This Is Probably The New BMW i5

BMW's new electric hatchback has been prematurely revealed thanks to these patent images

Updated: 10 Oct 2024

Being a BMW i-branded car has been a lonely affair in the last few years. We’ve had the i3 EV, the i8 hybrid, but that’s it.

However, the Bavarian pair will be getting some company very soon due to the arrival of the i5. And, thanks to a set of patent images which are very likely for the car - filed in Japan and since picked up by various car news outlets - we’re getting an early glimpse.

As you can see, it’s very much the lovechild of the i3 and i8. There are i3-style ‘suicide’ rear doors, while the rear borrows heavily from the i8, particularly with those ‘floating’ C-pillars. And yes, it looks like the whole ‘eating a Porsche 911’ thing in the rear bumper of the i8 has been carried over too.

Unlike the i8 though, this won’t be a hybrid, with the i5 expected to be a full electric vehicle. With BMW trademarking various potential i model names recently, it’ll most likely be joined by other EVs soon after launching too.

But is it attractive? We’re leaning towards ‘no’ - there are some interesting details, but the overall shape is a tall one and ungainly one. Given how stunning the i8 is, that seems like a damn shame.

Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.

Comments

Are you SURE I’m not staring a BMW i8-shaped Tesla-y bar of soap with wheels on it?

The rear end strongly reminds me of this face

This image basically sums it up

I think the LFA rear reminds me more of this lol

I like it!

No offense but

It’s not the i8, but it is the i8’s less attractive brother.

‘Some say that it looks like a Tesla-shaped i8-ish bar of soap, other say that it looks totally ugly.As ugly as the original Porsche Cayenne.

All we know is…It’s NOT the i8, but it is The i8’s Less Attractive Cousin!’

Never let a prius make love to an i8

If you can’t afford a BMW i5, remember that Intel has a loads of it.

And if you can’t afford those, there is also a thing called the i3

Or double up with a Hyundai i10!

BMW, we aren’t making enough money, make a new car. We are in debt because of it? Make another one. WE are in debt because of the other one? Make another one.