2024 BMW i5

Think of the i5 as, very simply, the regular 5 Series' fully electric counterpart. We review the gas-powered 5er separately, but it's worth noting that the only real differences between the two will be in their powertrains, as they share the same body and interior space. That said, the 2024 BMW i5 is, essentially, a brand-new vehicle that comes in two variants: the i5 eDrive40 and the sporty i5 M60 xDrive.

Both feature what we've traditionally liked about the 5 Series: its balance of size, style and a luxurious-looking interior. We also hope BMW hasn't dialed out any of the sporty driving dynamics that have been a key part of the 5 Series formula for decades now. BMW cites a range of 256 miles for the M60, which starts at $85,095 MSRP (with destination). The eDrive40 starts at $67,795 and is estimated to go 295 miles before needing a charge.

Both the i5 eDrive40 and the i5 M60 xDrive get the same battery, which provides 84.3 kWh of usable energy. But the horsepower numbers diverge sharply. The i5 eDrive40 provides an estimated 335 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the i5 M60 xDrive packs 590 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque. Those power numbers are good enough, according to BMW, for 0-60 mph times of 5.7 and 5.3 seconds, respectively.

Both Level 2 and DC fast charging is available. BMW estimates the battery can be recharged from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes thanks to a max charging rate of 205 kW. First-time owners of the BMW i5 receive two years of free 30-minute charging sessions at the Electrify America network of DC fast-charging stations.

For the sake of comparison, the i5 should be a bit roomier than the previous-generation 5 Series. The i5 is 199.2 inches long, 74.8 inches wide and 59.6 inches tall. That's an increase of a little more than an inch all around. BMW also increased the wheelbase by 0.8 inch, which may improve rear legroom. The seats are also redesigned, with sport seats as standard equipment and multi-contour seats available on other trims.

You can also get your i5 completely leather-free, which includes Alcantara-wrapped seats in addition to the steering wheel, for the first time. That treatment is also available on models with the M Sport package.

Perhaps most intriguing is what BMW calls the Curved Display, which you can already find on the 7 Series and iX. The pair of screens, one 12.3 inches and the other 14.9 inches, visually combine to create an impressive, immersive environment. The latest BMW operating system (8.5) offers additional digital content, including a range of video streaming applications and limited in-car gaming.

The BMW Interaction Bar, which debuted in the 7 Series, is a standard feature on both i5 trims. It essentially adds touch-sensitive control points for air conditioning and your hazard lights while also serving as a fancy light show.

The i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive both offer 17.3 cubic feet of storage in the trunk. That's slightly smaller than their gas-powered counterpart, which offers 18.4 cubic feet. That said, the all-electric i5 offers similar flexibility to its predecessor in the form of a folding 40/20/40-split rear seat, and the trunk remains fairly generous in size.

We'll have to wait until we get behind the wheel to see if BMW's latest electric sedan is a worthy challenger to Tesla's crown.