The battery-electric 2024 BMW i5 models will make up about half of the total lineup of the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series midsize sports sedan, which first debuted in 1972. Like her bigger brother, the BMW i7Although externally almost identical, the electric version is significantly superior to its petrol counterparts. Now the higher-volume 5 Series underlines this point: in luxury and sports models, electric vehicles are simply the better cars.
At a launch event in November in and around Greenville, South Carolina, BMW offered reporters two electric versions and a gasoline version to drive. They are the first entries in a series of at least six different variants of the 5 Series. The two i5 models were more pleasant to drive, offering quicker acceleration and a smoother, quieter ride when the driver wasn’t using that acceleration. They’re also more expensive (starting at $67,795 including the mandatory $995 delivery fee) than comparable petrol models – which will probably still sell better. The new models are now available at BMW dealers, with further versions to follow in the next 18 months.
2024 BMW i5
2024 BMW i5
2024 BMW i5
Differences between BMW i5 and 5 Series
Unlike other brands that are aggressively putting their stamp on the non-Tesla part of the EV world – Kia comes to mind – BMW isn’t making any flashy design statements with its electric 5 Series. The i5 is one of the least recognizable electric vehicles on the road; It’s even harder to stand out than the i7.
The new generation is instantly recognizable as a 5 Series, albeit with sharper, more sculptural creases that add definition to the smoother, tapered hatchback sedan shape. The electric i5 has the same larger double-kidney grille shape as the ICE models, although they’re covered by glossy black panels rather than vertical bars. Instead of the standard sliding and tilting glass pane, a large, fixed panoramic glass roof can be ordered, which significantly lightens the cabin.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2024 5 Series is slightly larger – 3.4 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider and 1.4 inches taller. As a result, it maintains the proportions of a sedan while providing space for a battery pack under the cabin floor. A black band under the doors hides the height. The wheel selection ranges from 19 to 21 inches, depending on the model.
Inside, the i5 remains immediately recognizable as a BMW rather than an electric vehicle. A pair of low, horizontal screens sit atop a curved dashboard: the 12.3-inch display behind the steering wheel offers an instrument cluster, while a central 13.9-inch touchscreen duplicates many of the functions that BMW offers via the console-mounted iDrive 8.5 controller provides.
2024 BMW i5
The performance of the BMW i5 shows that electric is better
The models we drove in South Carolina are the first two battery-electric 5 Series to hit the market: the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive 40 and the i5 M60 xDrive. As the name suggests, the eDrive 40 is rear-wheel drive, while the more powerful M60 xDrive drives all four wheels. BMW also announced a future i5 xDrive model, most likely the AWD version of the 40, which would allow the lower end of the i5 range to compete perfectly with its petrol counterparts, the 530i and 530i xDrive.
Both i5 versions we drove use an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack under the cabin floor. The eDrive 40’s single rear motor is rated at 335 horsepower, while the combined output of the front and rear motors in the M60 is 593 horsepower. These figures are more powerful than comparable petrol models (255 and 375 hp), as are the quoted 0-60 mph acceleration times: 5.7 seconds for the i5 40, versus 5.9 or 5.8 seconds for the rear-wheel and All-wheel drive versions of the 530i. The hot-rod electric i5 M60 is quoted at an astonishing 3.7 seconds, but BMW hasn’t released acceleration figures for the upcoming inline-six 540i xDrive model.
2024 BMW i5
On the road, our rear-wheel drive i5 eDrive 40 proved extremely capable. With the addition of xDrive all-wheel drive (expected to be available soon), it would be a good all-rounder with longer range than the hot-rod M60. The ride is firm but not harsh, and compared to the petrol 530i the added weight of a weak battery makes it feel heavier, more solid and stable. Our only criticism of the single-motor model was the weak regeneration, even at maximum setting, and the lack of true one-pedal travel to a standstill. The company has suggested that its drivers prefer more interaction with the controls, but we’re not convinced that’s true for the subgroup that wants an all-electric BMW.
However, the really fun version of the electric 5 Series was the i5 M60 xDrive. It offers far more powerful regenerative braking, as well as a 10-second “boost” function that increases the maximum torque produced by both engines from 549 pound-feet to 605 pound-feet. The result was a breathtaking thrust accompanied by a synthesized howling sound. Secondly, it has rear-wheel steering, which makes it feel smaller than it is in tight corners – although parking a large sedan is still the same challenge. These two factors combined made the M60 our choice for driving with an evil grin when necessary.
2024 BMW i5
2024 BMW i5
2024 BMW i5
Room for four adults in the i5, plenty of space to work
The i5’s interior comfortably accommodates four adults and features a slightly longer wheelbase that increases rear legroom. The front seats are particularly comfortable and, combined with the ease of electric vehicle driving, make the i5 a comfortable cruiser between charging stops.
The i5’s trunk space is 17.3 cubic feet, about 1 cubic foot less than gasoline models. The 40-20-40 split rear seat provides a convenient way to transport larger items, from skis through the middle to luggage and boxes, with the backrest fully or partially foldable.
The materials won’t surprise anyone who’s sat in a BMW recently – yes, it retains the expected formality, but there are a few color options available beyond the basic German black. The selection of exterior and interior colors, trim levels, option packages and independent functions of the BMW i5 would be an article in itself. Suffice it to say, the more powerful of the two models comes with the M Sport and M Sport Pro Appearance and Performance Package, which includes blackout panels and various other decorative upgrades.
2024 BMW i5
2024 BMW i5 EV Safety
Previous generations of the BMW 5 Series have received high ratings in safety tests, but so far neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have crash-tested the 2024 i5.
All 5 Series models are equipped with a long list of standard and optional automated driver assistance systems, with the optional Driving Assistance Professional system newly adding autonomous driving in highway conditions. We weren’t able to test the feature given the limited highway mileage on our driving routes, but look forward to comparing it with Drive Pilot (from Mercedes Benz), Super Cruise (from GM), Blue Cruise (from Ford) and other similar hands-free adaptive cruise control systems.
2024 BMW i5
Range and charging of the BMW i5
Wheel sizes vary between 19 and 21 inches, and the EPA rating range varies accordingly and also varies depending on the powertrain chosen. The longest-range version of the two i5s we drove is the RWD eDrive 40 with 19-inch wheels, which has a range of 295 miles with its 82-kWh battery. The 20-inch wheels reduce the mileage to 278 miles and the 21-inch wheels reduce the mileage to 270 – a remarkable achievement. The more powerful AWD i5 M60 gets 256 miles on 19-inch wheels; The 20-inch and 21-inch wheels reduce the range by 8 and 16 miles, respectively.
2024 BMW i5
The i5 models can be charged with up to 11 kW at a level 2 charging station capable of delivering this power. BMW supplies every i5 with a mobile charging cable that enables both 120-volt and 240-volt charging, the latter with a NEMA 14-50 plug. The 5 Series model’s DC fast-charging performance is rated at up to 205 kW, which equates to charging from 10 to 80 percent of capacity in about 30 minutes – although the usual caveats, asterisks and qualifications apply to this statistic.
The i5 is the first BMW to integrate the Plug & Charge protocol, which allows the driver to forego a fast charger once plugged in, with validation and billing done seamlessly in the backend. The i5 also calculates both charging stops and the associated thermal battery management (for fastest charging) when the driver enters a destination into the MyBMW app. First-time BMW i5 owners will receive two years of free 30-minute charging sessions from the Electrify America network.
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BMW has covered travel, accommodation and meals so that Green Car Reports can present this driving report to you first hand.
