Unlike Model 3 and Model Y, the Tesla Model S has struggled to find customers in Israel until today, and it's not going to get easier for them from today.
After the Mercedes EQE landed in Israel, the BMW i5, the first version of the new Series 5, will be marketed in two models, both with an 83.9 kWh battery. The first is the eDrive40 with rear-wheel drive, 340 hp, 6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, a top speed of 193 km/h, and an official combined range of 550 km. The maximum torque is 40.8 kgm and 43.8 kgm in boost mode.
The price is NIS 620,000, just NIS 3,000 more than the base Tesla Model S before discounts. Tesla has an additional 84 km of range and 3.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
The performance model i5 M60 xDrive comes with all-wheel drive that includes a front motor, producing 601 hp (81 kgm in base mode, 83.6 in boost mode). Performance: 3.8 seconds from 0-100 km/h, 230 km/h top speed, and a combined range of 497 km.
The price is NIS 860,000, NIS 210,000 more than the Tesla S Plaid, with an official range of 600 km and 2.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
Equipment: The BMW has a significant advantage in the passenger compartment, which is both higher in quality and also does not compromise on a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in addition to a 14.9-inch multimedia screen, partial operation via physical buttons rather than through the screen, alongside Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats with electric adjustment, including steering wheel adjustment, panoramic sunroof, split climate control, head-up display, wireless charging pad for mobile phones, 360-degree camera that also functions as a dashcam, Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers, and more.
The i5 M60 upgrades to a Bowers & Wilkins system with 17 speakers, 20-inch wheels, split climate control for 4 zones, carbon finishes in the passenger compartment, rear steering, upgraded braking system, and adaptive dampers.
Both models will also come with a remote control app, including a digital key, with the option to locate the vehicle and view the cameras inside or outside the car. Owners of an Apple smartwatch will be able to use it to unlock the car.
Charging: Both models feature fast charging with a power output of up to 205 kilowatts, which is expected to add 156 kilometers in 10 minutes. The base model has a slow charging capacity of 11 kilowatts and the reinforced model has 22 kilowatts.
Safety: Autonomous emergency braking in forward and reverse driving, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, off-road vehicle detection, and more. The new i5 received the maximum rating of 5 out of 5 stars in the European crash test.
Warranty: 3 years or 100,000 km for the vehicle, 8 years or 100,000 km for the battery.
Later this year, the other versions of the new model 5 will be launched, including the plug-in version.