2024 BMW i5

Just like the i7 is an all-electric version of the 7 Series, the new i5 is a battery-powered 5 Series. The entire 5 Series undergoes a transformation for this model year, with updated construction and fresh tech features. And although BMW vehicles tend to be among the costliest in their respective classes, the built-in-Germany i5 is priced competitively.

Factor in a decent (yet not class-leading) range, along with the kind of exciting driving experience for which BMW is renowned, and we reckon the new i5 already looks like an intriguing contender. There are two i5 variants initially, the eDrive40 and the top M60.

The gasoline-powered new BMW 5 Series lineup is reviewed separately.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric luxury cars, including the BMW i5.

The i5 is an all-new, all-electric midsize luxury sedan. It’s the battery-powered version of the 5 Series, a new generation of which also debuts for 2024. The i5 M60 is the most powerful version of the new 5 Series so far.

The Genesis Electrified G80 kicks off in the low $80K range. The Mercedes-EQ EQE sedan begins in the mid-$70K range. An Audi A6 e-tron is also in the works. A fully loaded i5 M60 will overlap in price with the Tesla Model S, Lucid Air, and Porsche Taycan, all starting in the high $80K territory.

Before buying a new i5 electric midsize luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase price to know what you should be paying.

The new i5 eDrive40 employs one electric motor, driving the rear wheels with 335 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The sprint from standstill to 60 mph happens in just 5.7 seconds.

At the top of the new 5 Series lineup stands the i5 M60, with two electric motors, all-wheel drive, plus a considerable 590 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque. The M60 hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, which is fabulously fast.

An adaptive suspension is also standard in the M60 (optional in the eDrive40), for a wider spectrum of comfort and sport settings. Not that we’ve ever had issues with any other generation of 5 Series. These cars have been delivering an impressive blend of poise and pliancy for years. Even the famed BMW 50:50 weight distribution (for a great, balanced feel) makes it into the i5.

In addition, the i5 M60 has rear-wheel steering (which BMW calls Integral Active Steering) helping the car track through fast corners in a spectacular manner. That said, this doesn’t feel exactly like the kind of M car we’ve grown to know and love. The steering turns the front wheels, but there’s no sensation of a real connection. The wheel also feels slightly too thick for our tastes. While we’re on this negative trail, the front sport seats didn’t feel that comfortable to us. But we’re prepared to give BMW the benefit of the doubt because they might prove to be supportive over a longer drive.

Overall, though, the i5 is smooth, silent and fast. It also has some smart technology to help the driver, like keeping a safe distance to the vehicle in front even when adaptive cruise control isn’t activated. While in the driver’s seat, we felt the cooling system switch itself on automatically after a while. And all it takes is a voice command to perform various functions. We said, “Hey, BMW, activate massaging for the driver’s seat” and it happened straight away. We looked for steering-wheel paddles to change levels of brake regeneration, but just found a Boost paddle instead, so that was a different kind of fun.

Veganza is not some promotion at Whole Foods, but the name of a vegan-friendly simulated (and perforated) leather used on the seats, door panels, and even the steering wheel. The real stuff is available as an option.

The new i5 doesn’t have conventional air vents, either. BMW calls them seam vents and they’re extremely low-profile, in a line going across the dash. Overall, the i5’s cabin has high-quality materials and a restrained design that adds to the classiness. It also offers typical BMW extras like glass controls (which may not be everyone’s idea of tasteful), a Panoramic Sky Lounge roof, and powered shades for the rear windows.

Sitting up front, we really like the cushioned areas right where we’d rest our elbows. And rear passenger space is absolutely fine for an adult male of average size.

Trunk space is 17.3 cubic feet, a little less than the 18.4 cubic feet in the combustion-powered 5 Series (because of the i5’s battery), but generous nonetheless. The rear seats can also split and fold in 40/20/40 fashion.

BMW has its distinct design language, which could be an acquired taste for some. But we think the looks of the new i5 and the 5 Series in general aren’t so polarizing that they would be deal-breakers. Considering how adventurous BMW has been with other vehicles, there’s something pleasantly conventional about this car — like it’s an evolution of previous generations. There are 13 paint choices, including a couple of special Frozen finishes. And one option to add a bit of glitz is an illuminated grille.

BMW Curved Display
Every new i5 comes with this impressive one-piece unit housing both a digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen.

Automatic Park Assistant
This standard self-parking feature works for both perpendicular and parallel spaces.

Interaction Bar
Spanning the width of the dashboard, this standard feature has touch-control functions for the front passenger as well as the ability to blend in with the cabin’s multicolored ambient lighting.

AirConsole
This is a video gaming platform offered for the first time, with 15 titles available. Players use their phones as controllers. It’s one way of passing the time while the i5 recharges its battery.

Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system
Optional in the eDrive40, standard in the M60, we’re big fans of B&W audio systems for their clarity and power.

Driving Assistance Professional package
Optional in both 2024 i5 variants, but we think it’s worth the investment. This bundle includes a new Highway Assistant for hands-free (but not eyes-free) driving, plus evasive steering assistance, active lane-changing assistance, side collision protection, and front cross-traffic warning.

BMW says the 2024 i5 eDrive40 has a range of 295 miles. That’s good, even if it’s not breaking any boundaries. Likewise with the 256-mile range of the i5 M60. Both cars beat the Porsche Taycan’s best (246 miles), while comparing well with the Genesis Electrified G80 (282 miles) and looking fairly respectable against the Mercedes-EQ EQE sedan (305 miles).

Another important aspect is how fast an electric car can charge. The metric here is taking the battery from 10% capacity to 80% using a DC fast charger. BMW says the i5 can perform this task in 30 minutes. A Genesis Electrified G80 can be eight minutes down the road when an i5 driver unhooks the charging cable. But this is still acceptable in the present state of electric vehicle (EV) technology.

A high-voltage (400 volts) lithium-ion battery supplies the spark for the new i5. Usable energy works out to 84.3 kilowatt-hours (kWh). The battery fits under the floor, so there’s the same amount of passenger space in every 5 Series model, electric or not.

BMW’s electric motors are designed so they don’t require rare elements like cobalt, that would usually go into magnets. So that’s another little detail that might work in the i5’s favor.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties both last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical among European luxury cars. The lithium-ion battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. There’s also roadside assistance for the first four years, with unlimited mileage.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes forward collision mitigation with left turn warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance.