BMW i5 xDrive40: The Sensible Middle Ground in BMW's Electric 5-Series Lineup-News-SeeMyPhone-Search for smartphones and cell phones

The G60 generation BMW 5-Series has now been on sale for a few years, and we've previously evaluated the flagship M60 variants in both sedan and Touring body styles. This time around, we're moving down the range to assess what the more measured i5 xDrive40 has to offer, and whether sacrificing some of the M60's outright performance might actually be the wiser choice for most buyers.

Dimensions: 5,060 mm x 1,900 mm x 1,515 mm, 2,995 mm wheelbase.
Drivetrain tested: i5 xDrive40 - AWD 290 kW (394 hp), 590 Nm, 83.9 kWh total battery capacity, 81.2 kWh usable battery capacity
Other drivetrains: i5 eDrive40 – RWD 250 kW (340 hp), 430 Nm, 83.9 kWh total battery capacity, 81.2 kWh usable battery capacity, 582 km WLTP
Charging: 205 kW CCS; 10-80% in 30 min
Range: 538 km WLTP
Weight: 2,205 kg unladen, 2,705 kg gross
Other features: Launch control, Games, CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA updates.

Exterior

The i5's exterior design generated considerable debate when this generation was first introduced, but customers appear to be gradually embracing the look, with overall 5-Series sales holding relatively steady compared to the outgoing model. That said, the electric i5's adoption rate hasn't matched that of the combustion-powered variants. This has less to do with appearance and more with the car's capabilities and market positioning.

Visually, an i5 xDrive40 fitted with the M-Sport pack is nearly impossible to tell apart from the M60. At the front, the only distinguishing feature is the small "i" badge in the grille, which is replaced by an "M" on the range-topping model. The lighting signature, Iconic Glow grille and bumper design are otherwise identical.

The side profile is equally similar. Even the smaller 19-inch wheels fitted to our test car are offered across the wider lineup, so there's little here to indicate which variant you're looking at.

One detail that does catch the eye is the prominent "5" embossed into the C-pillar, ensuring no one confuses this for anything else in BMW's portfolio.

At the rear, the model designation can make the biggest difference. The trim badge is the simplest giveaway, but if the car is ordered without it, the diffuser becomes one of the few remaining clues separating the different variants.

Interior

One of our primary criticisms when evaluating the M60 models was the interior material quality. Several surfaces that occupants interact with daily felt far too inexpensive for a vehicle carrying the 5-Series badge. Fortunately, the early 2025 refresh rectified that issue remarkably well.

The most noticeable improvement is around the door panels, which now feel more substantial and utilize significantly better materials. The cabin still doesn't quite reach the standard set by some previous generations, but quality is no longer something potential buyers should be concerned about.

Material quality has improved substantially compared to the initial G60 models.

The steering wheel retains the older BMW design rather than the current Neue Klasse layout, which is a positive given the mixed reception of the new haptic feedback buttons and unconventional shape.

Conventional, non-polarizing steering wheel

Otherwise, the interior remains essentially unchanged from the M60 we've already reviewed in detail, so you can read our original impressions here.

The rear follows the traditional German executive sedan formula by offering plenty of amenities but less space than the exterior dimensions might suggest. Given how large the G60 has become, we anticipated more headroom and legroom. Our 1.95 m (6'4") reviewer still fits with some room to spare, but several smaller rivals manage to provide more generous accommodation.

Rear space is less generous than expected.

Separate climate controls, heated rear seats, tablet holders and USB-C ports improve the experience, although most of them are optional. No amount of equipment, however, can make the rear bench physically larger.

Some nice features find their way around back.

Storage & practicalities

Storage options are plentiful thanks to the i5's boxy trunk and several useful storage compartments, especially the large one underneath the main trunk floor. Total capacity stands at 490 l, which is 30 l less than the equivalent combustion powered 5-Series.

The shape itself makes good use of the available space, while the rear seats can be folded individually to accommodate longer or bulkier items when needed.

The trunk is about average for the segment.

The bigger disappointment is up front. BMW remains convinced that its customers do not need a frunk, so the i5 gets none, even though there quite obviously could have been. Instead, opening the hood reveals a huge plastic cover hiding the electronics underneath.

Driving experience

Moving up to the i5 xDrive40, we expected essentially the same driving experience as in the M60 with a bit less power. Surprisingly, the midrange model proved to be even better in most categories.

