The midsize i5 sedan retains the approach BMW uses for its newest battery electric models.
When it comes to numbers, five seems to be a fortunate one for BMW. The 507 is as great an icon for BMW as the SL Gullwing is for Mercedes-Benz.
And sure, the 3 Series has been the cornerstone of the company from its beginnings, but the bigger 5 Series, arriving in 1972, is what gave BMW its enduring notoriety and respect.
Joining the battery-electric i4 compact hatchback and the sizable yet exquisite i7 full-size sedan, the midsize i5 sedan retains the approach BMW uses for its newest battery electric models. Unlike the regrettable i3, the i5 doesn’t look like the result of a drunken night in the design studio. It resembles its gas-powered counterpart, although it sports some minor styling differences.
Its grille isn’t nearly as ugly as some of BMW’s EV grilles, as it pays pay homage to earlier models, albeit updated for the 21st century. In fact, it looks a lot like any other 5 Series. This differs from Mercedes-Benz and its battery-electric EQ sedans, which wear a shape that looks much like a four-wheel suppository — particularly in white. This is not true for BMW.
The lineup starts at a base price of $67,100 for the rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40.
TWO MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM
The lineup starts at a base price of $67,100 for the rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40. It produces 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is good for a 5.7-second 0-to-60 mph run on its way to a 120-mph top speed. Range is 295 miles with 19-inch wheels, 270 miles with 21-inch wheels according to the EPA.
Then there is the $84,100 base-price all-wheel-drive i5 M60 xDrive. It generates 586 lb-ft of torque and 593 hp. It only takes 3.7 seconds to reach 60 mph on its way to a top speed of 130 mph. The EPA range is 240 miles with 21-inch wheels and 256 miles with 19-inch wheels.
When it’s time to recharge, the 2025 BMW i5 can reload from 10-to-80% in 30 minutes using a Level 3 DC fast charger. The automaker includes an 11-kW Level 2 charger for plugging in at-home.
ON THE ROAD
At 199 inches long and 75 inches wide, the i5 is the perfect size, being neither too big or too small.
Having spent a week with the i5 eDrive40, it proved to be a truly gracious sedan, providing an ideal balance between athleticism and comfort.
Acceleration is strong, and the instant availability of torque lends it a snappy feel off-the-line that gives the impression of it being faster than it is. Steering is perfectly weighted and the cabin remains blissfully quiet, except for some road tire noise on rough pavement.
Better yet, at 199 inches long and 75 inches wide, the i5 is the perfect size, being neither too big or too small. There’s plenty of space for four — five if they’re friendly. The trunk is surprisingly roomy. But don’t look for a spare tire — it doesn’t have one.
THE INSIDE STORY
The 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen proves fairly easy to use, and adheres to BMW’s overall design philosophy.
Cabin ambience is modern and sleek, with the instrument panel and door trim accented in ambient lighting. But the lighting is configured to match the theme of the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, so there’s less choice than in other models.
But the 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen proves fairly easy to use. A head-up display, which projects key information like speed onto the windshield, is optional. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard.
It makes for a sophisticated hi-tech ambience, one that matches the i5’s battery-electric driveline. And its price isn’t all that high for a luxo boat, with our well-equipped test vehicle topping out for slightly less than $79,000.
The 2025 BMW i5 is a genuinely modern premium sports car with exquisite agility, continuing to be a genuine driver’s car. It’s what has distinguished BMWs for decades. And even in this day of electrification, that hasn’t changed.
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