbon Emissions. Clean Air. Smart City”, BMW is introducing new electric options to encourage low emission travel, as well as advocating for the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. As part of that commitment, the company also hosted the BMW i5 Leaders’ Summit at the launch, which brought together leaders from various industries in Hong Kong. During a series of panel discussions, they examined ways in which Hong Kong can evolve sustainably into a smart city, with a particular focus on the transport, lifestyle, workplace and social responsibility sectors.

To find out more for yourself about the new i5 sedan, and the ways it can help shape driving habits, check the car out at BMW showrooms across Hong Kong.