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BMW i5 Review: My First Electric Car Experience and Insights

When you’ve been a lifelong fan of performance vehicles, you develop certain expectations. I’ve owned several sports sedans over the years, each with its personality and strengths, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised stepping into the future with the BMW i5—BMW’s first fully electric 5 series.

I wasn’t in the market for a new car when I discovered the BMW i5. I was at a service appointment for my wife’s car (BMW X7 review coming soon) when the new 5 Series at the dealership caught my eye. I have always been a fan of the 5. The thought of going fully electric hadn’t crossed my mind, but the design, technology, and innovation behind this vehicle were too intriguing to ignore. A few test drives later, I jumped into the world of EVs. Here are my thoughts after a couple of months behind the wheel of the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive 40.

2024 BMW i5
2024 BMW i5

Features

When I sat inside the BMW i5, it was clear that this wasn’t just an electrified version of BMW’s renowned 5 series. This car showcases the brand’s commitment to blending performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. Some of the standout features quickly caught my attention, making every drive feel like a futuristic experience.

BMW i5 Navigation
BMW i5 Navigation

BMW Interaction Bar with Ambient Lighting
One of the first things I noticed was the glass BMW Interaction Bar, which runs across the dashboard, into the doors, and seamlessly integrates with the rest of the cabin. It’s not just an aesthetic choice—it’s functional, interacting via personal assistant voice commands. Combine that with customizable ambient lighting, and you have a cabin that feels alive, adapting to your mood and preferences.

BMW i5 Interaction Bar
BMW i5 Interaction Bar

BMW IconicSounds
Another feature I wasn’t expecting to enjoy so much is the BMW IconicSounds. In an electric vehicle, you often miss the growl and rumble of a traditional engine, but BMW has cleverly addressed that with soundscapes designed to enhance the driving experience. These soundscapes, created in collaboration with Hans Zimmer, give you an audible sense of the car’s acceleration and performance. The effect is subtle yet impactful, adding an extra layer of engagement that makes the drive feel more immersive and thrilling.

BMW i5 Head Up Display
BMW i5 Head Up Display

BMW Digital Key Plus
No more fumbling for keys. With BMW Digital Key Plus, my phone has become the ultimate access pass. I can lock, unlock, control the car’s climate in advance, and even start and drive without needing the physical key. Plus, sharing access is as easy as sending a digital key through the My BMW app.

BMW i5 Grille
BMW i5 Grille

BMW My Modes
My Modes provide a highly customizable driving experience by adjusting everything from performance dynamics to interior ambiance. With multiple modes, including Personal, Sport, Efficient, Expressive, Relax, and Digital Art, each mode tailors the car’s settings, such as lighting, sound, and driving characteristics, to match your mood or driving needs. Whether you are seeking a sportier drive, efficient energy use, or a calming atmosphere, My Modes ensures a uniquely immersive experience every time you hit the road.

BMW i5 My Modes
BMW i5 My Modes

Driving Assistants
BMW’s driver assistance technology is nothing short of impressive. The Active Driving Assistant keep the car centered in the lane and adjusts speed based on traffic conditions. The Adaptive Cruise Control Stop & Go, combined with active driving features, makes highway driving almost effortless. You can relax, knowing the car has your back in stop-and-go traffic, making long trips much less exhausting.

BMW i5 Adaptive Cruise Control
BMW i5 Adaptive Cruise Control

Premium and Executive Packages
The BMW i5 I opted for came with the Premium Package, which includes the BMW Curved Display with heads-up display (HUD), BMW Natural Interaction, Parking Assistant Plus, and an Interior Camera. The heads-up display is one of my favorite tech features. It projects critical driving info onto the windshield so my eyes stay focused on the road. The augmented reality graphics on the curved display provide turn-by-turn navigation in a way that feels intuitive and futuristic.

BMW i5 Augmented Reality
BMW i5 Augmented Reality

The Executive Package adds even more tech, enhanced comfort features, and some higher-end materials.

Performance

Transitioning from internal combustion engines to fully electric wasn’t as jarring as I thought. The BMW i5 surprised me with how quickly it won me over.

Powertrain
The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive 40 delivers 335 horsepower, which isn’t jaw-dropping by performance standards but is more than enough to make daily driving a pleasure. Acceleration is instantaneous, thanks to the nature of electric motors, and the car feels light on its feet despite its substantial weight.

