The BMW i5 has quietly become one of the most complete electric vehicles money can buy in 2025. Now available in both Sedan (G60) and Touring (G61) variants, the updated i5 range combines a class-leading electric powertrain, genuine long-distance ability, and the driving dynamics that still separate BMW from the pack—even when there’s no combustion engine under the hood.
What’s New for 2025?
BMW didn’t reinvent the wheel for the mid-cycle refresh, but the changes are meaningful:
- Silicon-carbide (SiC) inverter technology across the board → up to 4.5 % efficiency gain
- New low-rolling-resistance tires (19–21″) → +20–30 km WLTP range depending on model
- Revised battery thermal management → faster DC charging in cold weather
- Standard BMW Digital Key Plus and Highway Assistant (Level 2+ hands-off driving)
- New exterior colors: Vegas Red, Fire Red, and Frozen Pure Grey metallic
- Optional Illuminated kidney contour now available on non-M60 models
Real-world result? The rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 Sedan now shows a genuine 560–580 km (348–360 miles) on a single charge in temperate conditions, while the Touring still manages an impressive 520–540 km despite the extra weight and drag.
Model Line-up and Performance
| Model | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top Speed | WLTP Range | Price (Germany, incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i5 eDrive40 (RWD) | 250 kW (340 hp) | 430 Nm | 6.0 s | 193 km/h | 550–582 km | €79,900 |
| i5 xDrive40 (AWD) | 295 kW (401 hp) | 590 Nm | 5.4 s | 215 km/h | 538–567 km | €83,500 |
| i5 M60 xDrive (AWD) | 442 kW (601 hp) | 820 Nm | 3.8 s | 230 km/h | 506–551 km | €115,500 |
| i5 eDrive40 Touring | 250 kW (340 hp) | 430 Nm | 6.1 s | 193 km/h | 514–538 km | €82,500 |
| i5 xDrive40 Touring | 295 kW (401 hp) | 590 Nm | 5.6 s | 215 km/h | 505–528 km | €86,300 |
| i5 M60 xDrive Touring | 442 kW (601 hp) | 820 Nm | 3.9 s | 230 km/h | 485–510 km | €118,000 |
The M60 remains the performance king, but most buyers rightly gravitate toward the eDrive40—plenty fast in daily use and noticeably more efficient.
Charging: Where the i5 Still Leads the Segment
- 205 kW max DC rate (10–80 % in ~30 minutes)
- Improved 11 kW AC onboard charger now standard
- Plug & Charge at Ionity, Electrify America, and most European networks
- Predictive thermal preconditioning via My BMW app
In real-world testing across Europe this summer, a 10-minute stop at a 350 kW station typically added 280–320 km of range—enough for most drivers to skip the next planned stop entirely.
Interior & Practicality: Yes, the Touring Is That Good
The Sedan already offers 520 liters of trunk space (only 10 liters less than the combustion 5 Series), but the Touring is the one that makes rivals sweat:
- 570 liters with seats up
- 1,700 liters with seats folded
- 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench
- Hands-free powered tailgate and separate glass hatch
- Optional folding tow hitch rated for 2,000 kg (braked)
Families and weekend warriors finally have an electric wagon that doesn’t force compromises.
Driving Experience: Still a “5 Series” at Heart
Adaptive air suspension with rear-axle steering remains the single best option you can tick. Combined with the near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the i5 corners with a composure that the heavier Mercedes EQE and Audi A6 e-tron simply can’t match. The M60 is almost comically fast in a straight line, yet the eDrive40 feels lighter on its feet in the twisties—proof that horsepower isn’t everything.
Ride comfort is excellent on 19-inch aero wheels; only the optional 21-inch packages start to feel firm on poor surfaces. NVH levels are class-leading—BMW’s acoustic glass and extra sound deadening pay real dividends on the motorway.
Should You Buy One in 2025?
If you need a luxury EV that can comfortably cover 400+ km between charges, carry four adults and their luggage in near-silence, and still put a grin on your face on a winding road, the answer is a resounding yes.
The i5 Touring, in particular, has no direct rival right now. The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is sportier but smaller and far more expensive; the Audi A6 Avant e-tron won’t arrive until mid-2026.
Bottom line: The 2025 BMW i5 isn’t just keeping pace with the electric transformation—it’s currently leading the executive class where it matters most: real-world range, charging speed, driving involvement, and everyday usability.
Ready to go electric without compromise? The i5 Sedan and Touring make a very compelling case.
