The BMW 5-Series has been the benchmark for luxury sports sedans for the past five decades. This year, the Bavarian automaker launched the i5, the first all-electric version of the 5-Series that will sell alongside the new eighth-generation internal combustion-powered 5-Series.
The i5 joins a segment comprised of established players like the Audi e-tron GT and Tesla Model S, as well as newcomers like the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Lucid Air.
I recently reviewed a 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive with an as-tested price of $95,395. I was impressed by the BMW’s exhilarating performance, luxurious cabin, and understated styling.
The base rear-wheel-drive BMW i5 eDrive40 starts at $66,800, while my range-topping, all-wheel-drive i5 M60 xDrive test car starts at $84,100.
Here are 14 features that help make the i5 a great high-performance luxury EV.
Understated styling
BMW’s styling has drawn the ire of many brand loyalists in recent years, especially regarding the growth in the size of its signature kidney grilles. Fortunately, BMW exercised restraint with the 5-Series, resulting in a subtle design that exudes a certain understated elegance.
The boxy, squared-off lines leave no doubt that this is a BMW 5-Series.
Nifty modular platform
The BMW i5 is not built on a dedicated EV platform like many of its rivals but one shared with its ICE siblings. Fortunately, the BMW CLAR modular platform that underpins the i5 was designed to accommodate ICE, hybrid, and battery-electric models.
As a result, the i5 retains the long-sloping hood of its internal combustion brethren and the space where a silky smooth BMW straight six once occupied.
Under the hood, a large plastic panel covers the electronics and an electric motor for the front axle.
Supercar-like power
My BMW i5 M60 xDrive came with a 257-horsepower electronic motor mounted at the front axle and a larger 335-horsepower electric motor at the back. Together, they produce a stout 593 total system horsepower and up to 605 lb-ft of torque.
Fast charging
Beneath the i5’s floor, you’ll find a large lithium-ion battery pack with 84.3 kWh of usable energy.
According to BMW, a DC fast charger can charge the car from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The EPA rated my high-performance test car for 240 miles of range, but I was able to extract about 250 miles during my time with it.
Those looking for more range will need to opt for the less powerful i5 eDrive40, which can go up to 295 miles on a single charge.
Great handling
The BMW 5-Series is known for its poise in the corners and power down the straight.
And the i5 delivered on that promise and is flat-out fast. Its acceleration was swift, brutal, and utterly glorious.
I’ve driven more than a few supercars in my time, but the immediacy of the Bimmer’s acceleration off the line caught me by surprise a couple of times. I loved it.
According to BMW, the i5 M60 xDrive can sprint from 0 to 60 in just 3.7 seconds, but Motor Trend was able to do it in 3.4 seconds. I’m leaning toward the quicker time.
BMW says the i5 can reach a top speed of 143 mph.
On the winding mountain roads of North Georgia, the all-wheel-drive i5 was a pleasure to drive. With perfect 50/50 front-rear weight distribution, the i5 felt balanced and precise around the corners. It does a good job of hiding its hefty 5,200-pound curb weight.
Beautifully executed cabin
The i5’s cabin is unmistakably modern, with massive infotainment screens and lashes of carbon fiber, but everything is sensibly packaged in a way that won’t offend any automotive traditionalists.
BMW did a great job offering drivers a multitude of ways to engage with the vehicle, from voice activation to touchscreens to capacitive touch buttons.
I found the interactive LED light strips on the center stack and doors, which double as touch-sensitive climate controls and seat controls, to be a neat touch.
Despite a few cheap-feeling plastic power window switches, the i5’s overall material and build quality were excellent. I was particularly impressed by the beautiful glass shift toggle and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.
Advanced driver cockpit
In front of the driver are a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom BMW M-Sport steering wheel and a new 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The configurable instrument display offers a multitude of layouts and embedded systems that range from navigation to parking assistance.
Also in front of the driver is an optional head-up display.
Supportive front seats
The i5’s burgundy-red seats, which are upholstered in perforated Veganza imitation leather, were wonderfully supportive and comfortable.
Feature-packed infotainment system
The focal point of the i5’s front dash is a massive 14.9-inch screen running the latest version of BMW’s much-improved iDrive infotainment system.
The system can be operated by voice command, touchscreen, or a nifty glass rotary controller on the center console.
The screen is also home to the i5’s drive mode menu and its surround-view camera system.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
Panoramic roof
The i5 comes standard with a traditional power glass moonroof, but buyers can upgrade to a massive panoramic Sky Lounge Roof as part of the Executive Package.
Luxurious rear cabin
The i5’s rear cabin provides more than enough room for two adults to travel in comfort and style. The burgundy-red faux leather seats are soft and comfortable. There are retractable sunshades, dedicated AC vents, USB-C sockets, and seatback mounting points for tablets.
Remote start
The i5 can be started remotely by pressing the BMW logo on the key fob three times in quick succession.
Safety tech
The i5 comes loaded with standard safety and driver’s assistance tech, including active driving assist, active blind spot detection, and lane departure warning. However, adaptive cruise control requires the $2,000 Driving Assistance Pro package.
Stylish wheels
The i5 comes standard with 19-inch alloys, but my test car had these snazzy $1,800 optional 21-inch bi-color wheels.
The post I drove a $95,000 BMW i5. Here are 14 features that show why it’s a great high-performance luxury EV. appeared first on Business Insider.
