In the latest episode of Car and Driver’s podcast Into Cars, editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga and chief brand and content officer Eddie Alterman compare BMW’s gas-powered 5-series sedan with its electric counterpart, the i5. The 540i xDrive is a familiar mid-size luxury sports sedan with a 375-hp turbocharged straight-six engine and all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the i5 M60 features an electric all-wheel-drive powertrain that produces up to 593 horsepower.
During their discussion, Quiroga and Alterman touch on the digital gauge clusters of the 5-series models, drawing a comparison to an Apple Watch versus a Rolex. They then take the 540i for a drive to experience BMW’s renowned inline-six engine and discuss how an engine can shape a car’s character. Alterman notes that electric vehicles can feel similar in terms of power delivery and character, while Quiroga appreciates the drama of the i5 M60’s acceleration.
After test-driving both vehicles and debating their strengths and weaknesses, Quiroga and Alterman speak with BMW’s U.S. product planner John Kelly to gain insight into the development process of the 5-series models. Kelly emphasizes the 5-series’ legacy as a successful mid-size sports sedan in North America.
In the next episode of Into Cars, Quiroga and Alterman will share their thoughts on the Cadillac Lyriq, another electric vehicle. You can listen to Car and Driver’s Into Cars podcast on various platforms such as iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, and Spotify.
Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and insights on the latest car models and trends in the automotive industry.