The auto industry has embraced the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and BMW is at the forefront. Well-respected auto review and advice organization Edmunds recently named the BMW i5 its 2024 “Top Rated Electric Car.”
Edmunds highlighted the 2024 BMW i5’s “standout luxury and performance,” noting it has “a spacious back seat and a sharply designed interior that doesn’t go overboard on tech – plus a quick and silent powertrain. It’s great to drive, exceptionally refined, and boasts a spacious, high-quality cabin.” The editors say they actually prefer it to the gas-powered BMW 5 Series sedan, which is a standout in the mid-range luxury field on its own merits.
Indeed, the 2024 BMW i5 offers a convincing argument for going all-electric:
Two versions – dual-motor M60 with 593 horsepower and single-motor i5 eDrive40 with 335 horsepower. Good range – EPA-tested range for the RWD eDrive40 = 270-295 miles depending on wheel size (Edmunds squeezed out 321 miles); M60 AWD range = 240-256 miles). Great acceleration – M60 = zero-60 mph in 3.7 seconds; eDrive40 = zero-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Technology – The i5 has a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, integrated navigation, and optional head-up display. Climate, radio, and more are voice-controlled. Standard Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, wireless charging pad, and six USB-C ports. The eDrived40 has a Harman Kardon audio system; the M60 has Bowers & Wilkins audio. Safety—Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with automotive braking, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Driving Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, hands-free driving on some highways, lane-keeping assistance, and evasive steering assistance. The Premium package adds the heads-up display and 360-degree camera system. Comfort—The eDrive40 has standard dual-zone climate control, power front seats, and a sunroof. The M60 adds heated front seats. The Luxury Seating package adds heated/ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior — Edmunds: “…better than the interior of just about every other luxury EV out there. The design looks great, and everything you look at or touch is first-rate. … You would be hard-pressed to find a place inside the i5 where it feels like corners have been cut.” Charging—It takes less than 10 hours to charge using a Level 2 charger. Every i5 gets two years of free fast charging at Electrify America stations.
Edmunds is uber-enthusiastic about the 2024 BMW i5. They note that the price is generally lower than other luxury EV sedans while delivering as much or more, making it an excellent value.