The BMW 5 Series has been one of the most iconic and successful premium sedans in the world. It has stood the test of time, evolving with technological advancements while maintaining its status as a benchmark in luxury, performance, and comfort. Now, BMW has taken a bold step into the future by introducing the all-electric BMW i5.

The i5 is a fully electric version of the 5 Series and aims to redefine what a midsize luxury sedan should be. But does it live up to the legendary 5 Series name? Let’s find out in this in-depth review.

Design and Exterior

BMW has always been known for its striking designs, and the i5 is no exception. While it retains the classic 5 Series silhouette, the electric variant brings a futuristic twist.



At the front, the BMW i5 features the brand’s signature kidney grille, but since it’s an EV, the grille is completely closed off and blacked out, giving it a sleek and modern look. The slim double-barrel LED headlights add to its aggressive yet sophisticated stance. The M Sport package, which comes standard on the i5 M60, includes sporty bumpers, sculpted hood bulges, and an M badge that signals its performance pedigree.

The side profile is unmistakably BMW, with a forward-leaning stance, muscular wheel arches, and large 20-inch M Sport wheels. These wheels not only enhance the car’s road presence but also house eye-catching red brake calipers, further accentuating the performance-oriented design.

At the rear, the i5 features a subtle yet effective lip spoiler, a slightly recessed boot lid, and full LED wraparound taillights that maintain the iconic BMW styling. The rear design is simple yet elegant, embodying a balance between sportiness and luxury.

BMW offers nine exterior color options, all available with a contrasting roof color, ensuring plenty of customization choices for buyers.

Interior and Features

Step inside the BMW i5, and you’re greeted by a luxurious and high-tech cabin. The design philosophy follows BMW’s latest trend of minimalism, with most physical buttons replaced by touch controls on the curved digital display.

The dashboard is dominated by a dual-screen setup, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment display. The driver-focused design remains intact, with the screen slightly angled towards the driver. The infotainment system runs on BMW’s latest iDrive software, offering crisp graphics, seamless navigation, and extensive customization options. However, some functions that were previously controlled by physical buttons are now buried within menus, making them slightly cumbersome to access while driving.

The seats are wrapped in BMW’s Veganza leather—a high-quality, eco-friendly vegan leather made from recycled materials. They are fully powered, offering multiple adjustments, heating, ventilation, and memory functions. The cabin feels extremely spacious, with a large glass sunroof adding to the airy ambiance. Multi-zone climate control ensures a comfortable experience for all passengers.

Despite the spaciousness, the battery placement raises the floor height slightly, affecting ingress and egress, especially for taller passengers. The under-thigh support could be better, but overall, the seating experience is comfortable, making the i5 a great choice for long drives.

Powertrain and Performance

The BMW i5 M60 XDrive is powered by an 83.9 kWh battery pack, providing a claimed range of 516 km on a full charge. The dual electric motors, mounted on each axle, produce a staggering 601 hp and 795 Nm of torque.

This immense power translates into blistering performance. The i5 M60 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds—figures that were once exclusive to supercars. The instant torque delivery makes it incredibly fun to drive, and the car responds with urgency whenever you step on the accelerator.

BMW has also equipped the i5 with rear-wheel steering, which significantly improves maneuverability. Whether making U-turns in tight spaces or parking in crowded city streets, the rear-wheel steering makes the car feel much smaller and more agile than its actual size.

Despite its size and weight, the i5 handles like a true BMW. The adaptive suspension ensures a balance between comfort and sporty dynamics. The ride is on the firmer side, which helps keep body roll in check, but it’s never uncomfortable. Road imperfections are absorbed well, and the overall ride quality is premium and refined.

Rear Passenger Comfort

For those who prefer to be chauffeured, the rear seat of the BMW i5 is a pleasant place to be. The large windows, ambient lighting, and plush seats create a serene environment.

However, due to the battery placement, the under-thigh support isn’t as generous as in the standard 5 Series. The center tunnel is also quite large, making the rear seat more suitable for two passengers rather than three. The rear AC vents, USB-C charging ports, and available rear entertainment system (depending on market availability) enhance the overall experience.

Boot Space and Practicality

The boot of the i5 is spacious but has a relatively high loading lip. While there’s ample space for luggage, retrieving items from deep inside might require some effort. The underfloor compartment houses essential tools and safety equipment, but additional storage space is limited due to the battery and electric motor components.

Driving Experience

The BMW i5 delivers an exhilarating driving experience that perfectly aligns with its sporty yet luxurious identity. The low driving position offers a clear view of the road, and the steering feels precise and engaging.

The firm ride quality ensures stability at high speeds, and despite its heavy battery pack, the i5 remains poised in corners. The acceleration is seamless, and the instant torque makes overtaking effortless.

For city driving, the regenerative braking system helps recover energy while reducing reliance on the brake pedal. However, adjusting some of the car’s settings, like climate control and driving modes, requires navigating through multiple touchscreen menus, which can be distracting.

Pros and Cons


Pros:

✔ Iconic BMW 5 Series design with a futuristic twist
✔ Luxurious, high-tech, and spacious interior
✔ Extremely powerful with sports car-like acceleration
✔ Long electric range (up to 516 km)
✔ Rear-wheel steering improves maneuverability
✔ Premium ride quality with adaptive suspension

Cons:

✖ Minimalist interior design removes too many physical controls
✖ High floor affects ingress, egress, and under-thigh support
✖ Large size makes parking challenging in crowded areas
✖ Charging infrastructure is still developing, which may impact usability in some regions

Verdict: Is the BMW i5 Worth It?

The BMW i5 M60 XDrive is a bold step into the future for the 5 Series lineup. It successfully blends luxury, performance, and technology into a package that feels modern yet retains the essence of a true BMW.

If you’re looking for a premium midsize sedan that offers thrilling performance, cutting-edge technology, and eco-friendly credentials, the i5 is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer traditional controls and don’t want to deal with charging infrastructure limitations, you may want to consider the standard petrol or hybrid 5 Series.

Overall, the BMW i5 is a stunning example of how luxury sedans are evolving, and it proves that electric cars can be just as exciting as their combustion-engine counterparts.

What do you think of the BMW i5? Let us know in the comments below!