BMW i5 eDrive review

Price: £74,105 - £97,745

Electrifying.com score

9/10

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The BMW i5 is a large, pure electric executive saloon that takes on the likes of the Mercedes EQE, Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT. You can get it in the modestly-rapid, rear-wheel eDrive 40 model, or the more savage, four-wheel drive M60 xDrive. Both are absolutely brilliant, but they’re not the cheapest.

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  • Battery size: 81kWh
  • Miles per kWh: 4.4
  • Max charge rate: 205kW
  • Range: 320 - 357 miles
  • E-Rating™: A
  • Real world range: 301 miles
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  • Battery size: 81kWh
  • Miles per kWh: 4.4
  • Max charge rate: 205kW
  • Range: 320 - 357 miles
  • E-Rating™: A
  • Real world range: 301 miles

Mike Says

“This is an important car for BMW. It's unlikely to be on the radar of private buyers, but the 5-Series has traditionally been an in-demand company car for those lucky enough to be higher up the corporate ladder. The only thing holding it back is the saloon body - but that will be fixed when the Touring arrives.”

Ginny Says

“Much as I lament the demise of BMW's amazing i3, it's machines like the i5 that are really going to make drivers switch to electric in big numbers. Yes, the prices are going to be too high for most private buyers, but if I were getting one as a company car, I'd be very happy indeed. ”

Got questions? We've put together the most frequently-asked topics below. If there's something we haven't answered here or in the review then let us know on our contact page

How many versions of the i5 will BMW offer?

From launch, BMW i5 buyers will be able to choose from two models, an i5 eDrive40 and a M60 xDrive high performance model. Other versions are expected to follow, including a cheaper entry-level model.


How big is the battery in the new BMW i5?

We expect the BMW i5 to have a 84kWh battery when official specifications are announced.


What is the range of the new BMW i5?

Although BMW has yet to confirm official WLTP figures, it has revealed that power consumption data. These suggest that the eDrive 40 model will return between 320 and 360 miles on a full charge.


How much will the BMW i5 cost?

BMW has yet to confirm final costs for UK cars, but we expect the eDrive 40 to cost from £68,000 while the i5 M60 xDrive is likely to start from around £74,000.


Will there be an estate version of the BMW i5?

Yes. BMW has confirmed that an estate version - badged Touring - is part of the product cycle and is expected to be introduced later next year.


Can the new BMW i5 tow?

BMW has yet to confirm it officially, but the i5 is likely to come with a tow bar option. The i4 can tow up to 1,600kg so we would expect the new i5 to at least match that.


Does the BMW i5 replace the 5-Series?

The new BMW i5 is part of the new 5-Series range. BMW has developed a platform that allows for the central part (where the battery is) to be completely different to that of the petrol and diesel models that require a raised tunnel for propshafts and exhausts.

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