- Everything we love about the gas-powered 5 Series. But it’s electric
- Pricing starts at $67,795, including a $995 destination fee | Price it your way
- On sale now | See BMW i5 models for sale near you
This year, BMW charges into the electrified car market with many offerings, including an all-electric version of the popular 5 Series sedan. The 2024 BMW i5 hits the sweet spot between the compact i4 and full-size i7. A proper driver’s car, the i5 gives up nothing in the way of thrills, especially in the acceleration department. And, of course, being a BMW, the i5 is brimming with the latest luxury and technology features.
The i5 replaces the 5 Series’ internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain with a single electric motor at the rear. In the i5 eDrive40, this setup generates 335 horsepower, launching the i5 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The i5 M60 performance sedan gains a second electric motor at the front, increasing horsepower to 590 and producing a gut-punching zero-to-60 time of just 3.7 seconds.
BMW states the i5 eDrive40 will travel 295 miles on a single charge. The i5 M60 trails behind at 256 miles.
While many still consider Tesla the EV class leader, we think the BMW i5 offers a more sophisticated interior design, not to mention a more detailed feature set. Let’s take a peek inside and see why.
Passenger Room and Comfort
The BMW i5 is a spacious sedan with generous head and legroom front and rear. BMW seats are known for holding occupants firmly in place during spirited drives, but their superior design also helps to relax the body with supportive padding for the lower back and thighs.
We’re always happy when additional lumbar support is offered, and the i5 provides 4-way power lumbar support for the driver and front passenger. The sporty M60 goes even further with multi-contour sport seats featuring power backrest width adjustment and thigh extension.
Comfort is further addressed with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rear-seat climate controls, and power sunshades for the back and rear side glass and window.
Features and Tech
In the i5, BMW takes technology integration to new levels, highlighted by a massive curved display screen housing a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment and information display. Although it may look complex, we had no issue navigating the various controls and functions, some of which can be operated simply by speaking a command or using the iDrive touchpad controller. An optional driver interaction feature allows the driver to work the system with hand gestures in front of the screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a wireless charging pad.
Are you worried you might get bored while waiting at a busy charging station? No problem. The i5 features a built-in gaming AirConsole that lets driver and passengers use their smartphones as controllers.
If you love checking boxes, BMW offers a dizzying array of electronic magic, including a hands-free driving assistant, an automatic parking assistant, and an interior camera. Audiophiles will no doubt want the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio upgrade, including a 7-band equalizer and additional bass speakers built into the doors.
Materials and Design
The i5 interior has breathtaking digital color displays, rich textures, and intelligent design language. Take the climate system, for example. You won’t find the standard slotted air vents across the dash. Instead, BMW hides the outlets behind a seam between the upper and lower dash pad.
Veganza synthetic vegan leather upholstery adorns the seats and door panels, but you can upgrade to genuine Merino leather. You can also choose various graphite, aluminum, and natural or synthetic woodgrain trims. The ultimate interior design upgrade sees hand-cut glass controls replacing the center console plastic switches and rotary iDrive controller.
BMW makes ample use of ambient light technology, offering a variety of colors and interaction with various functions, such as turn signals and drive modes.
Rear-seat air vents help keep kids and pets cool, but if you opt for the 4-zone climate control, those same passengers get their own digital touchscreen controlling fan speed, temperature, and the heated rear seats.
If you’re a big fan of sunlight, the available Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof should scratch that itch, complete with a power sunshade, when the feeling of “less is more” takes hold.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
The midsize BMW i5 electric sedan offers considerably more shoulder and hip room and more cargo space than the smaller i4. Underneath the power-operated trunk lid, you’ll find 17.3 cubic feet of storage space, which is generous but slightly one cubic foot less than the gas-powered 5 Series due to the placement of the battery pack and electric components.
The 40/20/40 folding rear seats drop down to create an even larger cargo area or can be left partially upright, allowing cargo and passengers to split the space simultaneously.
Build and price your version of the 2024 BMW i5 to see this week’s Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, or check out BMW i5 models for sale near you.
