BMW i5 Touring - long-term review

When the E34 M5 was launched in 1992 BMW claimed this world-beating supersaloon could get from 0-62mph in around six seconds. That’s the same time as our single motor, boggo-spec i5 Touring. In essence, a ‘basic’ 5 Series is now as fast as an old M5.

For that we can thank batteries and motors – there’s got to be something to say for them, right? The E34 also spawned the grandaddy of M5 Tourings, though sadly we couldn’t get one for this story. Surprise! They're pretty rare, with just 891 examples built.

Still, this beautifully maintained saloon from BMW’s heritage fleet is smart, clean and practically factory fresh.

What fascinates me is I don’t think I’d ever be able to get it anywhere near that six second-sprint unless I absolutely thrash the living daylights out of a 30-year-old car, nailed the getaway and every gearchange was perfect.

The i5 on the other hand is just effortless and so linear, and definitely feels quicker than the claim. Despite the way they go about their respective business, the remarkable thing about the current 5 Series and the E34 is the shared DNA.

Take the E34. Those comfy laid back seats, the gadgets – it blew my children’s mind that it had electric windows, in their eyes this is an olden day car where everyone watched black and white TVs and smoked indoors - its spacious boot, its choice of upmarket materials inside, the beautifully rich blue paintwork, and the oddly not quite enough space for three adults in the back. The latter being quite significant because over time the 5 Series has grown in length.

The E34 measures in at 4.7m, while the new i5 come in at five metres long. That’s a whole school ruler bigger and yet the back seats still don’t quite feel roomy enough.

It feels long too. I often find it hard to get round tight corners and into parking spaces in the i5, and coupled with its poor turning circle it can be a bit of juggle around town despite rear-steer. And while the E34 had its own difficulties around town mainly due to the older heavier steering at low speeds, it was on the open road where it proved its DNA. Brilliant feedback from the overly large steering wheel and suspension so soft that an Andrex puppy would be sleeping over every bump, it soaked up lumps with surprisingly little body roll.

The 3.6-litre straight-six has a smooth delivery but after the i5, you notice the heavy throttle accompanying it and the rubbery feel from the gearstick. There’s lots of engine braking too, which felt very similar to how re-gen works in the i5, ironically.

What’s even more ironic is I had fuel anxiety, failing to remember that old car fuel gauges can be notoriously unreliable and vary even on hills. I was getting perilously close to reserve, panicking it might run out. My rose-tinted gaze had failed to recall that part, though obviously finding fuel stations today is easier than charging. Still, couldn’t help laughing at my momentary panic.

In reality, living with an older car for a few days does make you realise how brilliant cars are but also how far they have moved on. BMW has kept the basics consistent throughout its history and not messed with the formula, which might explain why the i5 drives and feels like a proper BMW – just one without an engine.