Looking for an electric car that doesn't ask you to compromise on space, style, or performance? The BMW i5 might be the answer. This all-electric executive saloon brings together cutting-edge technology, impressive range, and that signature BMW driving experience—all without a drop of petrol.
Whether you're drawn to the smooth efficiency of the eDrive40 or the thrilling pace of the M60, the i5 lineup offers something for every type of driver. And if you need extra boot space for family trips or weekend getaways, the BMW i5 Touring estate variant delivers practicality without sacrificing style.
Buying used makes even more sense. You get access to premium features and electric performance at a more accessible price point, plus flexible financing options that work around your budget. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the BMW i5—from performance specs to charging tech—so you can decide if it's the right fit for your driveway.
Absolutely. The BMW i5 is an impressive all-electric saloon that stands out in the growing EV market. It combines the refinement and driving dynamics BMW is known for with zero-emission technology, making it a compelling choice for anyone looking to go electric without giving up comfort or performance.
What sets the i5 apart is its versatility. The eDrive40 offers a balanced blend of range and efficiency, whilst the M60 delivers rapid acceleration for those who want more punch. Both models come packed with advanced tech, including BMW's latest iDrive system and a suite of driver assistance features that make long journeys feel effortless.
The i5 also scores highly on practicality. It's spacious inside, with generous rear legroom and a boot that easily swallows the weekly shop. If you opt for the BMW i5 Touring, you get even more cargo space, making it a brilliant option for families or anyone who regularly hauls gear.
In terms of rivals, the i5 goes head-to-head with the Audi e-tron GT and Tesla Model S. Whilst those cars have their strengths, the i5 holds its own with a more engaging drive and a luxurious cabin that feels thoughtfully designed rather than tech-obsessed.
The BMW i5 lineup offers two distinct flavours: the eDrive40 and the M60. Both are rear-wheel drive and pack serious power, but they cater to different priorities.
The eDrive40 is the more efficient option, with a single electric motor producing around 340 horsepower. It delivers smooth, effortless acceleration and a quieter, more relaxed driving experience. This model is ideal if you're prioritising range and running costs.
The M60, on the other hand, is for drivers who want performance with a capital P. With dual motors and all-wheel drive, it pumps out over 590 horsepower, launching from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds. It's seriously quick, and the handling is sharp enough to make every journey feel engaging.
Both models come with adaptive suspension as standard, which means you can toggle between comfort and sportier settings depending on your mood or the road ahead.
Behind the wheel, the i5 feels reassuringly solid and composed. The low-slung battery pack keeps the centre of gravity low, which translates to confident cornering and minimal body roll. It's not as playful as some of BMW's petrol-powered M cars, but it's still more engaging to drive than many electric rivals.
The steering is nicely weighted and offers decent feedback, whilst the ride quality strikes a good balance between comfort and control. Even on longer motorway stretches, the i5 remains quiet and settled, with minimal wind or road noise creeping into the cabin.
The BMW i5 supports rapid DC charging at speeds of up to 205kW, which means you can top up from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes at a compatible public charger. That's quick enough for a coffee break on a long trip.
At home, you can charge using a standard wallbox at speeds of up to 11kW, which will fully replenish the battery overnight. If you're using a three-pin plug, expect much slower charging times—fine for occasional top-ups, but not ideal as your main charging method.
The i5 also features clever pre-conditioning tech that warms the battery before you arrive at a fast charger, ensuring you get the quickest possible charging speeds.
The eDrive40 offers a real-world range of around 320 miles, whilst the M60 sits closer to 290 miles due to its extra performance. Those figures are competitive with rivals like the Audi e-tron GT and Tesla Model S, though the Tesla does edge ahead slightly in pure range terms.
Of course, your actual range will vary depending on driving style, weather, and how often you use features like climate control. But in everyday use, the i5 has more than enough range to handle a typical week of commuting and errands without needing a mid-week charge.
Step inside the i5, and you're greeted by a cabin that feels every bit as premium as you'd expect from BMW. High-quality materials are used throughout, from the soft leather seats to the brushed metal trim. The layout is clean and uncluttered, with physical buttons kept to a minimum in favour of a sleek, modern aesthetic.
The front seats are supremely comfortable, with plenty of adjustment and optional heating, cooling, and massage functions. Rear passengers aren't forgotten either—there's ample legroom and headroom, plus individual climate controls to keep everyone happy.
If you go for the BMW i5 Touring, you also get a massive boot that's perfect for family holidays or trips to the tip. The split-folding rear seats add even more versatility.
The i5 comes equipped with BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 system, which features a curved display that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. It's intuitive to use, with crisp graphics and quick response times.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, as does wireless charging for your phone. The navigation system is excellent, with real-time traffic updates and EV-specific route planning that factors in charging stops.
