What is it?
The i5 is the all-electric version of the eighth-generation 5 Series (G60/G68), built alongside the petrol 5er in Dingolfing. Two Australian variants on a shared 81.2 kWh usable battery: the eDrive40 RWD at 250 kW and 582 km WLTP, and the M60 xDrive at 442 kW combined and 3.8 seconds 0 to 100. 400V architecture, 205 kW DC peak, 5-star ANCAP under 2024 protocols.
The lineup runs from i5 eDrive40 at $155,900 plus on-roads, through to i5 M60 xDrive at $214,900 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
582 km WLTP on the eDrive40 with an 81.2 kWh usable battery, and the first electric M Performance sedan in the 442 kW M60. Highway Assistant remains the most polished hands-off system on sale in Australia.
205 kW peak DC charging trails 800V rivals like the Taycan (320 kW) and Ioniq 5 N (350 kW). Highway Assistant is subscription-locked after the initial trial.
Should you buy the i5?
Reasons to buy
- 582 km WLTP on the eDrive40 with an 81.2 kWh usable battery, and the first electric M Performance sedan in the 442 kW M60. Highway Assistant remains the most polished hands-off system on sale in Australia.
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited km. Battery: 8 years, 160,000 km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2024), full driver-assist suite.
- 490 L boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- 205 kW peak DC charging trails 800V rivals like the Taycan (320 kW) and Ioniq 5 N (350 kW). Highway Assistant is subscription-locked after the initial trial.
- You need 800V DC charging (Porsche Taycan or Audi e-tron GT), more range than 516 km on the performance variant, or a lower entry price (Mercedes-Benz EQE at $135,200).
- Confirm Highway Assistant mapped-motorway coverage on your regular routes, the feature only works on selected 110 km/h motorways. Subscription cost compounds over ownership.
- Top trim climbs to $214,900 plus on-roads.
CarTell.tv review of the BMW i5 is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
