BMW’s 5 Series luxury sedan has been a staple for decades, and the 2025 generation introduces an all-electric variant, the i5. This latest model delivers a driving experience similar to its gasoline-powered counterpart, offering both comfort and BMW’s renowned athleticism—minus the engine noise. While not quite the electric equivalent of the M5 super sedan, the dual-motor M60 xDrive model impresses with 593 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds. The other trims—the 335-hp eDrive40 and the 389-hp xDrive40—offer more range, with the rear-drive eDrive40 providing up to 295 miles per charge.
Inside, the i5 features a striking digital dashboard with reconfigurable gauges and BMW’s iDrive 8.5 infotainment system. Competing in a growing market of luxury electric sedans, the i5 stands alongside the Genesis Electrified G80, the tech-savvy Mercedes-Benz EQE, and the performance-focused Porsche Taycan. Like its competitors, the i5 combines eco-friendliness with luxury, though it lacks a performance trim to match the gas-powered M5.
The 2025 BMW i5 is a standout midsize luxury sedan featuring all-electric drivetrains and a top range of 295 miles. Starting at $68,275, it positions itself prominently in the expanding luxury electric vehicle market.
Echoing the qualities of the gasoline-powered 5 Series, the i5 offers a compelling mix of cutting-edge technology, sumptuous comfort, prestige, and engaging driving dynamics—hallmarks of the BMW brand. Both the current generation of the 5 Series and the i5 debuted last year.
New for this year is the i5 xDrive40, which bridges the gap between the initial i5 models. With nearly 400 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), it enhances the lineup’s appeal.
The 2025 BMW i5 starts at $68,275, with the high-end i5 M60 priced from $85,275.
While BMW vehicles often come with a higher price tag compared to competitors, the i5 is competitively priced. For comparison, the Genesis Electrified G80, Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan, and Tesla Model S all start in the mid-$70K range or slightly higher. The Lucid Air begins around $80K, while the Porsche Taycan starts at over $90K.
The i5 eDrive40 features a single rear-wheel electric motor delivering 335 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. New for 2025, the i5 xDrive40 adds a front electric motor, boosting total output to 389 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque, and reducing the 0 to 60 mph time to 5.2 seconds. For comparison, the Genesis Electrified G80 offers 365 horsepower and achieves 60 mph in approximately 4.1 seconds. At the top of the i5 lineup, the M60 boasts two electric motors, all-wheel drive, and an impressive 590 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.
The M60 comes standard with an adaptive suspension (optional on other trims), providing a wider range of comfort and sport settings. The i5 retains the iconic BMW 50:50 weight distribution for a balanced driving experience, though it may ride firmer than some competitors, such as those from Mercedes-Benz.
The i5 is smooth, quiet, and fast, featuring smart technology that helps the driver maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, even without adaptive cruise control. The cabin offers a high level of comfort, including a cooling system that activates automatically and voice commands for functions like seat massaging. While steering-wheel paddles for brake regeneration are absent, a Boost paddle adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
The i5’s interior features Veganza, a vegan-friendly simulated leather, with real leather available as an option. Traditional air vents are replaced with sleek seam vents running across the dashboard, contributing to the cabin’s high-quality, understated design. It includes BMW’s signature features like glass controls, a Sky Lounge panoramic roof, and powered rear window shades.
The front seats offer excellent comfort with cushioned elbow rests, and rear passenger space is ample for an average-sized adult. The trunk provides 17.3 cubic feet of space—slightly less than the 18.4 cubic feet in the gasoline-powered 5 Series due to the battery—but remains generous, with a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat configuration.
BMW’s design language is distinctive and may be an acquired taste, but the i5 maintains a look that aligns with the evolutionary style of previous 5 Series models. With 13 paint options, including special Frozen finishes, and an optional illuminated grille, the i5 blends BMW’s adventurous design spirit with a more conventional appearance.
The i5 eDrive40 offers a maximum range of 295 miles, which is impressive but not groundbreaking. The i5 M60, with a range of 256 miles, also performs well compared to rivals. Both models surpass the Porsche Taycan’s top range of 246 miles, are competitive with the Genesis Electrified G80’s 282 miles, and are slightly behind the Mercedes-EQ EQE sedan, which offers 298 miles.
Charging speed is another crucial factor for electric vehicles. The i5 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. While this is standard for the current EV market, the Genesis Electrified G80 has a slight edge, being able to achieve this in eight minutes less. Nonetheless, the i5’s charging performance is still quite satisfactory.
The i5 is powered by a 400-volt lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 84.3 kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is housed under the vehicle floor. This design ensures consistent passenger space across both electric and gasoline models of the 5 Series.
BMW’s electric motors are notable for not using rare elements like cobalt, which are typically required for magnets. This aspect may offer an additional advantage for the i5.
BMW provides a standard four-year or 50,000-mile warranty for both the new vehicle and powertrain, which is typical for luxury European cars. The lithium-ion battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. Additionally, roadside assistance is included for the first four years with unlimited mileage.
Standard safety features on the i5 include forward collision mitigation with left turn warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance.