Automobile manufacturers are offering new electric vehicles as if the future of the technology is a sure thing. It’s resulted in new competitive segments, including a growing collection of luxury EV sedans.
The 2024 BMW i5 joins the upscale and pricey Genesis Electrified G80, Mercedes-Benz EQE and the Tesla Model S. The new BMW has two trim offerings, eDrive40 and M60. Equally competitive but less expensive are the BWW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
For top performance in the segment, the reviewed sporty M60 is unequaled. It features a dual electric motor with 593 horsepower and all-wheel drive. The less powerful i5 eDrive40 has a single motor and 335 horsepower.
The latter is satisfactory until the top-line choice is driven.
As expected, it’s appreciably more powerful and accelerates quickly, smoothly and without hesitation. The single-motor i5 is rated at advancing from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds. The dual motor option completes the industry’s standard acceleration plateau in 3.6 seconds.
More power means less EV range. The eDrive40 has an EPA-estimated 270 to 295-mile range depending upon wheel size choice. The i5 M60 range is rated between 240 and 256 miles, also depending upon wheel size.
The i5 accepts Level 2 and DC fast charging, with the carmaker estimating a recharged from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes thanks to a maximum 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. Fuel economy is 85 MPGe combined.
BMW keeps abreast of automotive technology improvements. As the carmaker’s newest showcase, the i5 features a slew of worthy technology and safety equipment.
Directions are offered via voice command or the touchscreen. The navigation system offers great detail via either choice. Climate control, radio functions and rear sunshades are useable via voice instructions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both include wireless connectivity, are standard as are a charging pad and six USB-C ports. Standard, state-of-the-are offered, including hands-free highway driving and adaptive cruise control.
Every i5 includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning, plus front and rear parking sensors.
Vast interior space is a must for a large luxury sedan’s credibility. The i5 gets it right. It has a huge trunk without any awkward bumps or other cargo obstacles. Front and back seat legroom is spacious and storage areas for cupholders, smartphones, sunglasses, and other personal items are plentiful.
The i5 drives big, proud and in command for several reasons, including optional 21-inch wheels. It’s 199.2 inches in length (3.4 inches longer) and 74.4 inches wide (1.4 inches wider) than the previous 5 Series. The wheelbase has been increased by about one inch.
The i5 M60 has all of the eDrive40’s standard features but also includes an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, Bowers & Wilkins audio system, heated front seats and upgraded brakes and the M Sport package (21-inch wheels, M Sport steering wheel and black exterior trim).
Five additional option packages are offered, with upscale items ranging from adaptive cruise control to a heated steering wheel and a panoramic glass roof to voice and gesture controls.
With all of the available packages included, the 2024 BMW i5 M60 jumps from an MSRP of $84,100 to total price of $97,095. The new luxury sedan has plenty of merit and few downfalls including a price approaching six figures. But just like the EV industry at large, only a niche audience may be interested.
James Raia is a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento and a sports and lifestyle writer for several print and online publications. Contact him via email: james@jamesraia.com.