The xDrive40 weighs over 200 kg less than the M60 and the absence of a large panoramic sunroof brings the center of gravity even closer to the ground. This enables the less powerful version to handle better and tackle corners with greater precision. Of course, weighing over two tonnes is not light by any means, but approximately a 10% weight difference can certainly be felt and its absence - appreciated.

Even though the M60 features active roll stabilisation and minimizes body lean in the corners, the xDrive40 version manages to stay just as flat while cornering simply due to the lower weight. If there are any differences, they are so minimal that you would have to drive both back-to-back to notice them, which isn't relevant for the typical customer.

In characteristic BMW fashion, the steering is weighty and responsive for a luxury sedan. It is pleasant and light at lower speeds and firms up substantially as speed increases, particularly in Sport mode. You can always communicate with the car through the wheel, which is becoming a lost art in today's automotive landscape. We are grateful that BMW remains one of the few manufacturers to offer excellent feedback not only in its most extreme sportiest model but in its standard vehicles as well.

Even though the power difference is significant, the M60 doesn't feel much quicker in the real world. Only when put against each other does it become obvious, but for daily driving the xDrive40 is more than sufficient. Even at higher speeds, overtaking is easy and safe and you're never left starving for power.

A great gimmick that hardly makes any difference is the boost button to the left of the steering wheel. It opens up an exciting animation in the gauge cluster and main screen to show you the remaining boost time left, which enables a few more extra horsepower for a limited period. The difference it makes is highly insignificant but adds drama to the driving experience, which is a lovely attention to detail.

Fortunately, the test model we drove had its traffic sign recognition system broken, but otherwise, turning it off is as easy as pressing the SET button on the steering wheel for a few seconds and it turns off. Turning off the other assistants isn't as easy and requires pressing the center console button and selecting from the infotainment which aid you want on or off.

Ride comfort

Another benefit of the reduced weight is the subjectively smoother ride of the i5 xDrive40. Its slightly higher ride height and longer suspension travel give it a small comfort advantage over the M60, making the midrange version feel a little more relaxed over rougher surfaces.

Both of the cars we tested were equipped with the optional adaptive suspension, which brings their overall ride quality very close. The dampers noticeably stiffen or soften depending on the selected drive mode, giving the i5 a genuinely broader range between comfort and sportiness. The difference between the settings is substantial enough that we would strongly recommend opting for the adaptive suspension.

Tech features

Our xDrive40 test car was missing several optional functions, whereas the M60 we previously tested was equipped with virtually everything BMW offers. We also dived deep into the menus and settings and dissected everything available. This makes the earlier review a much better reference point for exploring the i5's complete technology package so we recommend checking it out here.

Cabin noise

The cabin of the new 5-Series is incredibly well-insulated, disconnecting its passengers from the ambient world. The cabin remains impressively quiet at virtually any speed. Compared with the M60, the difference is marginal. Our more powerful test car was fitted with winter tires, which introduced slightly more road noise at highway speeds, but otherwise both versions deliver similarly excellent refinement.

Cabin noise test results

60 km/h
90 km/h
130 km/h

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic

48.4 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance

48.7 dB

Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD

49.2 dB

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+

49.6 dB

BMW i5 M60

49.6 dB

BMW i5 xDrive40

49.8 dB

BMW i7 xDrive60

50 dB

BMW i5 M60 Touring

50 dB

Lucid Air Grand Touring

50 dB

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Summer tires 21")

50.2 dB

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology

50.7 dB

Renault Scenic E-Tech Long range

51 dB

Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD

51.2 dB

Lynk & Co 08

51.2 dB

Volvo EX90 Performance

51.3 dB

DS Nº8 AWD Long Range

51.4 dB

Peugeot e-3008 GT Electric

51.5 dB

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

51.7 dB

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

51.7 dB

Maserati Grecale Folgore

51.9 dB

Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast

51.9 dB

Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic

52 dB

Ford Puma Gen-E

52.1 dB

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

52.2 dB

Volkswagen ID.7 Pro

52.2 dB

Kia EV4 Long Range

52.3 dB

Hyundai Kona Electric 65.4kWh

52.5 dB

Jeep Compass FWD

52.5 dB

Volvo EX30 Performance

52.6 dB

Mini Countryman SE ALL4

52.6 dB

MG S5 EV Long Range

52.6 dB

Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG 43 4Matic

52.7 dB

Peugeot e-2008

52.8 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 5 77.4 kWh AWD

52.8 dB

Renault 5 E-Tech

53.1 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

53.3 dB

Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 4Matic

53.3 dB

Nissan Micra EV 52 kWh

53.5 dB

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Winter tires 20")

