BMW i5 First Generation (2024-present)

Single generation since 2024 — G60 generation of the 5 Series in BEV form, alongside the 8th-generation ICE 5 Series. BMW kept both variants on the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform — same body, same chassis, same cabin — with the electric powertrain integrated into the architecture rather than a purpose-built EV platform. Built at BMW Dingolfing, Germany alongside ICE 5 Series and 7 Series. Two trims: i5 eDrive40 (single rear motor, 335 hp / 295 lb-ft, RWD, ~295 mi EPA range, 5.7 sec 0-60), and i5 M60 xDrive (dual-motor AWD, 590 hp / 605 lb-ft combined, ~256 mi EPA range, 3.7 sec 0-60 — the M Performance variant, slightly slower than M5 V8 hybrid but comparable). 84.3 kWh battery (81.2 kWh usable, 5th-gen BMW battery technology). DC fast-charging peak 205 kW, 11 kW AC standard / 22 kW AC optional. Cabin shared with ICE 5 Series — same dashboard architecture, same controls, same materials options. BMW Curved Display (12.3-inch driver + 14.9-inch central touchscreen in unified curved panel) standard. BMW iDrive 8.5 with QuickSelect — newest generation with revised UX (some controversial removal of physical buttons). Harman Kardon premium audio standard, optional Bowers & Wilkins 18-speaker Diamond Surround Sound. AR navigation with on-camera overlay (drive forward and arrows appear on real-world video). Driving Assistance Professional with hands-free highway driving at speeds up to 85 mph in select corridors. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise, lane keep, blind spot, rear cross traffic, parking assist, surround-view camera. Optional Active Front Sport seats with massage. Pricing $68k starting eDrive40 / $86k starting M60 xDrive, easily into 90s with options. The i5's positioning is unique: BMW deliberately offered both ICE and BEV 5 Series in the same generation (rather than separating them as Mercedes does with E-Class vs EQE), which helps BMW's traditional buyer adopt EV without unfamiliarity. Sales since launch have been strong.