SPY PICS: BMW i5 caught in action

The forthcoming pure-electric version of the next-generation 2023 BMW 5 Series has been caught testing on public roads for the first time.

While a battery-electric variant of BMW’s popular prestige sedan has been in the pipeline for at least four years, the German manufacturer is expected to wait until the new-gen 5 Series before offering the zero-emissions model for sale.

As such, the BMW i5 is not expected to be officially shown until 2023, ahead of an anticipated Australian debut the following year.

It will join a host of other electric cars from the Bavarian brand, with the first wave kicking off soon via the 2022 BMW iX SUV and the BMW i4 coupe-style sedan that will line up against the top-selling Tesla Model S.

The next 5 Series should also be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, while traditional internal combustion engines are still considered integral across BMW’s core model lines.

Details are still under wraps, but the BMW i5 should borrow plenty from the i4 as it muscles in on the Tesla Model S, among others.

Expect both rear- and all-wheel drive powertrains with multiple electric motors towards the top end of the range, where a 400kW M-branded BMW i5 M50 xDrive is anticipated – as already seen on i4.

Our spy photos of BMW’s new large sedan don’t reveal too much, however it’s clear that the electrified version of the 5 Series will come with mild styling differences.

Beyond the heavy camouflage, the i5 test mule looks to bring sharper headlights and a similar grille to the current 5 Series, instead of the i4’s big-mouth grille design.

Its long bonnet also stretches forward to slightly overhang the grille, while the roofline tapers off into a more fastback-style rear-end.

Flush door handles feature all round for improved aero, while a pair of tail-lights, although obscured by camo, don’t appear to take a huge departure from their current shape.