The number of all-electric vehicles BMW has in its lineup continues to grow with the addition of the 2024 BMW i5. That’s right, BMW’s electrification strategy has arrived for the 5-Series for 2024. Just like the BMW i3 and i7, the all-new i5 promises to be one of the more powerful options in the 5-Series lineup.
As is customary for a full redesign, the 5-Series sedan grows in size for 2024. The midsize luxury sedan is 3.9 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and 1.4 inches taller than the outgoing model. The sedan’s wheelbase has been stretched by 0.8 inches to 117.9 inches in total. As far as the design goes, the 5-Series is far more restrained than the i7.
BMW plans to offer the 5-Series in five trims. Things start off with the 530i, which comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a mild-hybrid system that makes 255 horsepower. The 540i xDrive sits at the top of the gas-powered range and features a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system that makes 375 hp – a boost of 40 hp from last year.
Shoppers that want an electrified 5-Series will have a few options to explore. The base all-electric i5 model is the eDrive40. It comes with a single 335 hp electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Engaging a Sport Boost function increases torque from 295 to 317 lb-ft.. The i5 eDrive40 will come with an 84.3-kWh battery pack that’s expected to bring roughly 300 miles of range. Pricing for the i5 eDrive40 will start at $67,795 (with destination), which means that the base electric sedan won’t be eligible for any portion of the federal tax credit.
While we expect the upcoming M5 to continue to be the most powerful 5-Series available, the new i5 M60 xDrive will serve as the top dog until the high-performance model arrives. This trim comes with two electric motors for 590 hp, which is good enough for a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. The i5 M60 xDrive will come with the same 84.3-kWh battery pack as the i5 eDrive40 and carries an estimated range of 256 miles.
The i5 M60 xDrive has more power than competitors including the Genesis Electrified G80 (365 hp) and the Mercedes-Benz EQE (402 hp), but is outclassed by higher-priced EVs like the Tesla Model S Plaid (1,020 hp), Porsche Taycan Turbo S (750 hp), and Audi e-tron GT (637 hp).
With 300 miles of range from the i5 eDrive40 and 256 miles from the i5 M60 xDrive, some drivers may be looking at having some range anxiety. To combat that, both i5 EVs will have a Max Range mode that will optimize the car’s electric powertrain to squeeze every mile out of the battery. With Max Range mode engaged, the i5 will turn of the heated and cooled seats, shut off the climate control system, and disengage the heated steering wheel. The vehicle’s top speed will also be limited to just 56 mph. When plugged into a Level 2 charger, the i5’s 400-volt architecture allows it to charge at up to 205 kW, allowing the sedan to go from 10% to 80% charged in roughly 30 minutes.
The i5 also lands somewhere in between its rivals when it comes to range. The Electrified G80 has up to 282 miles, the EQE is expected to have up to 300 miles of range, the Taycan offers up to 246 miles of range, the e-tron GT has up to 238 miles of range, and the Model S can travel up to 405 miles on a single charge.
Production of the BMW i5 is expected to begin later this year. While the i5 eDrive40e will start at $67,795, the more powerful M60 xDrive will cost $85,095. Gas-powered 5-Series models will range from $58,895 or the 530i to $65,895 for the 540i xDrive. BMW has also confirmed that a plug-in hybrid model should be available in the U.S. starting in 2024.
Pictured: 2024 BMW i5 M60
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