Mid-size Electric Luxury Sedan · Germany (Dingolfing) · 2024-present

BMW i5

5 Series sedan's BEV variant. CLAR platform. eDrive40 (335 hp) or M60 (590 hp). Sister to ICE 5 Series. Built in Dingolfing.

Verdict
A
Years
2024-present
Generations
1
Segment
Mid-size Electric Luxury Sedan

The i5 is the all-electric variant of the BMW 5 Series sedan, launched 2024 model year alongside the redesigned 8th-generation 5 Series. Critically, BMW chose to keep the 5 Series and i5 on the same CLAR platform — meaning i5 and ICE 5 Series share the same body, chassis, and most of the cabin architecture, with electric powertrain integrated into the architecture rather than a dedicated EV platform. Built at BMW Dingolfing, Germany alongside ICE 5 Series. Two trims: i5 eDrive40 (single rear motor RWD, 335 hp / 295 lb-ft, ~295 mi EPA range, 5.7 sec 0-60), and i5 M60 xDrive (dual-motor AWD, 590 hp / 605 lb-ft combined, ~256 mi range, 3.7 sec 0-60 — the M Performance variant). 84.3 kWh battery (81.2 kWh usable). DC fast-charging up to 205 kW. Cabin shared with ICE 5 Series: BMW Curved Display (12.3-inch driver + 14.9-inch central touchscreen in unified curved panel), iDrive 8.5 with newest BMW infotainment generation, optional Harman Kardon premium audio or upgraded Bowers & Wilkins 18-speaker Diamond Surround Sound. Standard BMW Operating System 8.5 with full app suite. Driving Assistance Professional with hands-free highway driving available. The i5 has been well-received at launch — reviewers praise the M60 xDrive's 590 hp performance and the i5's overall behavior matching the ICE 5 Series quality. Pricing $68k-$92k.


Known issues by generation

Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.

2024-present · First Generation (2024-present)
  • iDrive 8.5 software bugs (early build)
  • 12V battery drain
  • DC fast-charge session reliability variable

Rivals

Mercedes-Benz EQE · Audi e-tron GT · Tesla Model S · Lucid Air