The 2024 BMW i5 marks a pivotal moment in the luxury electric sedan market, combining BMW’s rich heritage of driving dynamics with cutting-edge electric powertrain technology. Part of BMW’s ongoing commitment to electrification, the i5 is an electric variant of the iconic 5 Series, but it stands on its own as a flagship model in the brand's electric vehicle (EV) lineup. With its seamless blend of performance, luxury, and sustainability, the i5 is poised to compete against established electric models like the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz EQE, while offering a distinctively BMW driving experience.
In this article, we will explore the key features of the 2024 BMW i5, including its design, performance, technology, and how it positions itself in the growing electric vehicle market.
1. Exterior Design: Timeless Elegance with a Modern Twist
The 2024 BMW i5 closely follows the design language of the combustion-engine 5 Series, which has long been known for its athletic yet understated appearance. However, the i5 takes this formula and adds a modern electric touch, signaling its position in BMW's next generation of vehicles.
The front end of the i5 features BMW’s signature kidney grille, which, in the case of the i5, is closed and optimized for aerodynamic efficiency. Instead of large air intakes, the grille is framed with subtle blue accents, a hallmark of BMW’s i models. The LED headlights, with their sharp, angular design, complement the sleek lines of the car’s front, enhancing its futuristic appearance.
From the side, the i5 maintains the familiar proportions of a luxury sports sedan, with a long hood, flowing roofline, and muscular rear haunches. The emphasis on aerodynamics is evident in the flush door handles, aerodynamic wheels, and a sloping rear end that minimizes drag. The attention to detail in aerodynamics not only enhances the car's efficiency but also contributes to its range.
The rear of the i5 features slim, sculpted taillights, along with a diffuser-like rear bumper that adds to its performance-oriented stance. The absence of tailpipes further differentiates the i5 from its gasoline-powered siblings while providing a clean, streamlined look. Overall, the exterior of the i5 is a masterclass in how to blend traditional luxury sedan design with modern electric aesthetics.
2. Interior: Sustainable Luxury and Advanced Technology
Inside the 2024 BMW i5, luxury, sustainability, and advanced technology converge. The interior layout is driver-centric, as one would expect from a BMW, but it also emphasizes passenger comfort and space. The materials used throughout the cabin are a mix of high-quality leathers, sustainable textiles, and recycled materials, reflecting BMW’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
The centerpiece of the cabin is BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment system, displayed on a dual curved-screen setup that consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. This system offers advanced features such as real-time traffic updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 5G connectivity. The interface is highly customizable, allowing drivers to prioritize the information most relevant to them, from navigation to performance data.
Complementing the high-tech screens is BMW’s new-generation head-up display, which projects key information like speed, navigation directions, and safety alerts onto the windshield. The display is larger and more informative than ever, ensuring drivers can stay focused on the road ahead.
One of the most innovative features of the i5’s interior is the Ambient Light Bar, a customizable light strip that runs across the dashboard. This bar can change colors based on driving modes or personal preferences and can even provide visual feedback from the driver assistance systems. For example, it can flash red if the forward collision warning is triggered.
The seating in the i5 is both luxurious and supportive, with available heating, cooling, and massage functions. The rear seats are spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for passengers. Optional features like four-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof further enhance the feeling of luxury and openness in the cabin.
3. Powertrain and Performance: The Ultimate Electric Driving Machine
BMW is known for its performance heritage, and the 2024 i5 is no exception, even in its fully electric form. The i5 is available in two primary configurations: the i5 eDrive40 and the high-performance i5 M60 xDrive.
- i5 eDrive40: The base model is powered by a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, delivering 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This setup is capable of accelerating the i5 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, making it a brisk yet efficient luxury sedan. The rear-wheel-drive layout maintains the classic BMW balance and handling, ensuring that the i5 remains fun to drive.
- i5 M60 xDrive: For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, the M60 xDrive model adds a second electric motor to the front axle, creating an all-wheel-drive system. This model boasts a combined output of 590 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque, catapulting the i5 from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 3.7 seconds. The M60 xDrive also features adaptive air suspension and BMW’s M-specific tuning for sharper handling and a more dynamic driving experience.
Both models are equipped with a high-capacity battery pack that provides a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge, depending on the driving conditions and configuration. BMW has also integrated an 800-volt charging architecture, allowing for rapid charging at compatible DC fast-charging stations. In ideal conditions, the i5 can gain up to 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging.
4. Driving Dynamics: A True BMW at Heart
While the i5 is a fully electric vehicle, BMW has ensured that it retains the brand’s signature driving dynamics. The chassis is finely tuned to deliver a balance between comfort and agility, making it an ideal choice for both city driving and long highway cruises. The i5’s low center of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted battery, further enhances its cornering capabilities, ensuring minimal body roll and a composed ride.
In the M60 xDrive model, BMW’s adaptive M suspension and rear-wheel steering take the handling to another level, providing precise control even in tight corners or during high-speed maneuvers. Drivers can also customize the car’s performance through the various driving modes, ranging from Comfort and Eco to Sport and Sport+.
For those who enjoy a more relaxed drive, BMW’s one-pedal driving mode, enabled by its regenerative braking system, allows the i5 to slow down and come to a complete stop simply by lifting off the accelerator. This not only enhances efficiency but also reduces wear on the brake system.
Read another review: BMW i8 2024 Review, Specs, Model, Interior.
5. Safety and Driver Assistance: Cutting-Edge Technology for Peace of Mind
The 2024 BMW i5 is packed with advanced driver-assistance features designed to make driving safer and more convenient. BMW’s Driving Assistance Professional package includes features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
One standout feature is the Highway Assistant, which allows for hands-free driving at speeds of up to 85 mph on certain highways. This system uses a combination of radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the car’s surroundings and ensure safe operation. While the system is capable of handling most driving tasks, the driver must remain attentive and ready to take over if necessary.
Other features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system, which makes parking and navigating tight spaces easier.
6. Sustainability: A Focus on Green Mobility
Beyond the electric powertrain, BMW has made significant efforts to ensure that the i5 is as sustainable as possible. The production process incorporates renewable energy and recycled materials, reducing the car’s overall carbon footprint. Inside the cabin, buyers can opt for eco-friendly materials, including recycled plastics and natural fibers, without compromising on luxury.
BMW is also working on developing a second-life program for the i5’s batteries, ensuring that they can be repurposed for energy storage once they are no longer suitable for automotive use.
7. Competitors and Market Position
The 2024 BMW i5 enters a highly competitive segment, going head-to-head with other luxury electric sedans like the Tesla Model S, Mercedes-Benz EQE, and Audi e-tron GT. Each of these models offers a different take on luxury and performance, but the i5 stands out with its distinctive BMW driving experience, elegant design, and advanced technology.
While the Tesla Model S offers longer range and faster acceleration in its higher trims, the BMW i5 focuses on delivering a balanced experience with superior driving dynamics and a more luxurious interior. The Mercedes EQE, on the other hand, emphasizes comfort and refinement, while the Audi e-tron GT leans more toward sportiness.
Read also: 2024 Aston Martin Vulcan.
Clusion: A Bold Step into the Electric Future
The 2024 BMW i5 represents the next step in BMW’s journey toward a fully electrified future. With its combination of elegant design, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating performance, the i5 offers a compelling package for luxury sedan buyers who are ready to embrace electric mobility.
Whether you're looking for a comfortable, high-tech daily driver or a high-performance EV with sports car-like dynamics, the BMW i5 delivers on all fronts, solidifying its place as one of the most exciting electric luxury sedans on the market today.