2025 BMW i5 XDrive 40, One of the Best Cars
2025 BMW i5 XDrive 40 First Look: A Keener ‘Tweener?
Looking for more power and range? Then the new BMW i5 xDrive40 might be your ticket.
If there is one thing that makes the BMW i5 such a great electric car is that it’s still a 5 Series. It drives as smoothly as the internal combustion engine version, it’s brimming with forward-thinking technology, and it envelops the occupants in a luxurious interior.
The issue is that the i5 really doesn’t offer a good middle ground between all-out luxury AWD sedan performance in the M60 xDrive and the base eDrive40 RWD. That’s about to change as BMW has announced a new xDrive40 variant that will give you AWD traction without the range penalty of the M60’s juice-thirsty powertrain.
The i5 xDrive40 will retain the same 84.3-kWh battery pack that all i5s come with, but the new dual-motor powertrain will up the total power output to 389 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque. That is 54 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque more than the single motor eDrive40, but 201 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque less than the M60 xDrive. According to BMW, that’s good for a 0 to 60 mph run of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph.
What BMW has not told us is the range. Considering it’s using the same 84.3-kWh pack across all three trims, the i5 xDrive40 is going to get less range than the RWD eDrive40—as it is powering two motors instead of one—but should get far better range than the M60 xDrive and its dual motor setup.
What we’re sad to see is that BMW is still using a 205-kW DC fast charge rate. While it claims that this will charge the i5 battery pack from 10 percent to 80 in about 30 minutes, even non-luxury model EVs are eclipsing that by 30 to 40-kW while many luxury EVs are often close to 1.7 times that at the upper end. The good news is that all the things we also like about the i5 eDrive40 remain on the dual motor xDrive40.
Expect to see the 2025 BMW i5 xDrive40 arrive at BMW dealers around March, and it’ll take $71,095 to start out of your wallet to get your own Bimmer ‘tweener.
2025 BMW i5 Adds 389-HP xDrive40 All-Wheel-Drive Option
This dual-motor configuration, starting at $71,095, splits the difference between the RWD eDrive40 and the AWD M60 in terms of price and power.
BMW
- BMWÂ is adding a new dual-motor, all-wheel-drive xDrive40 trim to the 2025 i5 electric sedan lineup.
- The new xDrive40 trim has two electric motors, one for each axle, and produces 389 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque.
- Production for the new model is scheduled to begin in March, with pricing starting at $71,095.
As we noted in our first-drive review of the new BMW i5 electric luxury sedan, switching between the adequately powered rear-drive eDrive40 and the juiced-up all-wheel-drive M60 is like switching from decaf to straight espresso. Starting with the 2025 model year, the i5’s new xDrive40 trim will bridge that gap in price and performance. In other words, think of the xDrive40 as the pour-over coffee in the BMW i5 hierarchy.
Like in the 593-hp M60 xDrive, power for the xDrive40 comes from two electric motors—one for the front axle and one for the rear. Here, they produce a peak of 389 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque, making the new model considerably more powerful than the 335-hp eDrive40, which drives the rear wheels using a single electric motor. According to BMW, the xDrive40 can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 130 mph.
The new model will feature the same 84.3-kWh battery pack under its floor as the two models currently on sale. While BMW isn’t yet providing a range estimate for the xDrive40, we think it will fall closer to the M60’s 256 mile estimate than the eDrive40’s 295 mile number. We haven’t had a chance to put any version of the i5 through our 75-mph real-world highway fuel economy test, however.
2025 BMW i5 Starting at $68,000 est
- HIGHS: Satisfyingly quick, blends comfort and sport adroitly, posh interior.
- LOWS: Less driving range than key rivals, infotainment tech is borderline complicated, less trunk space than gas 5-series sedan.
- VERDICT: The i5 offers everything that makes the 5-series appealing and adds punchy EV powertrains and well-honed driving chops.
Overview
BMW’s been selling a 5-series luxury sedan for decades, but this latest generation is the first to spawn an all-electric variant called i5. The 2025 i5 offers much the same driving experience as its gasoline-powered sibling, meaning it’s a comfortable and cossetting car with a taste of BMW’s trademark athleticism—minus the sound of a gas engine, of course. While it’s not quite an electric M5 super sedan, the dual-motor M60 xDrive model is close with 590 horsepower and a 60-mph time that we estimate will be just 3.3 seconds.
The i5’s other trims—the 335-hp eDrive40 and the 389-hp xDrive40 aren’t as quick but offer more range, with the rear-drive eDrive40 model topping the lineup with 295 miles per charge. Technology takes over the front seat in the i5, with a sweeping digital dashboard that glows brightly with reconfigurable gauges and BMW’s iDrive 8.5 infotainment interface.
The growing number of EV luxury sedans in the i5’s competitive set includes the posh Genesis Electrified G80, the tech-heavy Mercedes-Benz EQE, and the performance-oriented Porsche Taycan. Like its rivals, the i5 offers an eco-friendliness blended with plenty of luxury. All that’s missing is a trim with enough performance to rival the gas-powered M5.
What’s New for 2025?
The i5 was new just last year, but BMW is already adding a third model to the mix in the form of the xDrive40. This all-wheel drive model features two electric motors for a combined 389 horsepower and a claimed 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds. The driving range hasn’t been announced for this new model yet, but we expect to see it come in a little bit below the rear-wheel drive eDrive40’s 295-mile estimate.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2025 BMW i5 is expected to start around $68,000 and go up to $86,000 depending on the trim and options.
