The New BMW i5 xDrive40: A Blend of Luxury and Performance
If there is one thing that makes the BMW i5 such a great electric car, it is that it continues the legacy of the 5 Series. It drives as smoothly as the internal combustion engine version, brims with forward-thinking technology, and envelops occupants in a luxurious interior. However, the i5 has lacked a middle ground between the high-performance M60 xDrive and the base eDrive40 RWD. Fortunately, BMW has announced the new xDrive40 variant, which offers AWD traction without the range penalty seen in the M60’s powertrain.
Performance Specifications
The i5 xDrive40 features the same 84.3-kWh battery pack present in all i5 models. Moreover, the new dual-motor powertrain increases total power output to 389 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque. This represents an increase of 54 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque compared to the single motor eDrive40, but it is 201 hp and 151 lb-ft less than the M60 xDrive. Consequently, BMW estimates the i5 xDrive40 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph.
Range and Charging
While BMW has not disclosed the expected range of the i5 xDrive40, it is reasonable to anticipate that this variant will achieve less range than the RWD eDrive40 due to its dual-motor setup. However, it should offer improved range compared to the M60 xDrive with its higher power demands.
One area where BMW has not advanced significantly is in the charging capabilities. The i5 continues with a 205-kW DC fast charging rate. Despite BMW’s claim that this allows you to charge the battery pack from 10 percent to 80 in about 30 minutes, many non-luxury EVs now surpass this rate by 30 to 40 kW, with luxury models often nearing 1.7 times that rate at the upper end. The good news is that all the impressive features of the i5 eDrive40 remain intact in the dual motor xDrive40.
Availability and Pricing
Expect to see the 2025 BMW i5 xDrive40 arrive at dealers around March. The starting price will be $71,095, making it a compelling option for those seeking a luxury electric sedan with enhanced performance.
