As car manufacturers strive to revamp their offerings in response to escalating global emissions demands, BMW has stealthily unveiled one of the most groundbreaking and awe-inspiring electric sedans on the market thus far. The i4 M50’s exhilarating performance arrived suddenly, just like the iX M60’s impressive acceleration and spacious interior. The i7 M70 delivered an unparalleled driving experience, blending haste and opulence without compromising on refinement, whereas the i5 M60 offered a harmonious blend of family sedan practicality and spirited performance, boasting ample scope, power, and luxury to leave many in its wake.
Many magnificent mammals majestically make their move. It’s time we focus on the foundation model of the i5 range, the xDrive40, which is no slacker thanks to its four driven wheels and an 84.3-kilowatt-hour battery that generates 389 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque. A high-performance vehicle, that’s sufficient to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, boasting an impressive top speed of 428 km/h. After each week of driving the i5 xDrive40, we find that its refinement and engagingness on the road have reached new heights, making it a superior offering compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 and Tesla Model S.
Given that’s the outcome of pushing an EV to its limits, with a need for future models to strive towards similar performance. Unlike some electric vehicles that seamlessly transition between charging and depleting modes, the i5 does not operate as a lightweight switch, toggling on and off with varying levels of energy consumption. Within the vast expanse of available bandwidth, we have the flexibility to comprehensively explore and harness its capabilities across both low- and high-speed scenarios. We’re thrilled by the brand’s latest innovation, as the new M5 arrives in stores equipped with a cutting-edge plug-in hybrid system.
The i5 embodies the same desirable qualities as the i7, expertly compressing them into a more compact format. The sleek result is a refined sedan that effortlessly glides through city streets and accelerates with precision around winding roads. Each level of driver interaction is meticulously crafted to deliver a seamless and refined experience. While the i5 M60’s steering may lack a tactile connection, its smooth rotation is reminiscent of gliding silk, the pedals exhibit precise linearity akin to traditional braking systems, and the power delivery is steady, predictable, and never catches you off guard. Unfortunately, the EQE fell short of its ambitious goals, failing to deliver a seamless experience.
What truly stands out is the exceptional travel experience. The i5’s rear-axle air suspension ensures a steadfast ride at high velocities and glides effortlessly over rough terrain with unwavering assurance. While the dampers may not fully eliminate minor suspension movements, the i5’s increased thickness of daily usability and routine comfort still outperforms the Taycan’s overall performance.
Similar to the i7’s acoustic architecture, the i5 effectively channels synthetic electrical sounds into the passenger compartment, with adjustments contingent upon the selected driving mode configuration. By default, the soundtrack is characterized by soft and restrained notes that gradually give way to intense, soul-stirring melodies when switching to Sport Mode. When people recognize the music, like the iconic scores from films such as Interstellar, Dunkirk, or Batman, it’s because Hans Zimmer crafted those masterpieces for BMW commercials. As I stepped out of the sleek, futuristic electric vehicle and into the driver’s seat of my trusty old gas-powered car, I couldn’t help but feel a jarring disconnect between the two modes of transportation. The smooth, whisper-quiet ride of the EV had spoiled me, making the rougher, more rustic experience of driving a non-EV seem almost primitive in comparison – a strange and fascinating phenomenon that highlighted just how quickly our perspectives can shift in response to changing circumstances.
What’s not so pleasant is the unpredictability of the weather. Despite BMW’s claimed range of 428 km, our actual average distance traveled was 360 km, with testing conducted under moderate conditions of 15°C ambient temperature and an interior temperature setting of 22°C. While the electric vehicle remains usable with or without access to home charging, it’s undeniable that Toronto lags significantly behind in public charging infrastructure.
The i5 flourishes with one of the cleanest and most refined designs currently available in the BMW lineup, wrapping a powerful physique in broad, well-defined shoulders that surpass those found on the 3 Series. With sleeker and more alluring kidney grilles than those on the i7’s, this model also boasts an added $500 value and has earned our appreciation for its distinct nighttime glow. Wrapped in a soothing Brooklyn Gray hue, this sedan exudes a captivating street presence, its sleek profile punctuated by flush door handles and a tasteful ‘5’ badge emblazoned on the C-pillar.
