Electric BMWs are becoming a regular sight on European roads, and as more of them roll off dealer lots, their owners are looking for familiar upgrades that bring back some of the engagement they miss from traditional platforms. KW automotive has been paying attention. With coilover options already available for EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, KIA EV6 GT, Tesla Model Y, and VW ID. Buzz, the company is continuing its push into the segment by developing a KW V3 kit for BMW’s all-electric i5 (G60E).
The first release focuses on the xDrive40 and M60 xDrive variants. Both models use a five-link rear axle with factory air suspension, similar to the setup in the BMW i4. Instead of replacing the system entirely, KW created a V3 damper that integrates directly with the factory air bellows. Installers simply transfer the air components onto the new damper bodies, and KW includes the required specialty tools to make the swap straightforward. Once fitted, the car gains the ability to dial in a stepless drop of up to 50 mm.
This approach isn’t new for the brand. As KW Brand Manager Florian Johann notes, “We are developing coilovers for an increasing number of BMW models with standard air suspension and can mount the original spring bellows on the KW rear axle dampers.” He adds, “We already offer such a solution in our range for the BMW G31, G32 and G26 models.”
The i5 fits neatly into that lineage. Both AWD versions can now run the V3 setup, which uses shorter stainless-steel front struts and shortened rear dampers. Out of the box, the kit provides a baseline 25 mm drop on all driven wheels. From there, owners can fine-tune height to their preferred stance: up to 50 mm at the front and 45 mm at the rear. As Johann explains, “While the lowering of the front axle struts is adjusted via the trapezoidal thread, adjustable joint rods are used on the rear axle.”
Once installed, the factory air suspension works in harmony with KW’s damper tuning, giving the i5 more composed body control without sacrificing the daily comfort that EV owners tend to prioritize. The V3 uses KW’s multi-valve approach - adjustable low-speed valves paired with fixed high-speed valves - to manage different types of chassis movement. Long, smooth transitions and gentle weight shifts happen in the low-speed range, where adjustability matters most. Harsh, quick impacts open the high-speed valves to prevent sharp jolts from transferring into the cabin.
KW sets the V3 with a balanced baseline, but users can still tweak the suspension to suit their driving style. Rebound can be adjusted across 16 clicks - opening the valve brings more comfort, while closing it tightens body response and reduces pitch and roll. Compression follows a 12-click range to help shape steering feel and traction. As KW explains it: rebound connects the body to the road, while compression handles chassis support under load. Even at lower ride heights, the high-speed valve design maintains residual comfort, making the i5 livable whether it’s commuting, corner carving, or doing both in the same day.
For those stepping into the electric BMW world but still wanting control over how their car behaves on the road, this V3 kit adds back some of the tunability BMW enthusiasts expect. More information is available at kwsuspensions.com.
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