Launched globally in October 2023, the BMW i5 is among the most sorted all-electric executive cars today in the UK market. It has the refinement, driving dynamics, range, space, features and an elegant design that does not shout about its EV credentials.
Recently, we spent time with the BMW i5 in its eDrive40 variant to explore its design, features and comfort in detail. Here is what we observed:
Design
The BMW i5 keeps traditional 5 Series proportions, with a long bonnet, short overhangs and a gently sloping roof that gives it a clean, executive stance. The light blue shade seen here suits the restrained surfacing, while the flush door handles and tight shut lines underline the car’s modern, aerodynamic focus.
Up front, slim LED headlights frame a relatively compact kidney grille that can be specified with BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting. The lower bumper has large, neatly framed air intakes that add some M Sport aggression without looking excessive. The rear features a simple boot lid, horizontal LED tail lamps and a subtle diffuser section, giving the car a tidy, well-finished look.
Interior
The cabin follows BMW’s latest layout, with the Curved Display merging a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Most functions sit in the screen, but you still get a small strip of physical keys for ventilation and assistance systems.
In addition to the regular car functions, the central touchscreen allows occupants to enjoy movies and TV series via YouTube and TiVo and play casual video games like Go Kart Go, Overcooked, Golazo, and Music Guess.
An illuminated Interaction Bar runs across the dashboard and doors, changing graphics with drive modes and functions. Additionally, with a myriad of premium comfort features like four-zone climate control, massage front seats, heated rear seats, the i5 feels suitable for long journeys.
Our experience in the BMW i5
Ingress and egress in the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 are straightforward due to the conventional roofline. A slim dashboard and dual-cockpit displays set a clean visual theme, while the glass-look light bars on the dashboard and doors stand out as functional surfaces.
These bars integrate touch-operated controls for ventilation, AC settings, hazard activation, and door locking. The placement is convenient, though the hazard function would benefit from a physical switch.
Seam vents and discreet airflow-direction levers support the minimalist layout, although the levers sit low and require a deliberate reach. The glass controls on the centre console lend a premium touch, yet the combination of glossy trim and digital panels attracts fingerprints easily.
Upholstery and trim materials feel high quality, and a leather-free interior option is available. Analogue scrollers, switches, and buttons provide clear tactile feedback.
The infotainment system includes familiar BMW interfaces and adds casual gaming through smartphone-based controls, along with a native YouTube app for stationary use. Front headroom is limited for occupants around six feet tall, while lumbar and under-thigh support remain adequate. Storage is restricted to door bins, cupholders, and a small centre console box.
Rear access is easy, and the higher seat base supports comfortable entry. Rear legroom is adequate, headroom is marginal for tall occupants, and the backrest angle is more upright than expected, though under-thigh support remains sufficient.
Specifications
The BMW i5 comes with an 81.2 kWh battery pack and a rear-mounted motor that produces 250 kW (335 bhp) and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of torque in the eDrive40 variant. The car accelerates from nought to 60 mph in six seconds flat and tops out at 120 mph. Depending on the trim, it covers a distance of up to 384 miles, as per WLTP.
An M60 xDrive variant is also available, featuring two motors, including a primary unit in the rear and an additional one in the front for AWD capability. This setup provides the car with 442 kW (592 bhp) of power and 795 Nm (586 lb.-ft.) of torque, cutting the 0-62 mph time to 3.8 seconds and bumping the top speed to 143 mph. The two motors rely on the same 81.2 kWh battery pack, which delivers a WLTP range of up to 331 miles.
Price
In the UK, the BMW i5 starts at GBP 67,795 in the eDrive40 variant and go up to GBP 97,845 for the M60 xDrive variant.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
