In the world of electric vehicles, the BMW i5 stands out with its various options. While some might focus on the more powerful models, there are compelling reasons to consider the cheaper and less powerful i5 eDrive40 or the all-wheel drive xDrive40. However, in the press fleet, only certain versions were available, delaying a review of those specific models. As we often observe in the EV market, the most powerful versions often come with certain trade-offs.

Uncover the Secrets of the BMW i5's Different Versions

The i5 eDrive40 and xDrive40: A Better Choice?

In fact, when looking at the BMW i5, it becomes evident that the cheaper and less powerful i5 eDrive40 (or the all-wheel drive xDrive40) can offer certain advantages. These models often come with a more balanced package, without the excessive features that might lead to range limitations. For instance, they are not fitted with the big, range-sapping wheels that are commonly found in the more powerful versions. Even by 2024's standards, a 0–60 time of 5.7 seconds is not particularly slow, and this performance is sufficient for most driving situations.Moreover, these less powerful models tend to have better energy efficiency. According to our test car, over 1,000 miles (1,609 km), it averaged 3.2 miles/kWh (19.4 kWh/100 km). This means that they can cover longer distances on a single charge, which is a crucial factor for many electric vehicle owners.

The i5 M60: Power vs. Range

On the other hand, the i5 M60 is the most powerful version of the i5. While it offers impressive performance with a 0–60 time of 5.7 seconds, it comes with its own set of drawbacks. Those big wheels that enhance the sporty look also cause a significant range hit. The EPA rates the i5 M60 at 240 miles (386 km) on a full charge. However, in Efficient mode, it is possible to beat this rating. But if you frequently use Sport mode and floor the throttle, it's not hard to see the energy consumption increase, and the average drops to 2.4 miles/kWh (25.9 kWh/100 km). This shows that the pursuit of power can come at the cost of range.

BMW's Fifth-Gen EV Powertrain: Fast Charging and Software-Defined Emotions

As the latest version of BMW's fifth-gen EV powertrain, the i5 comes with some advanced features. It has the most up-to-date fast charging software, which uses a new control strategy to maintain higher levels of power for longer while plugged into a DC fast charger. Even when starting at a state of charge as high as 50 percent, this software ensures a smooth and efficient charging process. During our testing, we fast-charged the i5 from 19 to 91 percent, which took a couple of seconds more than 37 minutes, delivering 62 kWh and peaking at an impressive 209 kW. Although power delivery dropped to 150 kW after a while, this still shows the potential of the fast charging system.In addition to the performance aspects, the i5 offers software-defined emotions. Sport mode is fast and sounds good, accompanied by Hans Zimmer-crafted powertrain sounds. Efficient mode, on the other hand, is quiet and comfortable, relying mainly on the 335 hp (250 kW), 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) rear motor. But the i5 also provides other choices such as Expressive, Relax, and Digital Art modes, which reconfigure the cabin lighting, the dynamic wallpaper on the curved display, and the powertrain sounds. This adds a unique touch to the driving experience and allows drivers to customize their interactions with the vehicle.