53.7 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 6 LR AWD

53.8 dB

Mini Cooper SE

53.8 dB

Fiat Grande Panda BEV

53.8 dB

Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD

53.8 dB

Lynk & Co 02

54.1 dB

Hyundai Inster Long Range

54.3 dB

Jeep Avenger

54.4 dB

BMW iX2 xDrive30

54.4 dB

Mini Aceman JCW E

54.5 dB

Tesla Model S 75D (2018, used)

54.6 dB

Citroen e-C3

54.6 dB

Polestar 2

54.8 dB

Tesla Model 3 LR

55.2 dB

Fiat 500e

55.5 dB

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce

55.8 dB

Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

56.2 dB

Tesla Model Y Long Range (2023)

56.5 dB

Ora Funky Cat

57 dB

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic

52.3 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance

53.2 dB

BMW i7 xDrive60

53.8 dB

Renault Scenic E-Tech Long range

53.9 dB

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+

54.5 dB

Volvo EX90 Performance

54.6 dB

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology

54.7 dB

Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD

55 dB

Maserati Grecale Folgore

55.2 dB

BMW i5 M60

55.3 dB

Lucid Air Grand Touring

55.4 dB

Volkswagen ID.7 Pro

55.6 dB

Ford Puma Gen-E

55.6 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 5 77.4 kWh AWD

55.8 dB

DS Nº8 AWD Long Range

55.8 dB

BMW i5 xDrive40

55.8 dB

Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG 43 4Matic

55.9 dB

Jeep Compass FWD

56.1 dB

BMW i5 M60 Touring

56.2 dB

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Summer tires 21")

56.2 dB

Nissan Micra EV 52 kWh

56.2 dB

Mini Aceman JCW E

56.3 dB

Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD

56.4 dB

Renault 5 E-Tech

56.4 dB

Tesla Model 3 LR

56.7 dB

Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast

56.8 dB

Kia EV4 Long Range

56.9 dB

Volvo EX30 Performance

57 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

57 dB

Lynk & Co 08

57 dB

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

57.3 dB

Peugeot e-3008 GT Electric

57.3 dB

Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic

57.3 dB

MG S5 EV Long Range

57.4 dB

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Winter tires 20")

57.5 dB

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

57.8 dB

Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 4Matic

57.8 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 6 LR AWD

57.9 dB

BMW iX2 xDrive30

57.9 dB

Fiat Grande Panda BEV

57.9 dB

Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD

58.1 dB

Peugeot e-2008

58.2 dB

Hyundai Kona Electric 65.4kWh

58.3 dB

Mini Countryman SE ALL4

58.3 dB

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

58.4 dB

Polestar 2

58.5 dB

Citroen e-C3

58.8 dB

Tesla Model S 75D (2018, used)

59.1 dB

Lynk & Co 02

59.4 dB

Hyundai Inster Long Range

59.8 dB

Ora Funky Cat

60.1 dB

Jeep Avenger

60.4 dB

Tesla Model Y Long Range (2023)

60.6 dB

Mini Cooper SE

60.9 dB

Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

61.4 dB

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce

61.5 dB

Fiat 500e

62.7 dB

BMW i7 xDrive60

58.7 dB

BMW i5 xDrive40

58.7 dB

Renault Scenic E-Tech Long range

59.2 dB

Maserati Grecale Folgore

59.3 dB

Lucid Air Grand Touring

59.3 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance

59.4 dB

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic

59.5 dB

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Summer tires 21")

59.6 dB

DS Nº8 AWD Long Range

59.7 dB

BMW i5 M60

59.9 dB

Volvo EX90 Performance

59.9 dB

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+

60.2 dB

Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG 43 4Matic

60.3 dB

Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic

60.3 dB

Volkswagen ID.7 Pro

60.4 dB

MG S5 EV Long Range

60.5 dB

Tesla Model 3 LR

60.7 dB

Jeep Compass FWD

60.7 dB

Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD

60.9 dB

BMW i5 M60 Touring

61.3 dB

Kia EV4 Long Range

61.3 dB

Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD

61.4 dB

Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD

61.6 dB

Peugeot e-2008

61.6 dB

Lynk & Co 08

61.6 dB

Renault 5 E-Tech

61.7 dB

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Winter tires 20")

