BMW i5

BMW i5 in brief

The i5 goes on sale from the end of 2023, with the estate i5 Touring following in 2024. The electric version doesn’t have a dedicated body: it’s built in Dingolfing alongside petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid 5 Series cars and looks almost identical from the outside.

Buyers praise the i5 for its incredibly quiet cabin, comfortable ride and modern kit. Downsides include a slightly smaller boot (around 490 litres) in the saloon due to the battery under the floor, and the car’s considerable weight.

Generations and bodies — what’s the difference

Initially, two versions were offered: the eDrive40 with a single rear motor and the M60 xDrive with two motors and four-wheel drive. In 2024, the xDrive40 arrived — a two-motor version that sits between the other two in terms of power and price.

The i5 Touring (G61) is more practical: it has a larger boot, and with the rear seats folded flat, it becomes very spacious. Technically, the versions are the same as the saloon, but the Touring typically offers slightly less range due to its shape and weight.

Since the model is new, used examples in the market are mostly 2024–2025 cars, often coming from leasing agreements or company fleets. Electric vehicle values often drop faster in their first year than petrol or diesel models, so a used i5 could be significantly cheaper than a new one.

Battery, range and charging

All i5 variants come with around an 81 kWh usable battery. The eDrive40 (around 340 hp, rear-wheel drive) is rated by the manufacturer (WLTP) to cover around 500–580 km, while the xDrive40 (around 394 hp) and M60 xDrive (up to roughly 600 hp) cover less.

In reality, especially on the motorway, the range is often lower, and in winter you might see around 20–30% less than in summer, even more so on short journeys. The heat pump helps, but on cold mornings energy is used to heat the cabin and battery.

The i5 charges via a CCS2 connector: with alternating current up to 11 kW (with additional equipment up to 22 kW), and at rapid charging stations up to around 205 kW. Maximum power is only achieved when the battery is warm and not too full, so it’s worth using the navigation system’s battery pre-conditioning before a long journey.

What to check when buying a used BMW i5

The most important thing is the battery’s condition. Ask a BMW service centre or diagnostic specialist for a battery health (SoH) report and find out how often rapid charging has been used. During a test drive, observe how the charge percentage drops and test charging both with alternating current and at a rapid charging station.

Check which features come with the car for good: some BMW features can be activated as a subscription, so the equipment listed in the ad doesn't always mean it will work after purchase. Ensure that the software is updated and all assist systems are operational.

Inspect the tyres and brakes — a heavy car will wear out tyres faster, and rarely used brake discs can rust. If the car has air suspension, check that it doesn't sag when parked. Verify the history using the VIN, and have high-stress systems checked by a service after an incident.

Versions and Packages

The BMW i5 differs mainly in versions (engines and gearboxes), body style, and equipment packages; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.

Comparison of BMW i5 versions

Many buyers' top choice is the eDrive40: it offers the longest range and ample power. The xDrive40 is worth considering for its all-wheel drive, while the M60 xDrive is only if performance is paramount.

Frequently asked questions