2023 BMW i5 eDrive40 new car review

This well-known traditional maker has launched a luxurious sports sedan that is unlike any it has built before.

2023 BMW i5 eDrive40.

The eighth-generation BMW 5-Series is like none before it. It’s available as an EV for the first time and the brand believes the electric variants could be the top sellers.

There is only one petrol 5-Series, the 520i, priced from about $127,000 drive away.

The electric i5 is about $40,000 more than the petrol version.

The next step up is the electric i5 eDrive40 with a single motor powering the rear wheels, a hefty leap at about $168,000.

As with the 520i, the i5 comes with a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen.

But its alloy wheels grow from 19 to 20 inches and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system of the 520i is traded for a 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins.

It also has adaptive suspension and higher quality leather as well as a five-year Chargefox subscription for public charging.

The most expensive model is more than $230,000.

At the top of the i5 tree is the circa-$231,000 i5 M60 xDrive that adds a front motor (for all-wheel drive), 21-inch wheels, quad-zone ventilation, ventilated front seats and a rear spoiler.

Bigger than its predecessor, the 5-Series has a cabin that oozes luxury.

Inside the i5 nails the luxury brief, though.

The low-slung seating position reinforces the sportiness and creates a nicely cocooned driver’s seat, although storage is limited. The 490-litre boot of the i5 is 30L smaller than the 520i, but it has an underfloor cavity for storing cables.

The infotainment system has a number of apps that take mastering and there are some Tesla-esque touches, such as the ability to stream video and play games when stationary. Haptic touch pads and buttons help with navigating the screen.

The base i5 eDrive40 uses a single rear mounted motor.

Semi concealed air vents keep the dash looking clean but the separate toggles to adjust the air direction are not immediately obvious.

Those in the rear have generous headroom, although the middle occupant has to battle with a sizeable hump on the floor, even in the electric i5 variant.

Dual USB-C ports are matched by another in each of the backs of the front seats, while there are two more up front. The i5 also has rear ventilation controls and seat heaters.

In 520i guise, there’s not the effortless grunt some may expect. A 153kW/330Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo with 48V mild-hybrid assistance is slick and free revving but needs those revs to build pace.

The potent range topper makes an impressive 442kW and 820Nm.

Thankfully the slick eight-speed transmission is in step, although there’s some occasional hesitation from a standstill when the engine has to refire.

The i5 adds to the dynamic depth with more responsiveness. A healthy 250kW and 430Nm creates decent shove off the mark and maintains an effortless surge as speed builds. Those wanting more can choose the potent M60 with 442kW/820Nm.

Delving into the drive modes allows you to dial up some futuristic synthesised motor sounds, while also tweaking the cabin lighting and cluster display.

The i5 is great to drive with crisp steering and excellent cornering ability.

In any mode there’s always the near-instant responses and impressive efficiency. Crisp steering and beautiful balance endow it with excellent cornering manners.

It’s also quiet and comfortable, although the firm ride can jitter over successive bumps.

Claimed range is 582km (616km for the M60) but during our drive something below 500km seemed more likely.

Both i5 models have a claimed range of more than 500km.

The BMW’s 22kW on-board charger can take advantage of the highest output AC chargers, providing a full charge in about four hours. A slower single-phase wallbox would take roughly 12 hours, while DC fast charging at up to 205kW restores the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in about half an hour.

While traditionalists may gravitate towards the more affordable 520i, those prepared to splash out will be rewarded with a more exciting drive in the i5.

VERDICT

Slick driving electric four-door plays to the BMW strengths and provides a tempting alternative for those open to an electric sports sedan.

BMW i5 eDrive40

PRICE: From about $168,000 plus on-roads

POWER: Single electric motor, 250kW/430Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Five yrs/unlimited km, $2350 for six yrs/unlimited km

SAFETY: Auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, 360-degree parking camera, driver monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, radar cruise control

RANGE 582km

SPARE Repair kit

BOOT 490 litres

Originally published as 2023 BMW i5 eDrive40 new car review