61.7 dB

Volvo EX30 Performance

61.8 dB

BMW iX2 xDrive30

61.8 dB

Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 4Matic

61.8 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 5 77.4 kWh AWD

62 dB

Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast

62.3 dB

Nissan Micra EV 52 kWh

62.4 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

62.7 dB

Hyundai Ioniq 6 LR AWD

62.9 dB

Mini Countryman SE ALL4

62.9 dB

Ford Puma Gen-E

62.9 dB

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

63.3 dB

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

63.3 dB

Peugeot e-3008 GT Electric

63.4 dB

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology

63.7 dB

Mini Aceman JCW E

63.7 dB

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

63.8 dB

Tesla Model S 75D (2018, used)

64.2 dB

Hyundai Kona Electric 65.4kWh

64.2 dB

Fiat Grande Panda BEV

64.3 dB

Polestar 2

64.4 dB

Lynk & Co 02

64.4 dB

Citroen e-C3

64.4 dB

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce

64.9 dB

Mini Cooper SE

65.3 dB

Hyundai Inster Long Range

65.4 dB

Tesla Model Y Long Range (2023)

65.5 dB

Jeep Avenger

66.3 dB

Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

66.7 dB

Ora Funky Cat

67.5 dB

Fiat 500e

68.5 dB

Acceleration and braking

Despite being only a mid-range product in the i5's lineup, the xDrive40 version is plenty quick. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h well below 5 seconds, despite BMW claiming 5.4 seconds for the same discipline. Power is transferred smoothly to all four wheels in all conditions, never leaving its driver wanting for more power or grip.

0-100km/h acceleration test results

Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast

3.04 s

Lucid Air Grand Touring

3.29 s

Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD

3.34 s

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

3.36 s

Volvo EX30 Performance

3.5 s

BMW i5 M60

3.6 s

BMW i5 M60 Touring

3.8 s

Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG 43 4Matic

3.87 s

Volvo EX90 Performance

4.11 s

Maserati Grecale Folgore

4.12 s

BMW i7 xDrive60

4.2 s

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic

4.4 s

Tesla Model 3 LR

4.48 s

Polestar 2

4.5 s

Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic

4.53 s

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Summer tires 21")

4.56 s

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology

4.67 s

Tesla Model S 75D (2018, used)

4.7 s

BMW i5 xDrive40

4.81 s

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance

4.88 s

Hyundai Ioniq 5 77.4 kWh AWD

4.9 s

Hyundai Ioniq 6 LR AWD

5 s

Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD

5.02 s

Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 4Matic

5.05 s

Tesla Model Y Long Range (2023)

5.2 s

DS Nº8 AWD Long Range

5.27 s

BMW iX2 xDrive30

5.28 s

Mini Countryman SE ALL4

5.29 s

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

5.57 s

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+

5.9 s

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce

5.9 s

Lynk & Co 02

6.1 s

Mini Aceman JCW E

6.1 s

Mini Cooper SE

6.26 s

MG S5 EV Long Range

6.4 s

Volkswagen ID.7 Pro

6.5 s

Lynk & Co 08

7.02 s

Ora Funky Cat

7.2 s

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

7.34 s

Kia EV4 Long Range

7.37 s

Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

7.7 s

Renault 5 E-Tech

7.8 s

Ford Puma Gen-E

7.8 s

Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD

7.9 s

Hyundai Kona Electric 65.4kWh

7.9 s

Nissan Micra EV 52 kWh

7.92 s

Renault Scenic E-Tech Long range

8 s

Jeep Avenger

8.18 s

Jeep Compass FWD

8.32 s

Peugeot e-2008

8.5 s

Fiat 500e

8.75 s

Peugeot e-3008 GT Electric

8.89 s

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

9.2 s

Hyundai Inster Long Range

10.15 s

Fiat Grande Panda BEV

10.7 s

Citroen e-C3

10.8 s

A discipline at which our M60 review fell short was braking due to the poor road conditions and winter tires, but this time the xDrive40 managed to make up for those shortcomings. The braking distance from 100 km/h to a standstill was 36 m (118'11"), which is a wonderful result for a sedan with such dimensions.

