Review: 2024 BMW i5

The BMW i5 is the latest in the line of BMW electric vehicles as BMW aspires to produce electric vehicles only by 2024. The i5 is aimed at the 5 Series sedan, which offers BMW’s driving engineering and technology in the electric car segment. Having spent a week with the BMW i5, that transition has been done without losing the 5 Series identity but simply adapting it for an electric powertrain. Please continue to read my detailed analysis of the new i5 electric sedan.

Sleek Yet Familiar Styling

The first thing you may learn is that the i5 belongs to BMW, owing to its signature grill and elegant lines. However, if you pay attention, you will observe that there are certain characteristics in terms of the vehicle styling and appearance that make it different from other cars that use gasoline. The most obvious element is a closed-off grille, while the blue hue and “Electrified by i” inscription on the C-pillar are indicative of a battery-electric powertrain.

All in all, I believe that BMW has done great work by designing the BMW i5 in such a manner. It is fluid and stylish but still bears that German precision and elegance associated with BMW products. The aerodynamics and the drag coefficient also play a part in helping the BMW i5 achieve an incredible driving range. Well done, BMW designers!

Spacious, Tech-Laden Cabin

In terms of design and materials, the BMW i5’s interior bears a striking resemblance to the more conventional 5-Series. However, there is an even more detailed look that gives luxuries only for an electric vehicle. Features such as the digital gauge cluster, which has a smart, customizable steering wheel with integrated buttons, illuminated interior trim, and a large panoramic display, are all specifically tailored for the i5.

A product that I really love about BMW is the live cockpit professional display system and how great and swift the iDrive infotainment system is. The control and the ability to handle other applications and communication through wireless make it feel like being in a smartphone but in a car. All the controls are well positioned and within reach of the hand to ensure that the driver does not strain. I was able to continue finding new and interesting nuances of the technology, even one weak one after the start!

Confident, Sophisticated, and Efficient Electric Powertrain

That is where the BMW i5 really stands out for what it is, a game machine. The i5 is driven by BMW’s new fifth-generation Drive, which provides a power output of more than 340 horsepower and 400lb-ft of torque power. This enables the BMW i5 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph within a matter of 6 seconds—a feat that is almost unbelievable given the massive size of the car that tips the scales at 4600 lbs.

Still, likely more astounding is the efficiency. The 101 kWh battery of the BMW i5 gives an EPA estimated range of 300 miles. As part of those tests, the range estimator is more or less accurate to the claimed range, with about 270 miles at 90% battery charge. The regen braking is also useful, as it can add approximately 20-30 miles of range after a 30-minute fast charge. For an EV this size, that’s some seriously good range anxiety eradication.

Overall Driving Experience

In terms of power and responsiveness, the i5 stays neutral and well-balanced, as is expected of BMW vehicles. The fact that the battery is floor-mounted provides the car with excellent stability, and virtually no body roll in the corners. Top that up with instant torque and near perfect weight distribution and you get an i5 that’s far more of a sports sedan than a full-size luxury car.

I also like the adjustable brake regen level, one-pedal driving, and adaptive damping that can be adjusted via software. Together, they enable you to adjust the driving feel to something that you would prefer. I can only think of one major complaint, namely the vagueness of the steering response that is often characteristic of electric vehicles. However, for the rest of the cases, the i5 is incredibly great to drive, particularly at a straight line or when turning.

A New Record for Electric Vehicles to Beat

It is quite clear that the new 2024 BMW BMW i5 is going to be a vehicle that is going to be very high standards in the electric luxury sedan segment. It is one of the most successful cars in BMW’s 5 Series flagship, retaining all the great things: the upscale design, the driving dynamics, the latest technologies and features, the range, and the opulent interior. But it puts it all into a local emissions-zero electric vehicle!

Conclusion

In fact, for those clients willing to spend money on a premium EV, the BMW i5 deserves their attention. In my humble opinion, BMW has done it again with this one and I was impressed to the fullest. Here, the i5 sets itself up as one of the benchmarks in its segment and the pioneer in electric vehicle technology. This is sure to dispel every doubting Thomas who argues that electric cars cannot provide the right driving experience, as is characteristic of the BMW brand. This splendid sedan shows that the picture of electrified automobiles is going to be rather bright.

2024 BMW i5 M60 Media Gallery