The interior boasts a significant leap forward in terms of luxury and amenities compared to its i4 counterpart. The i5 boasts a noticeably elevated sense of luxury throughout its driver-focused interfaces, with premium materials like leather wrapping the steering wheel, complemented by sleek glass controls and an intuitive rotary dial. Despite some notable exceptions, there remain several areas where quality is compromised, including the inexplicably flimsy feel of the gear toggle and the unconvincingly budget-grade window controls. The additional features on the door panel, such as the remembrance seat controls, unfortunately mirror the same awkward design found in Mercedes vehicles. With no grooves to provide tactile feedback, the vertical and angled panel placement creates an obscurity: from the motive force’s seat, it’s impossible to determine which button is being pressed. Frequently, determining the correct reminiscence seat allocation is a guessing game.
Despite initial reservations, our team appreciates the trickle-down economic principles employed in this device. What’s more, the i5 processor within boasts impressive functionality equivalent to an i7, delivering a seamless experience at 75% zoom. We delight in showcasing our innovative display, comprising two high-definition screens seamlessly integrated beneath a sleek sheet of glass. While lacking the visual pizzazz of the Mercedes EQE and EQS’s Hyperscreens, the BMW i4’s display is more functional and features a smoother learning curve for drivers. Operated via intuitive touchscreen and rotary dial with precisely positioned buttons, navigation is simplified for seamless menu control, whether navigating urban streets or rural terrain. Compared to the tactile controls found on traditional steering wheels, the proliferation of haptic touch sensors in modern vehicles like Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen can be seen as a step backward for accessibility. The employees’ individual performances were concluded successfully.
The steering wheel’s circumference poses a challenge, requiring arms akin to Popeye’s to comfortably grasp; yet, its design is an improvement upon the unusual i4 variant and the awkward two-spoke arrangement found in the iX. The thoughtful holes on the undersurface of the pedals add a delightful finishing touch, while the standalone paddle shifter on the left-hand side, inherited from the discontinued i8 supercar and conveniently tagged as ‘Increase’, is a clever nod to its heritage. By activating this function, you can switch into Increased Mode, releasing the full potential of your battery power for a duration of 10 seconds, making it ideal for overtaking and other high-performance driving situations such as launch control and cornering.
While the discreet placement of fan vents beneath the display screen shows ingenuity, the directional fan toggles on the rear of the mid-stack appear awkwardly positioned. Despite its roomy and airy interior, the i5’s rear-seat legroom can be somewhat limited when sitting behind someone of my 6-foot stature. The generous headroom provides a spacious atmosphere throughout, while the large entrance portals facilitate easy entry and exit. The lack of a functioning sunroof is indeed a disappointment, and the cramped trunk space exacerbated by the battery placement is a frustrating design choice.
The BMW i4 M50 eDrive xDrive40 sedan stands out as a truly exceptional electric vehicle when considered independently. Standing distinct from its rivals, this vehicle truly shines, boasting a refined powertrain, agile handling, and an unparalleled blend of style and sophistication, all underpinned by exceptional build quality. Let Porsche’s electric future begin without those distractions? The company has announced a slew of new EV models to take on the likes of Tesla, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz in the growing market for all-electric vehicles. That’s the entire package deal, and we’ve consistently touted one of the top electric vehicles (EVs) over the past year.
2025 BMW i5 xDrive40
Brooklyn Gray Metallic
$83,700
$97,750
2,995
5,060 / 1,900 / 1,505
A robust 84.3 kWh high-voltage battery and a pair of potent electric motors.
389 hp
435 lb-ft
Single-speed computerized
Entrance and rear electric motors collaborate seamlessly with advanced all-wheel-drive technology to deliver unparalleled traction and control.
: 428 km
: 360 km
Pirelli P Zero tires, sized 275/35R20 on the rear and 245/40R20 on the front.
