The 2024 BMW i5 is BMW’s first fully electric 5 Series, and it lands right in the heart of the luxury EV sedan market. If you’re cross-shopping a Tesla Model S, Mercedes-Benz EQE, or Genesis Electrified G80, the 2024 BMW i5 review you’re reading now will help you understand how it really performs on range, charging, comfort, and long‑term value, especially if you’re considering one as a used EV in a few years.
Two main flavors: eDrive40 and M60
2024 BMW i5 overview
Think of the i5 as a 5 Series that just happens to be electric. It rides on the same basic platform as the gasoline 5 Series, not a bespoke EV skateboard, but BMW has packaged the 84.3 kWh usable battery neatly in the floor. The result is a sedan that feels familiar to 5 Series owners yet competitive with dedicated EVs on range and refinement.
2024 BMW i5 fast facts
Shopping tip
Powertrains, performance, and driving feel
i5 eDrive40: Quiet, quick, and composed
The i5 eDrive40 uses a single rear‑mounted motor and rear‑wheel drive. Output varies slightly by drive mode, but peak figures are around 335 hp and 295 lb‑ft of torque. BMW quotes a 0–60 mph time in the mid‑5‑second range, plenty quick for a midsize luxury sedan.
- Classic BMW rear‑drive balance
- Smooth, progressive acceleration
- Optional adaptive suspension keeps body motions in check
i5 M60 xDrive: The electric M‑car substitute
The i5 M60 xDrive adds a front motor for all‑wheel drive and nearly supercar thrust. In Sport mode with launch control, you’re looking at roughly 593 hp and up to 605 lb‑ft of torque. Independent testing has shown 0–60 mph in the low‑to‑mid‑3‑second range.
- Standard dual‑motor all‑wheel drive
- Lower ride height and stiffer tune than eDrive40
- Instant passing power at any speed
Driving character
- In Comfort mode, the i5 is relaxed, quiet, and easy to live with.
- Sport mode sharpens throttle, steering, and damping without turning the ride harsh (on sensible wheel sizes).
- Rear‑wheel steering (optional) makes parking‑lot maneuvers easier and adds stability on the highway.
Wheel and tire warning
Range, battery, and charging experience
Both i5 models use an 84.3 kWh usable lithium‑ion battery with a 400‑volt architecture. BMW has focused on efficiency rather than chasing headline‑grabbing capacity numbers, and it pays off in competitive real‑world range for the size and performance.
2024 BMW i5 EPA range by model
Approximate EPA-estimated ranges for the 2024 i5 lineup. Actual range will vary with wheels, weather, and driving style.
| Model | Drivetrain | EPA range (mi) | Best use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| i5 eDrive40 | RWD | Up to ~295 | Daily commuting, long‑distance highway touring |
| i5 M60 xDrive | AWD | Up to ~256 (as low as 240 on 21" wheels) | High‑performance driving with reasonable range |
Expect a 10–20 mile swing in real‑world range based on conditions.
Battery chemistry and longevity
Charging the 2024 BMW i5
How the i5 fits into a typical U.S. EV charging routine
Level 2 home charging
The i5 supports up to 11 kW AC on a Level 2 charger. From near empty to full, expect roughly 8–10 hours, or an overnight session in a typical home garage.
You’ll recover 25–35 miles of range per hour depending on conditions.
DC fast charging
On a capable DC fast charger, the i5 can accept up to about 200 kW. BMW quotes 10–80% in roughly 30 minutes in ideal conditions, competitive, if not class‑leading.
That’s enough time for a restroom break and a snack on a road trip.
Public charging networks
BMW includes complimentary 30‑minute DC fast‑charging sessions for the first years of ownership at Electrify America stations. That can meaningfully reduce running costs if you road‑trip often.
For homebodies, most charging will still happen in your driveway.
Real‑world charging strategy
Interior, tech, and comfort
Inside, the 2024 BMW i5 feels every bit like a modern 5 Series. You get a clean, horizontal dash design with BMW’s Curved Display: a 12.3‑inch digital cluster and 14.9‑inch central touchscreen housed under one glass panel. Materials are generally excellent, with soft‑touch plastics, real metal accents, and a choice of traditional or more sustainable trims.
- Supportive front seats with long‑distance comfort and available massage functions
- Plenty of rear legroom for adults; headroom is good unless you’re very tall and choose the panoramic roof
- Useful 5‑Series trunk with split‑folding rear seats, though there’s no meaningful front trunk (frunk)
Infotainment and software
Noise and ride comfort
Bowing to its luxury mission, the i5 is exceptionally quiet. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, and the electric powertrain fades into the background. On standard wheels and the comfort‑oriented suspension tune, it’s an excellent highway cruiser.
Quirks and learning curve
The combination of touch, voice, and haptic controls can feel overwhelming at first. Plan on a few days of familiarization. Once you’ve built custom shortcuts and profiles, day‑to‑day use becomes far more intuitive.
