BMW did not build the i5 to shock you with gimmicks. It is meant to quietly replace the weekday executive car with something electric, capable, and unmistakably BMW. In practice, it mostly succeeds. The i5 is calm to drive, quick when you need it, and loaded with the sort of tech buyers expect in 2025.
Quick Facts and Specifications
Quick facts first. The i5 uses an 81–84 kWh usable battery, depending on market and trim, and offers rear-wheel and dual-motor all-wheel drive variants. EPA and WLTP ranges vary by model and wheel size, but expect roughly 240 miles for the high-performance M60 and up to the mid-300s miles for the more efficient eDrive variants under ideal conditions. Peak DC charging sits around 205 kW, which lets you jump from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes on a fast charger.
Driving Experience
On the road, the i5 feels like a 5 Series that learned to be electric. Steering is precise and weighted; body control is firm without being harsh. The M60 model transforms that quiet composure into almost sports-car urgency, accelerating hard and cleanly. Choose the eDrive40 and you get a composed cruiser that returns better real-world range and a gentler ride. If you value steering feedback and confidence at speed, the i5 rewards you.
Interior and Technology
Inside, BMW leans on its curved display and clean, driver-focused layout. The materials are high quality, and the seats are supportive for long drives. BMW Operating System 9 runs the infotainment; it is responsive and full of features, though some functions hide behind menu layers. There are useful creature comforts too: high-quality audio options, multiple driver profiles, and advanced digital key features. None of it feels experimental. It feels deliberate.
Practicality and Daily Use
Practicality is a highlight. The cabin is roomy enough for four adults, and the Touring (estate) version adds real luggage capacity for trips. Regenerative braking is intuitive and can be set to a single-pedal feel if you want. Cold weather will reduce range, as with all EVs, but BMW’s thermal management and recent efficiency tweaks introduced in 2025 help narrow that penalty. If you live in a city and charge at home, the i5 will cover most weekly drives.
Price and Value
The i5 starts in the high five-figure range in the U.S. and climbs quickly as you add options or choose the M60. Running costs can be attractive compared with comparable petrol or diesel executive cars, but option-heavy builds approach luxury sedan money. For buyers who want a premium EV that prioritizes driving feel and refinement over headline range numbers, the i5 lands in a sensible spot.
Conclusion
The BMW i5 2025 is not the boldest EV on the market, but it is one of the most coherent. It keeps BMW’s driving DNA intact while giving you modern electric efficiency and charging convenience. If you want an executive EV that feels like a proper BMW rather than an electric compromise, the i5 deserves a test drive.