Braking distance test results

Volkswagen ID.7 Pro

32 m

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

32 m

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce

32 m

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Summer tires 21")

32 m

Maserati Grecale Folgore

33 m

Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic

34 m

Citroen e-C3

34 m

DS Nº8 AWD Long Range

34 m

Hyundai Ioniq 6 LR AWD

35 m

Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD

35 m

Hyundai Ioniq 5 77.4 kWh AWD

35 m

Peugeot e-3008 GT Electric

35 m

Fiat Grande Panda BEV

35 m

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance

35 m

Mini Aceman JCW E

35 m

MG S5 EV Long Range

35 m

Jeep Avenger

36 m

BMW i7 xDrive60

36 m

Tesla Model S 75D (2018, used)

36 m

Peugeot e-2008

36 m

BMW iX2 xDrive30

36 m

Lucid Air Grand Touring

36 m

Renault 5 E-Tech

36 m

Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 4Matic

36 m

Nissan Micra EV 52 kWh

36 m

Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD

36 m

BMW i5 xDrive40

36 m

Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG 43 4Matic

37 m

Fiat 500e

37 m

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+

37 m

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

37 m

Tesla Model 3 LR

37 m

Ora Funky Cat

37 m

Mini Cooper SE

37 m

Hyundai Inster Long Range

37 m

Volvo EX90 Performance

37 m

Tesla Model Y Long Range (2023)

38 m

Volvo EX30 Performance

38 m

Lynk & Co 02

38 m

Renault Scenic E-Tech Long range

38 m

Kia EV4 Long Range

38 m

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

39 m

BMW i5 M60 Touring

39 m

Lynk & Co 08

39 m

Jeep Compass FWD

39 m

Polestar 2

40 m

Hyundai Kona Electric 65.4kWh

40 m

Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast

40 m

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology

40 m

Ford Puma Gen-E

40 m

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic

41 m

Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD

41 m

Mini Countryman SE ALL4

41 m

Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

42 m

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

42 m

BMW i5 M60

43 m

Consumption

We tested the M60 versions in considerably worse conditions, so their results should be taken with a pinch of salt. Even so, the i5 xDrive40 performs very well and ranks among the more efficient models in its segment. What ultimately holds it back is the relatively modest 81.2 kWh usable battery. Some rivals consume more energy yet still travel farther on a charge simply because they carry larger packs.

A bigger battery option would therefore make a huge difference. The xDrive40 already has the efficiency to compete with the best, and with more capacity it could become one of the strongest long distance choices in the segment. For our detailed opinion on the BMW i5 xDrive40's efficiency check out our dedicated range test article.

Range test results

60 km/h
90 km/h
130 km/h

DS Nº8 AWD Long Range

1056 km

9.2 kWh/100km 20°C

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Summer tires 21")

1025 km

10.6 kWh/100km 20°C

Lucid Air Grand Touring

1000 km

11.2 kWh/100km 13°C

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Winter tires 20")

898 km

12.1 kWh/100km 11°C

Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD

892 km

10.8 kWh/100km 24°C

Volvo EX90 Performance

891 km

11.9 kWh/100km 23°C

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+

876 km

12.3 kWh/100km 21°C

Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic

867 km

9.8 kWh/100km 12°C

BMW i7 xDrive60

833 km

12.2 kWh/100km 24°C

BMW i5 xDrive40

820 km

9.9 kWh/100km 23°C

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic

808 km

14.6 kWh/100km 16°C

Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 4Matic

802 km

10.6 kWh/100km 19°C

Tesla Model 3 LR

786 km

9.8 kWh/100km 32°C

Kia EV4 Long Range

747 km

10.9 kWh/100km 8°C

MG S5 EV Long Range

739 km

8.4 kWh/100km 26°C

Maserati Grecale Folgore

736 km

12.9 kWh/100km 31°C

Tesla Model Y Long Range (2023)

