2025 BMW i5

Just like the combustion-powered 5 Series, the i5 occupies similar territory in the burgeoning sphere of luxury electric cars. Which means it’s one of the top choices, with a compelling blend of technology, plushness, prestige, and abundant driver appeal so typical of BMW. Both the current generation of the regular 5 Series (reviewed separately) and the i5 launched last year.

The i5 xDrive40 makes its debut. This slots between the two cars that comprised the initial i5 lineup last year. It has almost 400 horsepower and comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. Heated front seats are now standard across the board.

We’re used to seeing BMW vehicles costing a little more than their rivals, but that isn’t necessarily the case here. The Genesis Electrified G80, Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan, and Tesla Model S all start in the mid-$70K region or a little more. The Lucid Air begins closer to $80K, and the Porsche Taycan starts above $90K.

Before buying a new i5 luxury electric sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. We expect resale values to be about average for the class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The i5 eDrive40 employs one electric motor, driving the rear wheels with a substantial 335 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The sprint from standstill to 60 mph happens in just 5.7 seconds. New for 2025, the xDrive40 adds another electric motor to drive the front axle, totaling 389 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. It will sprint to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. For some context, the Genesis Electrified G80 has 365 horsepower and can do the 60-mph dash in about 4.1 seconds. At the top of the entire 5 Series EV lineup stands the i5 M60, with two electric motors, AWD, 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 standard in the M60 (otherwise optional) for a broader spectrum of comfort and sport settings. Not that we’ve ever had issues with any other generation of 5 Series. Even the famed BMW 50:50 weight distribution (for a great balanced feel) makes it into the i5. These cars have been delivering an impressive blend of poise and pliancy for years, although any BMW tends to ride a bit more firmly than its Mercedes-Benz counterpart, for instance.

Overall, though, the i5 is smooth, silent, and fast. It also has some smart technology to help the driver, like keeping a safe distance from 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 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 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 Sky Lounge panoramic roof, and powered shades for the rear windows.

Sitting up front, we really like the cushioned areas 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 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 5 Series 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 and standard in the M60, we’re big fans of B&W audio systems for their clarity and power.

Driving Assistance Professional package
It’s an option, but we think it’s worth the investment. This bundle includes a 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.

The i5 eDrive40 has a maximum 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 (298 miles).

As well as range, another important aspect of an electric car is how fast it can charge. The metric defines how long it takes the battery to go from 10% capacity to 80% using a DC fast charger. BMW says the i5 performs this task in 30 minutes. The Genesis Electrified G80 can be eight minutes down the road when an i5 driver unhooks the charging cable. However, 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 i5. Usable energy works out to 84.3 kilowatt-hours (kWh). The battery fits under the floor, so there’s equal passenger space in every 5 Series model, electric or not.

BMW’s electric motors are designed not to require rare elements like cobalt that usually go into magnets. 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. Roadside assistance covers 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.