Overview
The BMW i5 eDrive40 is the electric 5 Series — same proportions, same interior specification philosophy, same driving character, but with an electric drivetrain in place of the petrol and diesel options. For buyers who have historically specified the 5 Series on a corporate lease or for business use, the i5 provides the most seamless transition to an electric vehicle without changing the fundamentals of the product.
A single rear motor produces 250kW on an 84.3kWh battery. The 582km WLTP range is the longest of any BMW sedan EV currently available in Australia. The 205kW DC charging is unchanged from the rest of the BMW range — adequate for the buyer profile, who typically recharges overnight rather than at highway DC stations.
Key Specification
Battery: 84.3kWh. WLTP: 582km. Drive: RWD. DC: 205kW. 0-100: approximately 6.0s. Price: ~$139,900.
Verdict
The i5 eDrive40 is for business EV buyers who want the 5 Series in an electric format. 582km range makes the car viable for interstate business travel between capitals. The premium over the i4 eDrive35 reflects the larger battery, more range, and the 5 Series’ elevated specification and interior volume.
