Far beyond being a mere electric adaptation of the renowned BMW 5 Series, the i5 stands as a groundbreaking statement in the world of eco-friendly vehicles. With two distinct power variants, the eDrive40 and the M60 xDrive, the i5 offers up from 335 horsepower to an impressive 593 horsepower. Beyond sheer performance, though, the i5 houses a powerful battery which contributes to its extensive range.

Inside the cabin, BMW’s famed commitment to excellence is apparent, with a twin-screen display, impeccable finishing, and generous space. Delving into the nuances of the BMW i5 reveals a vehicle that not only serves as an alternative but signifies a paradigm shift in the realm of luxury electric cars. Here are 10 things you need to know about the BMW i5.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including
HotCars
and fueleconomy.gov.

10 The BMW i5 Is A Masterpiece Of Modern Design And Aerodynamics

With its sleek dimensions and alluring good looks, the BMW i5 certainly stands out in the electric vehicle landscape. Measuring 199.21 inches long and 59.64 inches tall, it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and practicality. The streamlined profile, adorned with BMW’s signature design language, ensures not only aesthetic appeal but also contributes to enhanced efficiency. The aerodynamic features, which contribute to an incredible 0.23 drag coefficient, showcase BMW’s commitment to optimizing performance wherever possible.

Important Features

• Vents and aeroflaps aid aerodynamics
• Distinctive BMW design language
• Striking kidney grille
• 13 color options
• 7 different alloy wheel choices

In terms of aesthetics, the i5 captivates with its two kidney grille options and a sleeker, slanted roofline combined with a shorter trunk seen for the first time on a 5 Series model. The expansive choice of paint colors add a personalized touch. Whether cruising through city streets or parked, the BMW i5’s exterior always commands attention.

9 It Has A Seriously Luxurious Interior

Step inside the BMW i5, and you’ll find a luxurious space that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with premium comfort. The interior boasts an array of high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a feature called My Modes, which allows for a customizable interior experience. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system only adds to the luxurious environment.

Important Options

• Leather-free interior option
• Innovative lighting
• Redesigned seats
• Vast array of M Sport package features
• BMW Interaction Bar

The cabin design is not just easy on the eye but also incredibly functional, with features like adjustable sports seats as standard and the outer rear seats extending into the door areas, which leads to added comfort in the rear of the vehicle. An entirely leather-free cabin can be selected at an additional cost. The driver-centric layout emphasizes the convenience and accessibility of the car. Passengers can also expect a serene environment, thanks to superior sound insulation, providing a quiet ride even at higher speeds.

8 The BMW i5 Is A Technological Marvel

Despite BMW’s stance on the distraction of technology in cars, the BMW i5 comes with a massive curved display interface that’s straight out of the future. The infotainment system, anchored by a twin-screen display, seamlessly integrates entertainment, navigation, and connectivity. Boasting a lightning-fast response time, think of it not just as a dashboard; more a command center.

Key Features

• Impressive curved display interface
• Masses of luxury tech as standard
• Voice and gesture controls
• Real-time information and updates

The i5’s infotainment prowess extends to things like gesture controls, allowing drivers to effortlessly adjust settings with a simle wave. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration ensure connectivity on the go. The immersive audio experience, powered by a premium sound system, transforms each drive into almost a concert on wheels.

Navigation also gets an upgrade with real-time traffic updates and predictive route suggestions. The i5’s tech ensemble leads drivers and passengers alike to a responsive, intuitive, and enjoyable journey.

7 Practicality Could Make The i5 A Family Favorite

With an impressive 17.3 cubic feet of storage capacity available in the trunk, the i5 impresses with its practical brilliance. The spacious cargo area, intelligently designed for versatility, accommodates a variety of loads without compromising on the elegance of the interior.

Key Features

• Ample storage includes cupholders, cubby box beneath central armrest, and large door bins
• A larger trunk than the Mercedes EQE
• Enough capacity for up to seven suitcases
• Unlike the Porsche Taycan, there is no further storage under the hood

The thoughtful layout ensures that loading and unloading are hassle-free, making the i5 not just a performance powerhouse but a practical companion for every journey. Whether it’s luggage, groceries, or golfing gear, the i5’s expansive cargo area demonstrates that electric vehicles can indeed blend sustainability with everyday convenience.

6 The BMW i5 Has Impressive Performance

The BMW i5 takes performance to new heights. Featuring 593 horsepower in the M60 xDrive, along with 586 pound-feet of torque, the flagship M model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The dual-motor setup not only ensures a lightning-quick response but also provides all-wheel-drive capabilities for optimal traction. The i5’s performance, in typical BMW fashion, is a cocktail of efficiency and power, though it should be noted that top speed is limited to either 120 mph in the eDrive40 or 130 mph in the i5 M60.

BMW i5 Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from BMW)

5 Up To 295 Miles Of Range

The BMW i5 boasts a cutting-edge high-voltage battery derived from the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. Comprising four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with twelve cells each, the cleverly designed battery maintains a low profile, allowing it to be seamlessly integrated into the underbody for space efficiency. Despite its compact dimensions, the high-voltage battery offers energy content of 84.3 kWh, ensuring long-range capabilities suitable for extended journeys.