If you’re looking to maximize range, the eDrive40 will be able to sail on for a bit longer than the performance-oriented M60 trim. We’re driving enthusiasts, though, and we’d gladly trade a bit of range for extra horsepower and cornering grip.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Three i5 models are offered, starting with the 335-hp eDrive40, which drives the rear wheels via a single electric motor. If you’re looking for all-wheel drive, the xDrive40 model adds a second electric motor and increases combined output to 389 ponies. An even hotter M60 xDrive model adds a second electric motor on the front axle for a combined 590 hp. During our initial drive in an i5 M60 prototype, we were impressed by the sedan’s agile handling, confidence-inspiring levels of cornering grip, and muscular dual-motor powertrain.
A test drive of production models in Portugal reaffirmed those driving impressions and gave us a chance to appreciate the i5’s refined ride over the area’s pockmarked pavement. M60 models also come with active anti-roll bars, a sporty suspension tune, wider tires, and rear-wheel steering, which are all give the car a more cohesive, athletic feel.
0–60-MPH Times
We’ve driven both the eDrive40 and M60 models, and we estimate that the more powerful of the two powertrains can rocket the i5 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. BMW says the new xDrive40 model can hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, but we estimate it’ll get there even quicker than that. When we get a chance to drive these i5 models on our home turf, we’ll update this story with test results.
An 84.3-kWh battery pack lies beneath the i5’s floorboards, which BMW says holds enough charge to power the eDrive40 model for 295 miles between charges. The dual-motor M60 model is less efficient and carries an estimated range of 256 miles per charge. The car’s battery pack can be hooked up to DC fast-charging stations and is said to be capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes on such a connection. Speaking of charging, BMW will include three years of free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America charging stations with every new i5.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
According to the EPA, the most efficient i5 model is the eDrive40, which is rated as high as 105 MPGe highway. On the other end of the spectrum is the M60 xDrive, which is rated for only 86 MPGe highway. When we get a chance, we’ll take the i5 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with test results. For more information about the 5-series’ fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The i5’s cabin is just as spacious and posh as that of the gasoline-powered 5-series. The battery doesn’t intrude on cabin space, but trunk space is slightly less generous here than in the 5-series. Leather upholstery is still available, but BMW also offers a faux-leather upholstery called Veganza in the i5; a set of glass interior controls is also available and adds a classy touch to the sedan’s cabin. Heated and ventilated front seats with massage are optional on the eDrive40 and standard on the M60 xDrive.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The i5’s dashboard is dominated by a large, curved panel that incorporates a 12.3-inch digital gauge display as well as a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 interface is easy to use and can be updated via over-the-air updates should the need arise for that. A head-up display is optional, but all models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The i5 offers the expected driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, but more advanced features—including BMW’s Highway Assistant hands-free driving mode—are optional. For more information about the i5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The i5 comes standard with the same warranty coverage as BMW’s other electrified models, which means basic coverage for four years or 50,000 miles and more generous protection for the electric vehicle components. All new BMWs also come with a three-year complimentary maintenance plan.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- EV components warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
2024 BMW i5
Vehicle Type: rear- or front- and rear-motor, rear- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base: eDrive40, $67,795; M60 xDrive, $85,095
POWERTRAIN
Motors: 1 or 2 current-excited synchronous AC, 335 hp, 317 lb-ft or 258 and 335 hp, 269 and 317 lb-ft
Power: 335 or 593 hp
Torque: 317 or 605 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 81.2 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 205 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.9 in
Length: 199.2 in
Width: 74.8 in
Height: 59.3–59.6 in
Trunk Volume: 17 ft3
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/45 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4950–5250 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/DÂ EST)
60 mph: 3.3–5.0 sec
100 mph: 8.0–12.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.7–13.6 sec
Top Speed: 120–143 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 85–105/85–104/86–105 MPGe
Range: 240–295 mi
2025 BMW i5 Review
Overview
The BMW i5 — a 2024 Liberty Magazine Top Rated winner — returns for 2025 with a few small updates. Most notably, a dual-motor i5 xDrive40 variant joins the lineup, which gives customers a slight power increase compared to the base model, as well as the added sure-footedness of all-wheel drive.
Regardless of power output, all i5 sedans have an 84.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which can replenish at a maximum charging speed of 205 kW. The base rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40 has a single electric motor that produces 335 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which allows this 4,916-pound sedan to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
The hotter i5 M60, meanwhile, has a dual-motor setup with 593 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque. And despite a 331-pound weight penalty compared to the eDrive40, the i5 M60 is a full 2 seconds quicker to 60 mph, able to do the deed in 3.7 ticks.
Liberty Magazine spotlight: The new i5 xDrive40
From March 2024 on, BMW will sell the 2025 i5 xDrive40, which effectively splits the difference between the aforementioned eDrive40 and M60 models. It’s got the same dual-motor setup as the M60, but more power than the eDrive40: 389 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque. This allows the i5 xDrive40 to sprint to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and it’ll top out at an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. Official EPA range figures are still forthcoming.
The 2025 BMW i5 xDrive40 is priced from $71,095, including $995 for destination. Currently, the 2024 i5 models start at $67,795 for the eDrive40 and $85,095 for the M60, again including a mandatory $995 destination charge.
Competitors to consider
The BMW i5 is a midsize electric sedan, and its closest competitor is the Mercedes-Benz EQE-Class. Other similarly sized sedans to consider are the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S. The upcoming Volkswagen ID.7 will also be a contender when it arrives later this year.
Am I Ready for an EV?
Liberty Magazine says
The BMW i5 is already one of our Liberty Magazine Top Rated picks, and with its split-the-difference specs, the xDrive40 should be a great addition to the lineup.