BMW on Wednesday unveiled the i5, the first-ever all-electric version of the automaker’s 5-Series luxury sedan, which is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year as a 2024 model.
The 2024 BMW i5 will launch in the U.S. in eDrive40 and M60 xDrive guises priced from $67,795 and $85,095, respectively. Both prices include a mandatory $995 destination charge. The all-electric i5 variants will be sold alongside gasoline 5-Series models, with a plug-in hybrid joining the lineup in the 2024 calendar year.
The base i5 eDrive40 model has a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain rated at 335 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, enabling 0-60 mph in a BMW-estimated 5.7 seconds on the way to an electronically limited 120-mph top speed.
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The M60 xDrive upgrades to a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 590 hp and 586 lb-ft. This drops the 0-60 mph time to 3.7 seconds and raises the top speed to 143 mph when equipped with performance tires (130 mph with all-season tires). This sportier model also gets standard adaptive suspension, a 0.3-inch lower ride height than the base model, and upgraded brakes.
Both models use an 84.3-kwh battery pack comprised of four modules with 72 cells each and three modules with 12 cells each, mounted under the floor. This arrangement gives the pack a lower profile, and means the i5 boasts the same passenger space as internal-combustion 5-Series models.
BMW estimates a maximum 295 miles of range for eDrive40 models equipped with the standard 19-inch wheels, while the i5 M60 xDrive has an estimated 256 miles of range.
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DC fast charging at a maximum 205 kw allows for a 10-80% charge in about 30 minutes, BMW claims, and i5 owners get two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America DC fast-charging sites. An 11-kw Level 2 AC onboard charger is included as well, along with battery preconditioning, including a function to prevent excessively low temperatures that might affect fast charging.
The i5 is close in concept to the BMW i4 and i7, in that it’s an all-electric version of a gasoline model. The main exterior styling differentiator is a sealed-off grille, while on the inside the i5 gets the same array of tech features as other redesigned 5-Series models.
The dashboard is largely bare except for a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment screen, squeezed together to create the appearance of one continuous display. BMW claims the iDrive 8.5 infotainment system has a more intuitive interface, and it also includes an Air Console gaming platform to provide entertainment during charging sessions.
A range of tech features, including natural language voice recognition, gesture control, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a head-up display, are available as well.
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BMW will also offer its latest driver-assist system, called Highway Assistant. Part of the optional Driving Assistance Professional Package, it enables hands-free highway driving at speeds up to 85 mph, along with automated lane changes. Driver monitoring aims to guard against misuse.