“Takes 2 hours to fully charge at a public DC charging machine! Also, having to plan where you go to make sure you have enough battery life, and when you arrive are there charging stations?”
BMW i5: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW i5 is a five-seat midsize luxury electric sedan and the battery-powered counterpart to the BMW 5 Series. It is known for long-distance comfort, quiet power, modern digital controls, and responsive road manners.
Introduced for 2024, the i5 brings electric power to BMW’s familiar 5 Series formula. It keeps the traditional shape, roomy cabin, and composed feel of a business sedan rather than trying to look radically different from other BMWs. Across its first generation, the theme has stayed consistent: comfort and everyday usability paired with a driver-focused character.
Strengths
- The cabin has the space and quiet, relaxed feel expected from a midsize luxury sedan.
- Its responsive road manners preserve the driver-focused character associated with the 5 Series.
- Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions cover different priorities, from efficiency to stronger traction.
- The curved digital display gives the interior a modern focal point without changing the car’s traditional sedan layout.
- The 2027 electric i5 was rated for up to 328 miles of driving range.
- A 17.3-cubic-foot trunk in 2027 gives it useful cargo room for a sedan.
Who it's for
The i5 fits someone who wants an electric luxury car but still prefers the look and feel of a traditional sedan. It makes particular sense for commuters and long-distance drivers who value a quiet cabin, adult-friendly space, and engaging road manners more than an SUV seating position.
BMW i5 lineup
The eDrive40 is the efficiency-minded rear-wheel-drive version and suits shoppers who put driving range ahead of maximum traction or speed. Introduced for 2025, the xDrive40 adds all-wheel drive and stronger performance without moving all the way to the high-performance end of the range. The M60 served as the first generation’s performance flagship in earlier model years, pairing all-wheel drive with a much quicker, sportier character. Pick the eDrive40 for the simplest and most range-focused i5 experience, step up to the xDrive40 for four-wheel traction, or look for an M60 when performance is the priority.
BMW i5 generations
From 2024 to 2027, the i5 spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — G60 arrived for 2024.
1st Generation — G60 (2024–Present)
The first i5 is the fully electric version of the G60-generation BMW 5 Series sedan. It launched with rear-wheel-drive and high-performance all-wheel-drive models, a large curved digital display, and fast charging.
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2027Trim changes
A native NACS charging port adds direct compatibility with supported Tesla-style charging connectors. The design, electric-motor layouts, safety features, and cabin technology otherwise carry over.
2026
Efficiency updates improve the estimated driving range of the eDrive40 and xDrive40. The overall design, cabin, and display setup stay largely the same.
2025Trim changes
The xDrive40 all-wheel-drive trim joins the lineup between the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 and higher-performance M60.
2024New generation
The first i5 launches as the electric version of the redesigned G60 5 Series, initially in eDrive40 and M60 forms.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW i5.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW i5 fully electric or a hybrid?
The BMW i5 is fully electric. It has no gasoline engine, and its lineup uses either one rear electric motor or two motors with all-wheel drive.
What kind of car is the BMW i5?
The BMW i5 is a four-door midsize luxury sedan. It is the electric member of the 5 Series family, with a traditional sedan shape rather than an SUV-style body.
How many people and how much cargo fit in a BMW i5?
The BMW i5 seats five and has a 17.3-cubic-foot trunk in the latest specifications. Rear legroom is 36.5 inches, supporting its role as a roomy business and family sedan.
Does the BMW i5 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Dual-motor i5 versions have all-wheel drive, while the eDrive40 uses one rear motor and rear-wheel drive. The exact trim lineup depends on the model year.
What is the BMW i5 known for?
The BMW i5 is known for quiet electric power, long-distance comfort, a roomy cabin and responsive road manners. It feels more like a familiar luxury sedan than a purpose-styled EV.
Who is the BMW i5 a good fit for?
The BMW i5 suits drivers who want a comfortable five-seat luxury sedan with electric power and modern screens. Rear-drive versions favor efficiency, while all-wheel-drive versions add traction and stronger acceleration.
Has the BMW i5 gone through more than one generation?
No. Every BMW i5 from its 2024 introduction through 2027 belongs to the first G60 generation. Later updates improved efficiency, expanded the trim lineup and added a native NACS charging port without a redesign.
BMW i5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW i5.
4.3
BMW i5
(162 reviews)
“The car is fast, well built, and fun to drive. For a 5 series, it handles well. The front ventilation is not very user friendly but looks pretty.”
“It's an awesome car if you stay close to home. Traveling long distances is difficult due to charging options in some areas and I would not want to get stuck in a bad situation.”
“It's a BMW first, and an EV second. If you like BMW and you're considering an EV, you should definitely give this one a look.”
“i5 M60 is a great balance of performance, comfort and luxury!! It's such a pleasure to drive. For everyone looking to get into EVs - highly recommended. Incredibly fast and very, very quiet.”
“Make sure you have access to home charging. Public charging stations are hard to find and are unreliable.”