2024 BMW i5 eDrive40: First Look Review

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BMW’s long-awaited Tesla Model S alternative has finally arrived in the U.S. – the 2024 i5, and it’s available in eDrive40 and M60 variants. Just as expected, it’s not as advanced as its American nemesis, but there’s plenty more to suggest it could be a better option for many customers. Recently, I had the opportunity to explore the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 in person and see if this model means business. Here are my thoughts about the new electric sedan:

Design

At first look, I’m relieved that the 2024 BMW i5 doesn’t have a bizarre exterior like the i7. While it’s not beautiful or it doesn’t evoke emotions like the significantly more expensive 2024 Lucid Air, or even the E60 from the BMW 5 Series family, I think it looks quite elegant and a little sporty, too.

With automakers chasing high aerodynamic efficiency values, sedans have started losing their traditional proportions and becoming four-door coupes. I like the fact that BMW designers created the 2024 i5 eDrive40 as a proper sedan, emphasizing space and comfort and giving the car an even more distinct personality.

The front-end could’ve looked a little better, especially the plasticky kidney grille and the iX1-inspired swept-back headlamps. BMW’s core design for the lower grille of its cars is becoming an eyesore at this point, and the 2024 i5 eDrive40, too, lacks uniqueness in the lower section at the front. BMW is marketing the car in the M Sport trim everywhere, but in the base Sport trim, this area looks even more dull.

On the sides, in addition to the conventional roofline, I like the flush-fitting door handles. At the back, I think the sleek form factor and thin clusters of the combination lamps are quite striking, but their shape could’ve been better.

I expected the 2024 i5 eDrive40 to have a much better quality than the Model S, for it’s supposed to be a luxurious BMW first and an electric car second, not the other way around. When I examined it for misaligned parts, inconsistent panel gaps, and other manufacturing defects, I found nothing that I could point out in the aspect of quality. The i5 is the quintessential German car.

Interior

Thanks to the normal roof of the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40, I was expecting that ingress and egress wouldn’t be an issue for tall people. I’m six-foot-tall, and I was able to enter the car comfortably.

I found the visibly slim dashboard and sleek dual-cockpit displays quite attractive, but the glass-look light bars integrated into the dashboard and door panels were even more appealing. Integrating touch-operated buttons for controlling the ventilation and AC settings, activating/deactivating hazard warning lights, locking/unlocking the doors, and performing many other functions, they double as functional surfaces. That said, I think certain functions, like operating the hazard lights, would’ve been better off with regular switches and buttons.

I liked the 2024 i5 eDrive40’s seam vents and the discreet placement of the control levers for adjusting the direction of the airflow, both of which add to the minimalist look of the interior. However, I felt that the latter might not be easy to access and seem distracting to some customers.

The glass controls in the center console, though nothing new for a BMW interior in 2024, evoke a feeling of opulence. I was worried that the interior would be a fingerprint magnet because of so many digital surfaces, glass controls, and glossy trim surfaces, and I observed that indeed was the case.

The upholstery and trim materials BMW has used in the 2024 i5 eDrive40 felt very high quality. I appreciate the company giving a leather-free interior option in the car. The various analog controls like the scrollers, switches, and buttons in the cabin were a pleasure to operate, with a tactile feel to them. However, I don’t like the touch-operated door lock button, which offers no feedback and could be tricky to use with gloves on.

The instrument cluster and infotainment system are quite familiar, so they need no explanation, but the latter includes a new feature that allows customers to play casual games like Overcooked, Go Kart Go, Music Guess, and more using their smartphone as a controller. I’m also happy to report that there’s a native YouTube app in this infotainment system and it’s possible to watch videos when the car is stationary, that too in full screen.

Moving to comfort and space levels, the headroom in the front was a bit tight for my six-foot frame. Under-thigh support felt ample, and there was excellent legroom and lumbar support. Storage spaces in the front are only on the doors and the cupholders. The storage box in the center console is big enough to keep a phone and a wallet.

Entering the rear of the 2024 i5 eDrive40 was quite easy, thanks to the wide door and the seats and floor that are higher up relative to the front. Three six-footers like me would not be comfortable in the back. I felt that leg space was adequate and that I had just enough headroom. The angle of the backrests was a bit upright for my liking, while under-thigh support felt ample. 

In my experience, between the 2024 BMW i5 and the 2024 Tesla Model S, the former is more spacious and comfortable. The Bimmer by default gets the upper vote for its relatively more practical interior, thanks to a much higher number of easy-to-use, analog controls. If you were to ask me, the new i5 would be the luxury business sedan of my choice.

Driving impressions

The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 is a single-motor RWD EV with 335 hp and 295 lb.-ft. (317 lb.-ft. with boost/launch control) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 120 mph (electronically limited). An 81.2 kWh battery pack, which takes 30 minutes for a 10-80% DC fast-charging session, gives it an EPA-estimated range of up to 295 miles.

The general opinion about the 2024 i5 eDrive40 from its media drive is that it’s a mixed bag. Apparently, there’s no escaping the fact that it’s a big car, almost as long as the long-wheelbase version (G38) of the seventh-gen 5 Series. That could be disconcerting for customers buying such a big car for the first time, but thankfully, it doesn’t feel as heavy as it is (4,916 lbs.).

A common opinion in the media is that the 2024 i5 eDrive40 is more focused on comfort than driving pleasure. It has a quickly responding steering wheel, and it handles well, but it still feels like it has been engineered to be a plush, soft-riding car, although that’s not to say it’s a floaty car. The transition between the regenerative braking system and frictional brakes is quite seamless, which makes the car feel even smoother. I think chauffeur-driven customers would be happy in the 2024 i4 eDrive40, but driving enthusiasts may “need” to choose the 2024 i5 M60 instead.

Price

The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 has been priced at USD 66,800 (excl. USD 995 destination and handling fee) before options.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 doesn’t have the wow factor of the Mercedes EQE (USD 74,900 onwards), the performance, efficiency, or range of the Tesla Model S (USD 74,990 onwards). The Lucid Air (USD 77,400) beats it in almost every aspect. However, it’s worth noting that it’s the cheapest car in its segment, and that too by a big margin. For customers prioritizing quality, comfort, and value for money, the 2024 i5 eDrive40 is still a great choice for a luxury business sedan.

2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 FAQs

What is the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 release date?

The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 is available at U.S. dealerships.

What is the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 price?

The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40’s prices start at USD 66,800 (excl. USD 995 destination and handling fee).

Which cars are the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 rivals?

The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 competes with the Mercedes EQE and the Tesla Model S.

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