Battery and Range Specifications

(Specs sourced from BMW)

The i5 eDrive40 is estimated to cover up to 295 miles on a single charge, while the high-performance i5 M60 xDrive is projected to achieve a range of 256 miles. Notably, this advanced battery design ensures that the electric 5 Series provides passengers with an identical amount of space as its internal combustion counterparts.

4 Back On The Road In Just 30 Minutes

The BMW i5’s Combined Charging Unit facilitates Level 2 AC charging up to 11 kW, with a rapid DC fast charger providing a charging rate of 205 kW. This allows the battery to be efficiently charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. First-time owners enjoy two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America DC fast-charging locations.

Important Features

• The BMW i5 employs an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for the interior and the drive system, enhancing efficiency by simultaneously heating the interior and high-voltage battery.
• The adaptive recuperation system conserves power and recovers electrical energy during driving, adjusting recuperation levels based on navigation data and driver assistance sensors.
• Drivers can manually select high, medium, or low braking energy recovery through the BMW iDrive menu, providing flexibility in driving preferences.

While driving, the adaptive recuperation system conserves power and recovers electrical energy during throttle lift-off and braking phases. Intelligent networking utilizes navigation data and driver assistance sensors to adjust recuperation levels based on traffic conditions. Alternatively, drivers can manually select high, medium, or low braking energy recovery through the BMW iDrive menu. Low recuperation introduces a “coast” function, allowing the BMW i5 to roll along without drive torque when the accelerator pedal is released.

Efficiency is further optimized by an innovative combination of heat pump technology, handling the integrated heating and cooling circuit for the interior and the drive system, including the high-voltage battery. This simultaneous heating process is achieved through the heat pump function and, if necessary, a central electric auxiliary heater.

3 Buying A BMW i5 Will Set You Back $66,800

The BMW i5 emerges as a compelling value proposition in the electric vehicle market, offering a winning combination of performance and affordability. Priced at $66,800, it positions itself as an attractive option when compared to its counterparts. The Mercedes EQE comes with a heftier price tag of $74,900, providing potential buyers with a substantial cost saving without compromising on quality.

How it’s priced against its base-model rivals

(Prices sourced from automakers’ websites)

Moreover, the BMW i5 competes favorably with luxury electric vehicles from Porsche and Audi. While the Porsche Taycan is listed at $99,400, and the Audi e-Tron GT demands a significant investment at $106,500, the i5 stands out as a potentially cost-effective alternative without compromising on style, technology, and driving thrills. With its competitive pricing and an impressive set of features, the BMW i5 eDrive40 could signal an excellent value proposition in the luxury electric car realm.

2 The BMW i5 Takes Driving Assistance To The Next Level

The BMW i5 boasts an array of exceptional safety features, some of the very best in the electric vehicle segment. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package introduces the Highway Assistant, enabling attentive hands-free driving up to 85 mph where conditions permit. Driver attention is continuously monitored via an interior camera, emphasizing the importance of the driver’s role even with the Highway Assistant activated.

Remarkably, the new Active Lane Change, a world-first in the BMW 5 Series, allows eye activation for control. The driver confirms the suggested lane change by looking in the corresponding outside rearview mirror, enhancing safety and comfort up to 85 mph without the need for a turn signal.

Incredibly Innovative Safety Features

• Eye-activated lane change
• Automatic Park Assistant as standard
• Backup assistant for automated reversing
• Hands-free driving up to 85mph

The Automatic Park Assistant, standard in the i5, facilitates parking with steering, acceleration, braking, and gear shifts. The Backup Assistant aids in automated reversing in tight spaces, storing and replicating steering movements. The optional Parking Assistant Plus introduces advanced features like Parking View and 3D View, offering a comprehensive 360-degree image of the vehicle and surroundings.

1 It Goes Head-To-Head With The Tesla Model S

The BMW i5 eDrive40 emerges as a standout choice when it comes to luxury sedans, mixing performance and range at a reasonable starting price when compared with its rivals in the market. With a robust 335 horsepower, the base model i5 accelerates from 0-60 MPH in a swift 5.7 seconds, and its top speed of 120 mph is complemented by an solid range of 295 miles.

(Specs sourced from automakers’ websites)

By way of comparison, the Mercedes EQE 350+ Sedan enters the arena at a hair over $8,000 more expensive than the i5, offering 288 HP, a 6.3-second 0-60 time, and a range of 279 miles. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model S is closest to the BMW with its $71,090 starting price, boasting an unparalleled 405-mile range, 670 HP, and a rapid 3.1-second 0-60mph acceleration. Does it have the same good looks, though? Only the buyer can be the judge, in truth. The Porsche Taycan and Audi e-Tron GT, while delivering superior horsepower, come at a far higher starting price, perhaps emphasizing the BMW i5’s competitive edge in the luxury electric vehicle market.