Preview: 2024 BMW 5 Series Introduces i5 Electric Sedan – Consumer Reports

The new 5 Series is available either as a conventional gasoline-powered model or as an EV. BMW hasn’t yet released details about the plug-in hybrid version. The two gasoline engines offered are updated versions of the four- and six-cylinder models that BMW has been using for years.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has a peak power output of 255 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, up a few points from the outgoing model. BMW says four-cylinder models will go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine supplies 375 hp and 384 lb.-ft. of torque, also an increase over its predecessor. BMW says the six-cylinder model will accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both gasoline models will also be outfitted with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that can give a momentary boost of torque during acceleration.

Both the four- and six-cylinder models feed power to the wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The four-cylinder model is available in rear- or all-wheel drive, and the six-cylinder comes standard with all-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy estimates for gasoline models are not yet available.

The electric powertrain comes in two configurations: a single-motor with rear-wheel drive or a dual-motor version with all-wheel drive. The single-motor i5 eDrive40 produces 335 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Motor torque can be temporarily boosted with Sport Boost and Launch control modes. BMW says the eDrive40 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The all-wheel-drive i5 M60 xDrive has an electric motor at each axle for a combined output of 590 hp and 549 lb.-ft. of torque that can be temporarily boosted to 605 lb.-ft. at the touch of a button. BMW says the M60 xDrive will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

All i5 variants come with an 84 kWh battery pack. EPA range estimates for the i5 are not yet available, but BMW estimates that the i5 xDrive40 will go 295 miles on a charge on standard 19-inch wheels, and the M60 xDrive will go 256 miles. The i5 comes with a Max Range mode that limits power and other vehicle functions to conserve battery power. BMW also estimates that when the i5 is connected to a 205 kW DC fast charger, it will be possible to go from 10 percent to 80 percent charge level in about 30 minutes, which is competitive. First-time i5 owners will get a two-year subscription to Electrify America’s DC fast chargers.