If you’re considering a 2024 BMW i5, you’re probably wondering one thing above all: how far will it really go on a charge? Lab numbers are one thing; daily commuting, fast highway cruising, and winter road trips are another. In this 2024 BMW i5 range test deep dive, we’ll look at independent real‑world results for both the i5 eDrive40 and the i5 M60, compare them to EPA estimates, and translate all of that into clear guidance for shoppers, especially if you’re eyeing a used i5 from a retailer like Recharged.
Two flavors, one battery
BMW i5 battery and EPA range at a glance
2024 BMW i5 key range specs
2024 BMW i5 EPA range by trim and wheel size
EPA‑estimated ranges for the 2024 BMW i5 lineup. Actual range varies with temperature, speed, terrain, and driving style.
| Model | Drive | Wheel size | EPA-estimated range (mi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| i5 eDrive40 | RWD | 19" | ≈295 | Longest‑range configuration |
| i5 eDrive40 | RWD | 20" | ≈278–300 | Rating varies by wheel/aero package |
| i5 eDrive40 | RWD | 21" | ≈270 | Sportiest look, modest range penalty |
| i5 M60 xDrive | AWD | 19" | ≈256 | Best‑case M60 configuration |
| i5 M60 xDrive | AWD | 20" | ≈248 | Middle‑ground wheels |
| i5 M60 xDrive | AWD | 21" | ≈239–240 | Lowest official range in the lineup |
Wheel size has a surprisingly big impact on official range ratings, especially on the performance‑oriented M60.
EPA range is a reference, not a guarantee
Real‑world range: 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40
The i5 eDrive40 is the more efficient member of the family, rear‑wheel drive, one motor, and a bit less mass. On paper, it’s the long‑range pick, and independent testing has backed that up in a big way.
- Usable battery: about 81.2 kWh
- Power: roughly 335 hp to the rear wheels
- EPA range: around 270–295 miles depending on wheel size
- EPA consumption: mid‑2 kWh per mile (around mid‑90s MPGe combined)
One detailed real‑world test of an i5 eDrive40 on 21‑inch wheels, so, not the most efficient setup, saw an impressive 299 miles covered with about 4% battery remaining. The driver averaged roughly 3.9 miles per kWh in mixed use (about 70% highway, 30% city), suggesting a theoretical full‑to‑empty range north of 310 miles in favorable conditions. That’s comfortably above the EPA estimate and shows how efficient BMW’s latest electric powertrain really is.
What this means for you
Real‑world range: 2024 BMW i5 M60
The i5 M60 xDrive trades some range for serious pace. With dual motors, all‑wheel drive, and roughly 590 horsepower, it’s the hot rod of the lineup. On paper, its EPA range drops to the 239–256‑mile band depending on wheels, but again, independent tests suggest that’s a conservative number.
How the 2024 BMW i5 M60 performs in range tests
Independent tests show the M60 overachieves on its EPA estimate, if you drive it sensibly.
Edmunds EV Range Test
Edmunds ran a 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive on 21‑inch wheels, the least efficient configuration on paper.
- EPA rating: about 239–240 miles
- Measured range: 264 miles on a full charge
- Result: roughly 10% better than EPA
Mixed driving with an efficiency‑oriented style produced results closer to the eDrive40 than you might expect.
BMW‑focused testing
BMW‑oriented testers have likewise reported the i5 M60 exceeding its EPA numbers. In one widely cited evaluation of an M60 on 21‑inch wheels, the car again reached the mid‑260‑mile range on a charge, despite being the lineup’s thirstiest variant.
The key theme: BMW’s published range figures are conservative; the hardware can do more in real traffic at legal speeds.
In day‑to‑day Edmunds long‑term use, their i5 M60 averaged just under 40 kWh per 100 miles, around 2.5 miles per kWh, while still delivering a comfortable real‑world range. That’s not as efficient as the eDrive40, but for an all‑wheel‑drive luxury sedan with genuinely explosive acceleration, it’s a respectable trade.
Performance without range disaster
Highway range test: How the i5 performs at 70 mph
Highway speed is where many EVs see their range fall apart. Aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed, and steady 70–75 mph cruising exposes any inefficiency in the car’s design. Fortunately, the 2024 BMW i5 holds up well here.
- In a 70‑mph highway loop, one test of the i5 M60 suggested a practical highway range around 245–250 miles, just slightly above its EPA estimate.
- The i5 eDrive40, on the same 21‑inch wheel size, has posted around mid‑260s in highway‑heavy tests, and more in mixed use.
- Both trims tend to outperform their EPA ratings modestly at real‑world highway speeds, assuming temperate weather and balanced driving.
Think in legs, not absolute numbers
What actually affects your 2024 BMW i5 range
Real‑world range tests are snapshots. Your numbers will swing up or down based on how, and where, you drive. With the 2024 BMW i5, a few factors matter more than most:
Key factors that change your BMW i5 range
Speed and driving style
Above about 65 mph, range starts to fall quickly. Smooth inputs and using Eco Pro mode when you don’t need full power can easily add 10–20% to your available miles.
Wheel size and tires
Those gorgeous 21‑inch wheels look fantastic, but they increase aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance. Dropping to 19‑inch wheels with efficient tires can add 20–30 miles of range in otherwise identical conditions.
Temperature and climate control
Cold weather thickens battery chemistry and increases cabin‑heating demand. Short winter trips can cut range by 20–40%. Pre‑conditioning the cabin while plugged in helps a lot.
