BMW's executive express is going electric with the mid-size 2024 i5 sedan, which will fill the gap between the 10Best award-winning i4 and the extra-premium i7 flagship. Like those two EV four-doors, the i5 is expected to blend driving pleasure with upscale creature comforts. Two powertrains are coming, starting with a rear-drive eDrive40 model with 335 horsepower. The dual-motor M60 xDrive boosts horsepower to a stout 590 ponies and provides all-wheel-drive traction. We had a chance to drive a prototype of the latter in France and came away impressed with its athleticism and satisfied with its onboard technology features. The i5 faces a growing number of medium-size luxury electric cars made to court moneyed buyers looking for eco-friendly choices. Among them are the Genesis Electrified G80 and the Mercedes-Benz EQE, as well as segment stalwarts such as the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S.
Debuting alongside a brand-new generation of the gasoline-powered 5-series, the i5 provides an EV option for those shopping BMW's mid-size sedan lineup. We expect to see it in BMW showrooms before the end of 2023.
If you're looking to maximize range, the eDrive40 will be able to sail on for a bit longer than the performance-oriented M60 trim. We're driving enthusiasts, though, and we'd gladly trade a bit of range for extra horsepower and cornering grip.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Two i5 models are offered, starting with the 335-hp eDrive40, which drives the rear wheels via a single electric motor. A hotter M60 xDrive model adds a second electric motor on the front axle for a combined 590 hp. During our initial drive in an i5 M60 prototype, we were impressed by the sedan's agile handling, confidence-inspiring levels of cornering grip, and muscular dual-motor powertrain. A test drive of production models in Portugal reaffirmed those driving impressions and gave us a chance to appreciate the i5's refined ride over the area's pockmarked pavement, too. While there, we drove both the eDrive40 and M60 models, and we estimate that the more powerful of the two powertrains can rocket the i5 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. M60 models also come with active anti-roll bars, a sporty suspension tune, wider tires, and rear-wheel steering, which are all intended to give the car a more athletic feel.
Charging, and Battery Life
An 84.3-kWh battery pack lies beneath the i5's floorboards, which BMW says holds enough charge to power the eDrive40 model for 295 miles between charges. The dual-motor M60 model is less efficient and carries an estimated range of 256 miles per charge. The car's battery pack can be hooked up to DC fast-charging stations and is said to be capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes on such a connection. Speaking of charging, BMW will include three years of free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America charging stations with every new i5.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The i5's cabin is just as spacious and posh as that of the gasoline-powered 5-series. The battery doesn't intrude on cabin space, but trunk space is slightly less generous here than in the 5-series. Leather upholstery is still available, but BMW is launching a new faux-leather upholstery called Veganza in the i5; a set of glass interior controls is also available and adds a classy touch to the sedan's cabin. Heated and ventilated front seats with massage are optional on the eDrive40 and standard on the M60 xDrive.