728 km

10.3 kWh/100km 38°C

Hyundai Ioniq 6 LR AWD

708 km

10.6 kWh/100km 24°C

Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD

706 km

13.6 kWh/100km 11°C

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance

704 km

15.1 kWh/100km 14°C

Volkswagen ID.7 Pro

700 km

11 kWh/100km 17°C

Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast

691 km

17.7 kWh/100km 21°C

Jeep Compass FWD

676 km

10.9 kWh/100km 7°C

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

675 km

11.4 kWh/100km 17°C

Renault Scenic E-Tech Long range

669 km

13 kWh/100km 6°C

Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD

659 km

13.2 kWh/100km 11°C

Nissan Micra EV 52 kWh

658 km

7.9 kWh/100km 24°C

BMW i5 M60 Touring

655 km

12.4 kWh/100km 14°C

BMW iX2 xDrive30

642 km

10.1 kWh/100km 20°C

Tesla Model S 75D (2018, used)

633 km

10.5 kWh/100km 23°C

Peugeot e-3008 GT Electric

617 km

11.5 kWh/100km 8°C

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

616 km

12.5 kWh/100km 20°C

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

610 km

13.1 kWh/100km 28°C

Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

609 km

10.5 kWh/100km 11°C

Renault 5 E-Tech

591 km

8.8 kWh/100km 19°C

Hyundai Ioniq 5 77.4 kWh AWD

581 km

12.9 kWh/100km 23°C

Polestar 2

570 km

12.8 kWh/100km 15°C

BMW i5 M60

568 km

14.3 kWh/100km 3°C

Hyundai Kona Electric 65.4kWh

564 km

11.6 kWh/100km 11°C

Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG 43 4Matic

552 km

16.4 kWh/100km 25°C

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

540 km

10.2 kWh/100km 30°C

Mini Cooper SE

540 km

9.1 kWh/100km 18°C

Mini Countryman SE ALL4

538 km

12 kWh/100km 15°C

Lynk & Co 02

528 km

12.5 kWh/100km 11°C

Peugeot e-2008

524 km

9.7 kWh/100km 17°C

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology

521 km

22.3 kWh/100km 4°C

Jeep Avenger

520 km

9.8 kWh/100km 26°C

Volvo EX30 Performance

485 km

13.2 kWh/100km 18°C

Ford Puma Gen-E

478 km

9 kWh/100km 6°C

Mini Aceman JCW E

473 km

10.4 kWh/100km 21°C

Hyundai Inster Long Range

469 km

9.8 kWh/100km 27°C

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce

449 km

11.3 kWh/100km 14°C

Fiat 500e

444 km

8.4 kWh/100km 20°C

Lynk & Co 08

347 km

11.4 kWh/100km 7°C

Lucid Air Grand Touring

752 km

14.9 kWh/100km 13°C

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Summer tires 21")

750 km

14.5 kWh/100km 20°C

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+

733 km

14.7 kWh/100km 21°C

Volvo EX90 Performance

697 km

15.2 kWh/100km 23°C

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Winter tires 20")

669 km

16.3 kWh/100km 11°C

Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic

664 km

12.8 kWh/100km 12°C

BMW i7 xDrive60

643 km

15.8 kWh/100km 24°C

DS Nº8 AWD Long Range

631 km

15.4 kWh/100km 20°C

Tesla Model 3 LR

597 km

12.9 kWh/100km 32°C

Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD

584 km

16.5 kWh/100km 24°C

Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 4Matic

582 km

14.6 kWh/100km 19°C

BMW i5 xDrive40

580 km

14 kWh/100km 23°C

Hyundai Ioniq 6 LR AWD

564 km

13.3 kWh/100km 24°C

Maserati Grecale Folgore

559 km

17 kWh/100km 31°C

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic

554 km

21.3 kWh/100km 16°C

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance

551 km

19.3 kWh/100km 14°C

Renault Scenic E-Tech Long range

547 km

15.9 kWh/100km 6°C

Volkswagen ID.7 Pro

538 km

14.3 kWh/100km 17°C

Tesla Model Y Long Range (2023)

