German legacy automaker BMW unveiled plans to update its expanding electric vehicle portfolio, including launching the new i5 all-wheel drive (AWD) variant of its popular electric sedan this spring.
Timeline
According to NewsBytes, the new i5 xDrive40 will officially start production in March 2024.
BMW plans to debut this new dual-motor variant as a 2025 model, sitting between the eDrive40 and M60s.
Notably, the all-electric 5 series is among the latest additions to the brand’s electric vehicle portfolio. It only hit the market last year as a 2023 model, starting with the eDrive40 and higher tier M60 version.
BMW also recently teased a new i5, which recent reports suggest to be the i5 M60 Touring. However, it will not reach the North American market.
Nonetheless, American customers can expect the launch of the upcoming third electric i5 variant in the region.
What can you expect from the new i5 EV?
BMW omitted to share any official photos of the new i5 xDrive40. As of now, we only know some of the key specifications of the new electric i5. Refer to the table below:
| Items | Specs |
| Powertrain | Dual motor AWD (fifth-generation electric drive units) |
| Output | 390 horsepower |
| Peak Torque | 435 lb-ft |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 5.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Battery | 84.3 kWh (usable energy) |
| Charging Capacity | AC charging rate: 11 kWDC charging rate: Up to 205 kW10-80% recharge in 30 minutes |
Other features and pricing
Apart from the technical details mentioned above, the BMW i5 xDrive40 will also offer Plug & Charge features. Its iDrive system can also support up to five individual accounts from various charging networks.
Moreover, it will also come with an over-the-air (OTA) software update to the Operating System 9 (previously 8.5 on the other i5 models), including the following:
- Upgraded smartphone integration like Siri voice command
- Updated BMW Maps with enhanced nearby charging station display
The 2025 BMW i5 xDrive40 will hit the US market with a base MSRP of $70,100 (excluding the $995 destination and handling fee). For comparison, the entry-level 2024 i5 eDrive40 costs $68,000, while the M60 sells at $88,600.
