2024 BMW i5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review$66,800 to $84,100
Original MSRP
6.8
of 10
expert review
avg user rating
(0 reviews)
Pros
Fun to drive
Impressive electric range
Comfortable
Cons
Unintuitive technology
The i5 finds the Goldilocks zone in BMW's EV lineup.
A new model, the 2024 BMW i5 makes a big impression among electric luxury sedans, with stirring performance, plenty of range, and a very comfortable cabin. Among its few rivals, the i5 rises to the top yet is still less expensive than the competition, so you should definitely start your search here.
Verdict: Underwhelming infotainment system aside, the i5 delivers everything expected of a luxury electric sedan.
In many ways, the 2024 BMW i5 could pass for an internal combustion vehicle, which makes sense, as it’s an electric version of the BMW 5-Series. The traditional grille and air inlets lack the smoothed-over plastic look that some other electric cars have adopted, though the i5 M60 xDrive variant’s grille has hints of that. Thankfully, the designers opted against the awkward vertical grilles found in the BMW iX and i4, as well as the oversized grille on the i7.
From the side, the i5 continues its traditional styling with a long hood and conventional midsize sedan proportions. Around back, the taillights adopt a more angular and beveled shape, but the overall look is still easily recognizable as a BMW.
The interior is also in line with BMW's current design direction, with a large horizontal dual-screen enclosure atop the dashboard. Many of the usual buttons and knobs have been eliminated in favor of integrating those controls into the infotainment touchscreen. As a result, the cockpit has a clean, minimal look, though the screens could be more gracefully blended into the dash.
The seat upholstery features beveled quilting that adds some visual interest while tying into the exterior's styling cues. The leather quality is comparable to other luxury vehicles, as are most of the other plastic interior elements. The piano black section of the center console feels just as sturdy as other cabin parts, but the glossy surface is a magnet for dust, fingerprints, and smudges. On the whole, the i5 feels solidly built and easily meets expectations for a luxury sedan.
The 2024 BMW i5 is available in two trim levels. We drove the entry-level eDrive40 which utilizes a single-electric-motor powertrain with rear-wheel drive (RWD). It's good for 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and should accelerate the i5 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Power is drawn from an 84.3-kWh battery pack in the floor and range varies between an EPA-estimated 270 and 295 miles, depending on which wheels you choose. It's worth noting that BMW's EVs have a reputation for easily exceeding their range estimates. We wouldn't be surprised if you could extract up to 320 miles from an eDrive 40 model.
The i5 xDrive40 adds a second motor to drive the front wheels, with a combined output of 389 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the added all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction, it should reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Range is estimated between 248 and 266 miles. The range-topping BMW i5 M60 xDrive is only offered in dual-motor AWD spec, producing an impressive 593 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque. That should be potent enough to get to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds. Range drops to only 240 to 256 miles, though.
For the vast majority of drivers, the base i5 eDrive40 will easily satisfy. While it's not as blazingly quick as some other EVs, its immediate response and plentiful power right off the line make it feel just as potent. The brake pedal is on the soft side, but functions just as it should. You won't feel the transition between regeneration and when the physical brakes are actuated, allowing you to come to a smooth limo stop. One-pedal driving is possible, but the regeneration is lighter than you might expect. At least when getting acclimated to the i5, you may have to tap the brake pedal to come to a full stop.
Despite tipping the scales at over 5,100 pounds, the i5 handles a curvy road as well as its gas-powered 5-Series sibling. Having most of the weight low in the floor helps with stability and can indeed be considered fun to drive. Opting for AWD would most certainly improve traction but as it is, the rear-drive i5 is plenty athletic. The i5 M60 xDrive is a good choice for the rare driver who would want even more performance, with much more power and a sport-tuned adaptive suspension.
As expected, the i5 delivers a nearly silent driving experience, with only a hint of road noise on the highways. Ride quality is pleasantly smooth, isolating passengers from moderate ruts and bumps in the road, though the M60's stiffer suspension should noticeably firm things up. Whether you're more prone to comfortable touring or spirited cornering, the i5's broad range of skills has you covered.
With plenty of power adjustments and well-shaped surfaces, the front seats can comfortably accommodate a variety of body types. The front roof pillars are on the thick side and can impede your view through left turns, but otherwise, outward visibility is good. A rubberized wireless charging tray keeps larger phones from sliding around when cornering and pairs well with the wireless phone integration. Cupholders are average in size, as is the center console armrest bin and door pockets, leaving you with an adequate, but not generous, amount of personal item storage.