528 km

14.2 kWh/100km 38°C

Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast

527 km

23.3 kWh/100km 21°C

BMW i5 M60 Touring

520 km

15.6 kWh/100km 14°C

Kia EV4 Long Range

515 km

15.8 kWh/100km 8°C

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

507 km

15.2 kWh/100km 17°C

Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD

495 km

21.4 kWh/100km 11°C

BMW iX2 xDrive30

484 km

13.4 kWh/100km 20°C

Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

481 km

13.3 kWh/100km 11°C

Hyundai Ioniq 5 77.4 kWh AWD

481 km

15.6 kWh/100km 23°C

Peugeot e-3008 GT Electric

477 km

14.9 kWh/100km 8°C

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

472 km

16.3 kWh/100km 20°C

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

468 km

17.1 kWh/100km 28°C

BMW i5 M60

461 km

17.6 kWh/100km 3°C

Hyundai Kona Electric 65.4kWh

461 km

14.2 kWh/100km 11°C

Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD

460 km

18.9 kWh/100km 11°C

Nissan Micra EV 52 kWh

448 km

11.6 kWh/100km 24°C

Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG 43 4Matic

442 km

20.5 kWh/100km 25°C

MG S5 EV Long Range

437 km

14.2 kWh/100km 26°C

Jeep Compass FWD

434 km

17 kWh/100km 7°C

Tesla Model S 75D (2018, used)

426 km

15.6 kWh/100km 23°C

Renault 5 E-Tech

413 km

12.6 kWh/100km 19°C

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

411 km

14.6 kWh/100km 30°C

Mini Countryman SE ALL4

409 km

15.8 kWh/100km 15°C

Lynk & Co 02

400 km

16.5 kWh/100km 11°C

Polestar 2

388 km

18.8 kWh/100km 15°C

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology

385 km

30.1 kWh/100km 4°C

Mini Cooper SE

381 km

12.9 kWh/100km 18°C

Volvo EX30 Performance

368 km

17.4 kWh/100km 18°C

Hyundai Inster Long Range

368 km

12.5 kWh/100km 27°C

Mini Aceman JCW E

351 km

14 kWh/100km 21°C

Jeep Avenger

349 km

14.6 kWh/100km 26°C

Peugeot e-2008

348 km

14.6 kWh/100km 17°C

Ford Puma Gen-E

344 km

12.5 kWh/100km 6°C

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce

315 km

16.1 kWh/100km 14°C

Fiat 500e

291 km

12.8 kWh/100km 20°C

Lynk & Co 08

219 km

18.1 kWh/100km 7°C

Lucid Air Grand Touring

536 km

20.9 kWh/100km 13°C

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+

521 km

20.7 kWh/100km 21°C

BMW i7 xDrive60

506 km

20.1 kWh/100km 24°C

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Summer tires 21")

490 km

22.2 kWh/100km 20°C

Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic

467 km

18.2 kWh/100km 12°C

BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Winter tires 20")

459 km

23.7 kWh/100km 11°C

Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast

442 km

28.8 kWh/100km 21°C

DS Nº8 AWD Long Range

442 km

22 kWh/100km 20°C

Volvo EX90 Performance

424 km

25 kWh/100km 23°C

Tesla Model 3 LR

423 km

18.2 kWh/100km 32°C

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic

408 km

28.9 kWh/100km 16°C

Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD

403 km

23.9 kWh/100km 24°C

BMW i5 xDrive40

396 km

20.5 kWh/100km 23°C

Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 4Matic

388 km

21.9 kWh/100km 19°C

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance

382 km

27.8 kWh/100km 14°C

Maserati Grecale Folgore

378 km

25.1 kWh/100km 31°C

Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG 43 4Matic

371 km

25.4 kWh/100km 25°C

Renault Scenic E-Tech Long range

365 km

22.8 kWh/100km 6°C

Volkswagen ID.7 Pro

363 km

21.2 kWh/100km 17°C

Kia EV4 Long Range

346 km

23.5 kWh/100km 8°C

BMW i5 M60 Touring

343 km

23.7 kWh/100km 14°C

Tesla Model S 75D (2018, used)

341 km

19.5 kWh/100km 23°C

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

338 km

22.8 kWh/100km 17°C

Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD

337 km

25.8 kWh/100km 11°C

Hyundai Ioniq 6 LR AWD

336 km

22.3 kWh/100km 24°C

Tesla Model Y Long Range (2023)