The new for 2025 xDrive40 version adds a second motor for increased power and all-wheel drive, ideal in less favorable driving conditions. The M60 version offers even more performance for thrill-seekers, catering to those who want hit 0-60 in just over 3 seconds.

BMW i5 Sport Mode
BMW i5 Sport Mode

Driving Range
Range anxiety—one of the big concerns with EVs—was something I worried about before making the switch. Fortunately, the BMW i5 eDrive 40 offers an estimated range of nearly 300 miles on a full charge, which is more than enough for my daily driving needs. While I haven’t taken it on a long road trip, the app or onboard navigation will strategically plan your journey with charging stops.

BMW i5 Steering Wheel
BMW i5 Steering Wheel

Handling and Ride Quality
BMW’s reputation for driving dynamics is alive and well in the BMW i5. The car handles like a dream, with sharp steering and excellent feedback through corners. It doesn’t feel like you’re driving a heavy EV—rather, it’s agile and responsive, especially in Sport Mode. The suspension is perfectly tuned for comfort and performance, and while you can’t expect the throaty roar of an M5, the i5 still delivers an engaging driving experience.

BMW i5 Seats
BMW i5 Seats

Overall Experience

The transition to electric has been more seamless than I anticipated, and a lot of that credit goes to BMW for making the i5 feel so familiar while pushing the boundaries of technology.

Charging
I had a 240V outlet, and the Level 2 charger included with the car was installed in my garage, so recharging the car at home is a breeze. I usually plug it in when the charge drops below 50%, and it’s good to go in a few hours. I didn’t realize I’d appreciate the convenience of charging at home rather than stopping at gas stations as much as I do.

BMW i5 Charging
BMW i5 Charging at Home

BMW’s App
The BMW app is a feature in itself. I love that I can remotely control so many aspects of the car. From checking the status of the battery to viewing the car’s cameras (both exterior and interior), it’s all available at my fingertips. One of the most fun features is remotely parking the car. Imagine pulling into a tight spot without being in the driver’s seat. This futuristic functionality makes the BMW i5 a tech lover’s dream.

My BMW App Screenshots
My BMW App Screenshots

Interior Comfort and Technology
The cabin is nothing short of luxurious. I opted for the Premium Package, and the extras like the heads-up display and the Parking Assistant have made driving and parking easier. But it’s not just about convenience—the BMW i5 feels like a sanctuary on wheels. The materials are top-notch, and the seats are extremely comfortable, whether just popping down the street or heading out for a longer drive.

BMW i5 Center Console Controls
BMW i5 Center Console Controls

The Sound System Dilemma
If there’s one area where I’m slightly disappointed, it’s the audio system. Our BMW X7 has the optional Harman Kardon Premium Sound System, which is quite good. So, when I saw that this identically named system came standard on the BMW i5, I didn’t think twice about it. However, on my drive home, I quickly realized that the sound quality wasn’t up to par, particularly regarding the bass.

BMW i5 Harmon Kardon Speakers
BMW i5 Harmon Kardon Speakers

BMW had to relocate the subwoofers from the typical location under the seats to the front doors to accommodate the battery, and the result was less than stellar. In retrospect, I probably should have gone for the upgraded Bowers & Wilkins system, but I’ve decided to add an aftermarket subwoofer to correct the issue.

Final Thoughts

After a couple of months with the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive 40, I can confidently say that BMW’s progress into the electric future is nothing short of extraordinary. The BMW i5 brings together the brand’s heritage of performance, luxury, and technology while embracing the benefits of electrification. From the impressive range to the cutting-edge interior tech, this car has exceeded my expectations in nearly every way.

2024 BMW i5
2024 BMW i5

For anyone considering an electric vehicle, especially those loyal to BMW, the i5 is an excellent introduction to the world of EVs. It delivers everything you’d expect from a 5 series, with the added benefits of sustainability and cutting-edge tech. And for those who crave more power, there’s always the xDrive40 or the performance-oriented M60 model.

I hope you found this review helpful. If you have any questions, connect with me on social media. And be sure to check out my other product reviews. Thanks for reading! 

All my reviews are of places I’ve visited or products I’ve purchased, and I take all the photos. Some posts contain partner links from which I may earn a commission. See Full Disclaimer