Overview

BMW went all-in on electrification with the latest 5 Series. In the UK, that means no more mega mile-munching diesels – we get a mild hybrid 520i, two plug-in hybrids and two versions of this, the fully electric i5.

It builds on the foundations of the BMW i4 and the Parkers award-winning i7 luxury limo but, much like the previous-generation 5 Series, it was designed to be more of an all-rounder. This G60 generation 5 Series has some big shoes to fill, though. The old 5 Series was one of the most consistently well-reviewed cars on sale, even six years after it was introduced.

BMW is quite late to the electric executive saloon party, too. The i5’s most obvious rival is the Mercedes EQE, which was launched a full 12 months before the BMW broke cover. It has a model range that extends both above and below the i5 in terms of price – and is even available in a swivel-eyed AMG specification that’s aimed squarely at the top-spec i5 M60.

Then there’s the stalwart Tesla Model S, which created the mould for the electric executive saloon and entered its 10th year in production in 2022. It’s bigger and brasher than the i5 – and it has a distinct focus on straight-line speed – but you can now only have it in left-hand drive in the UK. If neither of these cars tickle your fancy, you’ll probably need to shop for an electric SUV instead.

The two versions of the i5 currently available are the eDrive40 and the M60. The former features a 340hp electric motor mounted on the rear axle, an 81.2kWh battery pack and a maximum WLTP range of 357 miles. Even though it’s the basic model, it’s no slouch – it can sprint from 0–62mph in six seconds flat and hit a top speed of 120mph.

If that’s not quick enough for you, opt for the M60. This is basically the electric equivalent of the BMW M5 and it adds another electric motor on the front axle, boosting power to 601hp and bringing four-wheel drive. It also slashes the i5’s 0–62mph down to 3.8 seconds and increases its top speed to 142mph. Naturally, the extra poke does sap range, trimming its maximum figure down to 315 miles.

Over the next few pages, we’ll review each aspect of the BMW i5. Our analysis will consider its practicality, safety, interior quality, technology, driving experience and running costs. We’ll then offer our final verdict on the car and let you know whether it’s worth spending your money on.