While the marketplace has cooled down a bit on EVʻs, that really hasnʻt stopped them from being some of the most interesting vehicles on the road. And it seems they fall into two camps – uniquely different vehicles, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, and mainstream vehicles that just happen to have EV powertrains – making it an easy switch to the EV fold.

Weʻve always loved BMW sedans for their looks, sporty driving dynamics and tech, so when we had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a 2026 i5 with a super smooth EV powertrain, well, we jumped at the chance!

Sporty and Familiar

The entire 5-series lineup was all-new for 2024, and it was a handsome replacement to an already good-looking vehicle. At first glance, itʻs hard to tell the difference between gas and EV versions of the new 5 – which we think is part of the plan – and it works well.

This is a notably larger vehicle than before, 3.4-inches longer, 1.3-inches wider and 1.4-inches taller, and it gives more presence on the road.

Itʻs also a handsome piece, up front featuring the now familiar oversized double kidney grille; however, the snout is smaller than some other models. Nearly vertical LED running lights give a cool signature design, and combined with a larger lower fascia with side grilles, itʻs an aggressive first impression – especially when blacked out in our testerʻs M Sport trim.

The profile has a newfound simplicity thatʻs clean lines, a small swept-back greenhouse, and lower blacked-out trim. We especially loved the special optional 21-inch Individual Aero Bicolor 95 style wheels that are just the perfect blend of bling and performance, and really show off the optional red M Sport brake calipers.

The rear continues the clean and crisp vibe, with L-shaped taillights with four horizontal LED strips serving up the lighting. More blacked-out trim in the lower fascia adds the sporty vibe.

While all 5-series are handsome, the M Sport package raises the bar (and eyebrows) with large air intakes at the front, flared side skirts and window trim in high-gloss black, a rear apron with diffuser insert, as well as 19-inch, M light alloy wheels.

Adding to that, our tester enjoyed the available M Sport Professional package, with illuminated BMW kidney grille framed in high-gloss black, M Shadowline headlights, a tasteful rear lip spoiler, and Extended Shadowline trim. 

Our tester wore extra-cost Phytonic Blue Metallic paint, and itʻs one of our favorite colors – we love BMWs in blue! And it just really made all the M Sport goodies visually pop for a stunning overall presentation.

Tech on Display

Inside is BMWʻs tech-forward version of luxury, starting with the fully digital BMW Curved Display, which serves up a 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch Info-tainment touchscreen, which melds into a single band of high-tech goodness. The driver gets the familiar version of BMW’s instrument design with angled shapes that have floating bars to indicate speed, power level, etc., while a digital number for speedo makes for a quick read. We also liked the graphic range display that gives you current, minimum, and maximum ranges so youʻre dialed into the facts easily.

The info-tainment is BMWʻs excellent Operating System 8.5, with swipe-able tiles giving access to main features, and deeper menus. To be honest, this is not a jump-in-and-go type of system, it will take some familiarization to know where things are, and how to get to them. Once familiar though, it makes sense.

Under the screen are slider bar controls for some of the key climate control features, while others still need to be activated on the touchscreen. BMW helps simplify by allowing many of the adjustments to be done by voice.

Weʻre thankful that BMW includes a traditional start/stop button and shift lever nub in the center console, while a central knob – in a cool optional crystal on our tester – gives super easy access to key features, along with an easy-to-use roller for volume.

You also have haptic controls for key features, including the around view monitor system. We found this area to be our go-to for day-to-day driving – but the piano black can be a little reflective and smudgy, though.

BMW makes great sport seats, and our i5 with the M Sport package was super supportive and comfy. A cool faux leather called Veganza is used on the i5, and it gives off rich leather-like vibes. The M Sport steps up the game with seat surfaces in a unique Veganza/Alcantara finish, while the cabin gets a glow-up with translucent accents in red and blue, M pedals, and even M-specific displays.