Pricing, trims, and key specs
In the U.S., the 2024 BMW i5 lineup starts in the upper‑$60,000s and climbs into the mid‑$80,000s before options. That puts it squarely in premium EV territory but often undercuts a similarly equipped Tesla Model S while offering a richer interior and more traditional luxury feel.
2024 BMW i5 U.S. pricing and core specs
Approximate base MSRPs and headline specs for the 2024 i5 lineup. Always confirm current pricing with a dealer.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Approx. base MSRP | Power (hp) | 0–60 mph (est.) | EPA range (mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i5 eDrive40 | RWD | ≈$67,000 | Up to ~335 | ≈5.5 sec | Up to ~295 |
| i5 M60 xDrive | AWD | ≈$85,000 | Up to ~593 | ≈3.5–3.7 sec | Up to ~256 |
MSRPs exclude destination and options; many i5s on the market will be option‑heavy.
Options add up fast
Safety, driver assistance, and ratings
The i5 benefits from the same underlying safety engineering as the latest 5 Series. Standard equipment includes forward‑collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane‑keeping assistance, blind‑spot monitoring, and rear cross‑traffic alert. Higher trims and packages can add adaptive cruise with lane‑centering and more advanced hands‑on driving aids.
Crash test performance
- Standard suite of collision‑avoidance features on every i5
- Available highway assist systems that reduce fatigue on long drives
- Strong structural safety and a low center of gravity thanks to the floor‑mounted battery
BMW i5 vs. rivals
How the 2024 BMW i5 stacks up
A quick look at its closest electric luxury sedan competitors
Tesla Model S
- Pros: Longer range in some trims, denser DC fast‑charging network, strong performance.
- Cons: Sparse interior, variable build quality, higher prices when comparably equipped.
- Takeaway: Better if range is everything; the i5 wins on refinement and familiarity.
Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan
- Pros: Plush, quiet ride; distinctive styling; competitive range.
- Cons: Heavier feel, more polarizing infotainment, trunk practicality trails the BMW.
- Takeaway: The EQE leans softer and more futuristic; the i5 feels sportier and more traditional.
Genesis Electrified G80
- Pros: Beautiful interior, strong value, impressive refinement.
- Cons: Limited availability, no dedicated EV platform, smaller dealer footprint.
- Takeaway: A compelling alternative if you can find one, but the i5 offers broader availability and brand familiarity.
Where the i5 really shines
Ownership costs and used BMW i5 outlook
Up front, the i5 is an expensive car. But ongoing costs can be significantly lower than its gasoline 5 Series counterparts, especially if you charge mostly at home on off‑peak electricity. There’s no oil to change, no exhaust system, and fewer wear items than a comparable internal‑combustion car.
Key ownership cost factors for the BMW i5
Electricity vs. fuel
If you can charge at home, your "fuel" bill will almost certainly undercut a gasoline 5 Series driven the same miles, especially in regions with time‑of‑use electric rates.
Maintenance and repairs
EVs have fewer moving parts. You’ll still pay for tires, brakes, suspension, and cabin filters, but high‑cost engine repairs simply don’t exist. BMW’s scheduled maintenance plans can help, but shop around on labor rates once the car is out of warranty.
Depreciation
Luxury EV sedans have depreciated faster than their gasoline siblings so far. That’s painful for first owners but creates opportunity for used‑EV shoppers, exactly where a car like the i5 starts to look very attractive.
Battery health
Battery health will be the big question on higher‑mileage used i5s. Look for cars with documented charging habits, software updates, and, ideally, a third‑party battery health report.
How Recharged can help with a used i5
Who the 2024 BMW i5 is (and isn’t) for
Great fit if you:
- Want a midsize luxury sedan that feels like a 5 Series first and an EV second.
- Do most of your driving within 150–200 miles of home and can install Level 2 charging.
- Value interior quality, quietness, and driving refinement over maximum range.
- Are stepping out of a BMW 3 or 5 Series and want a familiar transition to electric.
Look elsewhere if you:
- Regularly drive 300+ miles between charges and want the absolute longest range available.
- Prefer a hatchback layout (consider a Model S or Mercedes EQE SUV instead).
- Don’t have reliable home or workplace charging and rely heavily on public DC fast chargers.
- Are on a tighter budget, an efficient used EV may make more sense.
2024 BMW i5 FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the 2024 BMW i5
Bottom line: Is the 2024 BMW i5 a good buy?
The 2024 BMW i5 doesn’t try to reinvent the luxury EV sedan. Instead, it takes a proven 5 Series formula, balanced chassis, comfortable cabin, confident performance, and electrifies it. Range is competitive, charging is quick enough for real road‑trip duty, and the driving experience is exactly what long‑time BMW owners expect: composed, confident, and quietly engaging.
If you’re shopping new, the i5 eDrive40 is the sweet‑spot choice for most drivers, while the i5 M60 xDrive makes sense if you truly value its extra performance. If you’re patient, the real value story may emerge in the used market, where faster depreciation can translate into a lot of car for the money. When that time comes, Recharged’s battery‑health diagnostics, transparent pricing, and EV‑specialist support will make it easier to know whether a particular i5 is right for how, and where, you drive.