Adult-sized passengers will fit in the rear seats with no problem, as there's enough headroom and legroom. There's not much space for feet under the front seats, but that should only be an issue for taller occupants.
Behind the rear seats, the trunk has up to 17.3 cubic-feet of cargo space. It's a large and very usable space that should be able to swallow several large suitcases. That's a good thing since the i5 lacks a front trunk (frunk) that many other EVs benefit from.
DC fast charging capabilities are standard on all i5 models and can operate at rates as fast as 209 kW. It's estimated to replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes. As an added bonus, owners are eligible for three years of free 30-minute charge sessions through the Electrify America network. On a home charger, the i5 is able to charge at a rather quick 11 kW, which should fully charge the battery from empty in under 10 hours.
The i5's iDrive infotainment system deserves praise for its sharp graphics and quick responses, but it's handicapped by an overabundance of on-screen buttons that can be overwhelming. Many systems such as entertainment, navigation, and climate control can be operated with natural speech commands. For example, you can say, "Hey BMW, lower the temperature to 70 degrees," and the system will automatically adjust the temperature.
Unfortunately, for many secondary controls, voice commands are not available, forcing you to delve into the menus to try and find the correct setting. For something as simple as adjusting the adaptive cruise control following distance or regenerative braking, having to dig for them seems like a step backward. Small on-screen buttons further complicate use as you have to pay closer attention to the screen, making the system more distracting than it needs to be.
Many owners will likely prefer to use their phone as their primary infotainment hub and for them, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Also included is a wireless charging pad, so you won't need a cable. In our time with the i5, Apple CarPlay mostly operated without a hitch, though there were a few connection interruptions.
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have completed crash test evaluations on the 2024 BMW i5 yet, but we expect scores to be strong since it performed so well in European NCAP tests. For comparison, the gas-powered BMW 5 Series was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, the Institute's second-highest honor.
All i5 models come standard with frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package adds adaptive cruise control, a hands-free highway assistant, active lane-change assist, and lane-keep steering intervention. A head-up display and surround-view camera system are available as part of the Premium package.
In our experience with the i5, the adaptive cruise control maintained a consistent interval with leading vehicles and when traffic slowed to a stop, the BMW did so smoothly. Other driver assistance systems operated flawlessly without any false alarms or glitches.
Prices for the new BMW i5 eDrive40 single-motor model start at $67,795 (including $995 in destination fees). For only $3,300, you can add AWD with the xDrive40 and considering that rather reasonable premium, we'd spring for the upgrade to get more traction and power. For drivers in weather-prone regions, it's an even smarter addition. The top-of-the-line i5 M60 xDrive will set you back $85,095 and should be reserved for the rare driver that desires more performance than the standard i5s deliver.
BMWs typically match or exceed pricing set by rival luxury brands, but in the case of the i5, it actually can save you a healthy amount of cash over comparable electric vehicles. By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Genesis Electrified G80 both start above $75,000 while the Tesla Model S rings in around $73,000. Real-world range is comparable between these models, but the BMW i5 gains an edge for its more lively driving dynamics. The Porsche Taycan is another alternative for shoppers seeking even more performance from a German luxury brand, but as you'd expect, it'll cost you. It starts above $90,000.
On the lower end, the smaller BMW i4 could also be considered. It costs several thousand less than the i5 and is just as thrilling to drive. The i5 further extends its advantage by offering three years of free 30-minute charges on the Electrify America Network while most rivals stop at two years.
All things considered, the 2024 BMW i5 delivers everything expected of a luxury electric sedan and goes further with performance without sacrificing comfort. While we're not thrilled with the infotainment system, it does little to sour an otherwise excellent driving experience.
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2024 BMW i5 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leatherette
Convenience Features
Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 11.12
Engine
EV battery capacity: 84.3 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11 kW · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 335 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 250 · Electric Motor Torque: 295 · Electric charge cord: autoswitching 110V/240V · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE Combo CCS · Electric motor charging time: 8 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 295
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment screen size: 14.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: intersection/junction cross · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction cross · Rear pre-collision warning system: rear-end impact · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.2
Suspension
Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: EV battery charging control · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum with painted accents
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Bower Wilkins premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · Watts: 655
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 9.37
Engine
EV battery capacity: 84.3 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11 kW · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 593 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 442 · Electric Motor Torque: 586 · Electric charge cord: autoswitching 110V/240V · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 8 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 256
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 14.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 16
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.7
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum with painted accents
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation