Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
I drove a $95,000 electric BMW. It has epic performance but trails Tesla and Lucid in range.
October 30, 20240
My test car came to $95,395.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
BMW’s styling has drawn the ire of many brand loyalists in recent years, especially regarding the growth in the size of its signature kidney grilles. Fortunately, BMW exercised restraint with the 5-Series, resulting in a subtle design that exudes a certain understated elegance.
The boxy, squared-off lines leave no doubt that this is a BMW 5-Series.
The I5’s restrained looks are a departure from the bolder and more avant-garde aesthetics of contemporaries like the Audi e-tron GT and the Mercedes-Benz EQE.
The I5 is about three and a half inches longer than the previous generation 5-Series.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The BMW I5 is not built on a dedicated EV platform like many of its rivals but one shared with its ICE siblings. Fortunately, the BMW CLAR modular platform that underpins the I5 was designed to accommodate ICE, hybrid, and battery-electric models.
As a result, the I5 retains the long-sloping hood of its internal combustion brethren and the space where a silky smooth BMW straight six once occupied.
Under the hood, you’ll find a large plastic panel covering the electronics and an electric motor for the front axle.
The I5 has supercar power.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
Beneath the I5’s floor, you’ll find a large lithium-ion battery pack with 84.3 kWh of usable energy.
According to BMW, the car can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.
My high-performance test car was rated by the EPA for 240 miles of range, but I was able to extract about 250 miles during my time with the vehicle.
Those looking for more range will need to opt for the less powerful I5 eDrive40, which can go up to 295 miles on a single charge.
The BMW I5’s cabin was beautifully executed.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The seats are made of a vegan leather called Veganza.
The centerpiece of the I5’s dash is a massive curved screen.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
Rear-seat passengers have access to a pair of USB-C chargers and sunshades.
Out back, the I5 has a sizable 17.3 cubic foot trunk, which is a bit smaller than the ICE version.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
Adaptive cruise control requires the $2000 Driving Assistance Pro package.
My verdict: The BMW I5 is the electric 5-Series we’ve all been waiting for.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The BMW I5 is handsomely styled, wickedly fast, and well-priced even at $95,000.
With 593 horsepower on tap and 240 miles of range, the I5 M60 xDrive remains competitive in range and performance with rivals from traditional OEMs like the Mercedes EQE 500+ and the Audi e-tron GT.
It only really falls short when compared to Lucid Air Touring and Tesla Model S, both of which offer more than 400 miles of range with comparable performance at similar prices.
But not everyone wants a Tesla or a vehicle from a startup brand. The BMW 5-Series is tried and true.
And the I5 is the one I’d have.