Terrain and load
Long uphill grades, a full complement of passengers, and lots of cargo force the motors to work harder. Expect range to fall versus flat‑land cruising with just a driver aboard.
Regenerative braking settings
Using stronger regen in stop‑and‑go traffic lets you recapture more energy. In BMW’s newer EVs, one‑pedal‑style driving in city conditions can noticeably improve efficiency.
Battery state of charge habits
Charging to 100% gives you maximum range but isn’t ideal for long‑term battery health if you do it daily. BMW, and most EV experts, recommend holding daily charging to 80–90% and reserving full charges for road trips.
Don’t plan on 0%
Maximizing range in a BMW i5: Practical tips
You don’t need to hypermile your i5 to see strong numbers. A few smart habits can nudge you closer to those standout 2024 BMW i5 range test results without turning every drive into a science project.
Simple ways to stretch your i5’s range
Small changes in setup and behavior add up over every charge.
Use the right drive mode
Eco Pro or its equivalent dials back power and optimizes climate settings. Use it on the highway or in steady traffic; save Sport for on‑ramps and fun roads.
Precondition while plugged in
On hot or cold days, schedule climate preconditioning while the car is charging. You’ll use grid power instead of battery power to heat or cool the cabin.
Watch your speed
Cruising at 70 mph vs. 80 mph can mean a noticeable difference in range. On long drives, set the cruise a little lower and watch the efficiency gauge climb.
Check tire pressures
Underinflated tires hurt both efficiency and handling. Make a habit of checking pressures monthly, especially if you switch between summer and winter wheels.
Plan DC fast‑charge stops
Charging from 10–80% is typically the sweet spot for DC fast chargers. Multiple short, efficient sessions beat one long wait from almost empty to 100%.
Avoid unnecessary roof racks
Roof boxes and racks are range killers at highway speed. Remove them when you don’t need them so the i5’s slippery aerodynamics can do their job.
BMW i5 vs other luxury EVs on range
The 2024 BMW i5 doesn’t chase headline range numbers the way some rivals do, but it sits in a very competitive spot when you look at how far it actually travels per kWh of battery.
Efficiency and battery size
- BMW i5 eDrive40: ~81 kWh usable, realistic 280–320 miles in good conditions.
- BMW i5 M60: same pack, roughly 230–270 miles depending on wheels and driving.
- Lucid Air Pure: larger battery and class‑leading range, but a bigger, less traditional take on a sport sedan.
- Tesla Model S: longer official range thanks to a bigger pack, but efficiency is broadly comparable.
BMW chooses a battery size that balances weight, performance, and usable range rather than simply chasing the biggest pack in the segment.
Real‑world expectations
- The i5 consistently meets or beats its EPA ratings in independent testing.
- Where some luxury EVs crumble at steady 70–75 mph, the i5 generally hangs close to its mixed‑cycle numbers.
- For most U.S. drivers, either i5 variant offers enough real‑world range to replace a gas 5 Series without lifestyle drama.
If absolute maximum range matters more than BMW driving dynamics, there are options. But very few competitors blend comfort, handling, and honest range as well as the i5.
Used BMW i5: What range tests mean for shoppers
If you’re shopping a used 2024 BMW i5, real‑world range tests are more than just internet bragging rights. They set a baseline for what a healthy i5 should do, and how far off the mark a tired battery might be.
Battery health matters more than the original sticker
Questions to ask when buying a used BMW i5
1. What’s the current usable range?
Ask the seller, or test for yourself, how far the car goes from a near‑full charge to a comfortable low‑state‑of‑charge buffer in typical driving.
2. How was the car charged?
Frequent DC fast charging and constant 100% charges aren’t deal‑breakers, but a history of mostly home Level 2 charging is easier on the pack.
3. Any battery reports available?
Look for service records, software updates, or third‑party battery‑health scans that document remaining capacity compared with new.
4. What wheel and tire setup is included?
If you’re range‑sensitive, a used i5 with 19‑inch wheels and all‑season tires is a smarter buy than one locked into heavy 21‑inch wheels only.
5. Is there a range or battery warranty balance?
BMW offers battery warranties that can transfer to subsequent owners. Knowing how much coverage is left protects you from unpleasant surprises.
At Recharged, every used EV comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health and a clear view of real‑world range expectations. That kind of data turns vague claims, “it still goes all day”, into numbers you can actually plan around.
2024 BMW i5 range test: FAQ
Common questions about 2024 BMW i5 range tests
Bottom line: How far the 2024 BMW i5 really goes
When you strip away the marketing and focus on independent testing, the 2024 BMW i5 comes across as a genuinely honest EV. The i5 eDrive40 behaves like a true 300‑mile luxury sedan in the real world, and even the high‑power i5 M60 delivers more range than its conservative EPA rating suggests. Highway tests show it holding up well at 70 mph; mixed‑use tests show it comfortably beating the sticker numbers.
If you’re cross‑shopping new or used luxury EVs, that consistency matters. It means you can plan your commute or road trip around realistic legs, not best‑case scenarios you’ll never see again. And if you’re looking at a used BMW i5, pairing these 2024 range test benchmarks with a Recharged Score Report, including verified battery health and fair market pricing, gives you the kind of confidence that used‑car buying rarely offers. In short: the i5 doesn’t just test well in the lab; it delivers where it counts, on the road you actually drive.