Voice control is also available, though it can be a bit hit-and-miss depending on your accent or how you phrase commands. Still, it's a handy feature when you're on the move.
The BMW i5 is packed with advanced safety tech. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system that makes parking a breeze.
Higher-spec models add extras like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display that projects key information onto the windscreen. It's a comprehensive package that should give you peace of mind on every journey.
BMW has a solid reputation for build quality, and the i5 is no exception. Owners generally report high levels of satisfaction, particularly when it comes to the driving experience and interior refinement.
That said, electric vehicles are still relatively new territory for BMW, so long-term reliability data is limited. However, the brand offers a comprehensive warranty that covers the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles, which should ease any concerns about expensive repairs down the line.
The used market for the BMW i5 is still developing, as the model only launched recently. However, early examples are starting to appear, often with low mileages and in high specifications.
Buying used can save you a significant amount compared to buying new, especially once you factor in the steep depreciation that affects all electric vehicles in their first few years. Plus, you'll avoid the long waiting times that can come with ordering a brand-new model.
When shopping for a used i5, check the service history carefully and make sure the battery health report looks good. Most used EVs come with plenty of manufacturer warranty remaining, which adds an extra layer of protection.
At Cazoo, we offer flexible finance options that make owning a used BMW i5 more affordable. Whether you're looking for a straightforward hire purchase agreement or a personal contract purchase (PCP) deal with lower monthly payments, we've got options to suit your budget.
Buying used also means you can often afford a higher-spec model than you could if buying new, giving you access to features like upgraded sound systems, premium leather, and advanced driver assistance tech.
The BMW i5 Touring takes everything great about the saloon and adds a generous dose of practicality. It's available in both eDrive40 and M60 variants, so you still get the same performance and range as the saloon—just with a bigger boot.
The estate body style makes it perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who regularly needs to transport bulky items. The boot capacity is genuinely impressive, and the wide opening makes loading and unloading easy.
Despite the extra size, the Touring doesn't feel cumbersome to drive. It handles just as well as the saloon, with the same composed ride and engaging steering.
Inside, the Touring mirrors the saloon's upscale cabin, with the same high-quality materials and tech. Rear passengers get plenty of space, and the boot is thoughtfully designed with practical touches like bag hooks, tie-down points, and an easy-to-clean floor.
If you regularly carry passengers or cargo, the Touring is the obvious choice. It's one of the few electric estates on the market, giving it a distinct advantage over rivals like the Tesla Model S and Audi e-tron GT.
Yes, the BMW i5 can use Tesla Superchargers in the UK, but only at locations that have been opened up to non-Tesla vehicles. Tesla has been gradually rolling out access to its charging network for other brands, so you'll need to check the Tesla app to see which Supercharger sites are compatible. When you do find a compatible charger, you'll need to use the Tesla app to initiate and pay for the charging session. It's worth noting that whilst the i5 supports rapid charging, you may not achieve the same charging speeds at a Tesla Supercharger as you would at a dedicated BMW or other CCS-compatible fast charger.
No, the BMW i5 doesn't come with air suspension as standard. Instead, it features adaptive suspension, which allows you to switch between different driving modes to adjust the ride quality. The adaptive system does a great job of balancing comfort and sportiness, so most drivers won't miss the air suspension option. However, if you're someone who values the added cushioning and adjustability that air suspension provides, you might want to test drive the i5 to see if the adaptive setup meets your expectations. Overall, the ride quality is still impressive and should suit most buyers' needs.
Charging your BMW i5 at home is straightforward. The easiest and quickest method is to install a dedicated wallbox charger, which typically charges at 7kW or 11kW depending on your home's electrical setup. With an 11kW wallbox, you can fully charge the i5 overnight, usually in around 8 to 10 hours. If you don't have a wallbox, you can use a standard three-pin plug, though this will be much slower—expect charging times of over 24 hours for a full charge. BMW often partners with charging providers to offer discounted wallbox installation when you buy an i5, so it's worth asking about that. Once installed, simply plug in when you get home, and your car will be ready to go by morning.
The BMW i5 price varies depending on the model and specification. A brand-new eDrive40 starts at around £70,000, whilst the M60 performance variant sits closer to £90,000. Of course, prices can climb higher once you start adding optional extras like premium paint, upgraded wheels, or advanced tech packages. If you're looking at the BMW i5 Touring, expect to pay a small premium over the saloon for the added practicality. On the used market, prices are more accessible, with early examples available from around £55,000 to £75,000 depending on age, mileage, and spec. Buying used not only saves you money upfront but also helps you avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve.
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