334 km

22.4 kWh/100km 38°C

BMW i5 M60

329 km

24.7 kWh/100km 3°C

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

329 km

24.3 kWh/100km 28°C

Hyundai Ioniq 5 77.4 kWh AWD

321 km

23.1 kWh/100km 23°C

Peugeot e-3008 GT Electric

314 km

22.6 kWh/100km 8°C

BMW iX2 xDrive30

304 km

21.3 kWh/100km 20°C

Polestar 2

300 km

24.3 kWh/100km 15°C

MG S5 EV Long Range

293 km

21.2 kWh/100km 26°C

Mini Countryman SE ALL4

290 km

22.3 kWh/100km 15°C

Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD

289 km

33.2 kWh/100km 11°C

Jeep Compass FWD

286 km

25.8 kWh/100km 7°C

Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

282 km

22.7 kWh/100km 11°C

Lynk & Co 02

274 km

24.1 kWh/100km 11°C

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60

273 km

22 kWh/100km 30°C

Nissan Micra EV 52 kWh

272 km

19.1 kWh/100km 24°C

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

262 km

29.4 kWh/100km 20°C

Hyundai Kona Electric 65.4kWh

261 km

25.1 kWh/100km 11°C

Mini Cooper SE

252 km

19.5 kWh/100km 18°C

Volvo EX30 Performance

251 km

23.5 kWh/100km 18°C

Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology

247 km

47 kWh/100km 4°C

Renault 5 E-Tech

241 km

21.6 kWh/100km 19°C

Mini Aceman JCW E

235 km

20.9 kWh/100km 21°C

Peugeot e-2008

231 km

22 kWh/100km 17°C

Jeep Avenger

229 km

22.3 kWh/100km 26°C

Hyundai Inster Long Range

224 km

20.5 kWh/100km 27°C

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce

207 km

24.5 kWh/100km 14°C

Ford Puma Gen-E

195 km

22 kWh/100km 6°C

Fiat 500e

191 km

19.5 kWh/100km 20°C

Lynk & Co 08

154 km

25.7 kWh/100km 7°C

We now suggest you use the widget below to find out the BMW i5 xDrive40's range in every combination of speed and temperature you might need. We've used our real world tests and a complex model to provide an estimate that should be as close to the actual performance as possible.

Charging speed

Compared with rivals using 800V architectures and much faster charging curves, the i5 feels noticeably behind the times. Its peak charging rate of 205 kW does not last particularly long, and a 10 to 80% refill takes exactly 30 minutes. That is hardly disastrous, but it is no longer competitive with many modern EVs, especially at this price point.

The absence of V2L and V2H functionality is another disappointment. Neither is available even as an option, putting the i5 further behind some of its newer competitors. Despite being less than three years old, the i5 already feels considerably older when it comes to battery and charging technology. We are therefore particularly curious to see whether some of BMW's Neue Klasse technology makes its way into the upcoming facelift.

Competition

A lot of things have changed in the industry since we last reviewed the i5, therefore we're putting it against different and newer rivals this time. The i5 still shines in the segment with its handling, amazing built quality and modern infotainment. Where the i5 falls short is the rear seating space, charging times and polarizing looks.

The first rival we chose for the i5 is the Audi A6 Sportback. Both German models carry historical provenance in the luxury sedan segment and have always been used as a benchmark by rivals. The Audi is generally more modern and utilizes a bigger battery, resulting in longer range. Charging is also significantly quicker.

The outlier in the segment is the Zeekr 7GT. Although not a traditional sedan, it targets the same buyer profile. The only things the Zeekr severely lacks is brand recognition and infotainment usability, whereas in terms of practicality, space, technology, price and performance, the German competition has a lot to learn.

Audi A6 Sportback e-tron quattro 2024 - • Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD 2025 -

Verdict

BMW has decades of experience building executive sedans and, despite the market's shift toward SUVs, the 5-Series remains one of the benchmarks of the segment. The G60 may be more controversial than many of its predecessors, but beneath the polarizing design it still preserves much of what made the model so successful in the first place.

Within the electric range, the i5 xDrive40 is arguably the smartest choice. It brings the security of AWD at a far more reasonable price than the M60, while sacrificing very little range compared with the rear wheel drive eDrive40. It is the version for buyers who want a bit of everything without paying heavily to excel in one specific category. Balance is its greatest strength!

Our previous biggest complaint, the interior material quality, has thankfully been addressed. That now leaves the battery technology as the i5's main weakness. The 81.2 kWh pack is relatively small, charging speeds are merely average and several newer rivals can travel farther while spending less time plugged in. The i5 xDrive40 gets almost everything right. It just deserves a battery that is equally modern.