Overview
The BMW i5 electrifies of the current 5 Series, adapting the brand's benchmark premium saloon into a fully electric package. The i5 targets corporate fleets and private buyers seeking traditional executive refinement combined with modern electric advantages. Built on a shared platform with combustion variants, it brings competitive electric range, state-of-the-art tech, and a highly premium cabin to the EV market.
Design
The styling of the i5 shifts toward a slightly sharper, modern look without adopting the oversized grilles of other recent BMW models. It incorporates the "Iconic Glow" illuminated contour lighting on higher-tier models. Standard M Sport body styling introduces a resculpted front and rear bumper optimized for efficiency, helping the vehicle achieve a drag coefficient of 0.22. The i5 features sharp lines along the sides, flush-fitting door handles, and a selection of light alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
Interior
Inside, the cabin features the digital twin-screen BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch driver information panel with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen running the latest iDrive operating system. Traditional physical buttons are almost all gone, replaced instead by the touch-sensitive BMW Interaction Bar that stretches across the dashboard and into the front door panels, providing ambient lighting and integrated touch controls for climate and air ventilation. The materials focus heavily on sustainability, with a fully vegan Veganza synthetic leather interior as standard. Tech features include fully integrated YouTube streaming and AirConsole in-car gaming capabilities to entertain while parked.
Performance & Powertrains
The i5 lineup has two distinct powertrain options, both using an 84kWh battery pack. The entry-level eDrive40 features a single, rear-mounted electric motor delivering 340 hp and up to 430 Nm of torque under sport boost, propelling the RWD saloon from 0-62 mph in 6 seconds flat before reaching a limited top speed of 120 mph. This model delivers a range of 382 miles. The M Sport model upgrades that range slightly to 386 miles and keeps the same motor setup. Underneath, a low centre of gravity balances out the heavy kerb weight, while standard M Sport suspension provides crisp handling, optimized further by optional rear-axle steering. DC ultra-rapid charging peaks at 205 kW, which replenishes the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Practicality
The physical footprint of the i5 means a highly spacious rear passenger space, offering generous legroom, though the bulky center tunnel can make the middle seat less comfortable on longer trips. Luggage capacity stands at 490 litres, still comfortable to handle up to four large suitcases. Underneath the main boot floor, a dedicated storage compartment securely holds charging cables out of the way. Isofix mounting points are easily accessible on the outer rear seats for child seats.
Buying
Pricing for the BMW i5 starts from £67,695, stepping up to £74,205 for the M Sport model. Standard specification is generous across all models, featuring heated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, a wireless charging tray, and a premium Harman Kardon surround sound system. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport. Choosing this secures the more efficient single-motor powertrain for the maximum possible real-world driving range while adding the upgraded M Sport braking systems, and blacked-out trim elements without the steep premium and reduced range associated with the twin-motor M60 variant.