Keeping things light and bright, our tester had the panoramic Sky Lounge roof in place of the standard slid-and-tilt moonroof – offered for the first time in any BMW 5 Series sedan. We love the light, bright feel – you just have to be ok with a roof that doesn’t open or tilt for ventilation. We think it’s great that BMW gives you a choice!

Standard on all models is impressive rear seat room, and you don’t lose any rear seat space between the i5 and gas-powered models – a real plus. The trunk area is a bit smaller due to the battery, but still quite spacious, and the rear seats also split and fold to give you plenty of cargo-carrying ability.

Ultimate Driving EV?

The best part of the i5 is that it serves up the kind of driving experience you’d expect from a BMW with sporting pretensions.

There are actually three i5 choices to tempt you. The base i5 eDrive40 features a single all-electric motor, with rear-wheel drive and 335 horsepower. Stepping up to the i5 xDrive40, like our tester, gets you dual electric motors, all-wheel drive, and 389 horsepower.

Those wanting the ultimate i5 should consider the M60 also with dual motors and all-wheel drive, pumping out an impressive 593 horsepower.

While that M60 does sound tempting, we found our xDrive40 plenty quick for daily driving, with 435 lb.-ft of torque giving you a strong push off the line, and 0-60 mph in just under 5 seconds, and of course doing it silently reinforces the powerful, luxurious feeling. With our larger wheels and tires, you lose a little range – down to 259 miles – you’ll get closer to 290 miles if you go with the standard 19ʻs.

Charging is reasonable too, if not exactly fast. BMW says with a DC fast charger you’re looking at 10 to 80% in 30 minutes – perfect to grab a quick workout or lunch. To make things even better, new BMW i5 xDrive40 owners receive a complimentary charging plan of 2 years or 1,000 kWh of total energy (whichever comes first) on the Electrify America network. Score!

With the i5 we’d rather be driving than charging, as this is a delight to tear around town. The M Sport adaptive suspension gives you a lovely blend of firm and compliant, and grip from those big 21-inch wheels and tires and AWD means you can hustle through the corners with insouciant ease. The M Sport brakes are up to the task as well and offer good feel.

The only downer for us is the steering, which is light and easy, but serves up little feedback about what the wheel is doing. We’ve found current BMWʻs to be a mixed bag with their electric power steering, some models more involving than others, and unfortunately the i5 steering lacks the engagement we’d hoped for –especially in a BMW.

So instead of having something that begs you to find your favorite curvy road, the i5 is more a supremely confident cruiser that can zip off quick speeds and shorten trips easily. And yes, it does handle – it just seems to be more reserved than enthusiastic.

Is it Worth the Charge?

BMW is a luxury premium brand, so be prepared to spend some money. You can get into a gas engine 5-series starting at $60,500 – a stylish ride at a fair price. But, if you’re looking for an EV, that will be the i5 eDrive40, with a single motor, 335-hp experience starting at $67,100.

Stepping up to our i5 xDrive40 with all-wheel-drive bumps things up to $70,100. We think that’s fair considering the extra performance and all-weather capabilities.

Like most European products, itʻs the options that tempt and help run up a tab. Our tester added Phytonic Blue paint ($650), Driving Assistance Professional package ($2,500), M Sport package ($3,000), 21-inch wheels ($1,800), M Sport Professional package ($1,050), Executive package ($3,100), and front and rear heated seats ($500), for a total of $82,700.

Competitors are also stellar and priced likewise.

We like the Mercedes EQE, with similar performance, but aimed more at luxury than sport. Comparably equipped at $94,030, it’s also a bit of a step up in price.

We also like the Audi A6 e-tron, which offers similar performance but lacks the BMWʻs dynamic chassis and sporty feel. Still, at just over $75,000 comparably equipped, itʻs a smart value.  And if performance and prestige are high on the list, check out the Porsche Taycan. Starting at $108,000 and closer to $130,000 comparably equipped, you pays your dollars for your thrills!

With handsome looks, a rich interior, true BMW performance and EV goodness all in one package, the 2026 BMW i5 is an ultimate driving machine – that just happens to be an EV!