MSRP: From $67,100
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Overview
The 2027 BMW i5 is a midsize electric luxury sedan based on the gas-powered 5 Series, and it goes up against the Mercedes-Benz EQE, Lucid Air, and Audi A6 e-tron. It holds onto traditional BMW values such as RWD driving dynamics and a driver-focused cabin. The range starts with a 335-hp RWD eDrive40, but there’s also a 389-hp AWD xDrive and a 593-hp AWD M60. The cabin is roomy and comfortable, and incorporates a big curved display with 12.3- and 14.9-inch screens.
BMW
What’s New for 2027
The 2027 i5 M60 gains a native NACS charging port to give it access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. The eDrive40 and xDrive40 get a remote software update to give them NACS adapter support. Adapters for the CCS and J1772 standards are included. Efficiency enhancements boost MPGe figures and range, with the eDrive40 now capable of up to 328 miles on a charge, up from 310 miles.
Exterior
The i5 looks very much the same as the gas 5 Series, with the same basic midsize dimensions, smoothed-off styling, and a fairly traditional-looking BMW kidney grille, and not an oversized one such as found on some other modern BMWs. An Iconic Glow illuminated grille is optional, as is a Dynamic Light Carpet that projects animated entry and exit graphics onto the ground at the doors. The standard wheel size is 19 inches for all trims, but these can be substituted for 20s or 21s, though this impacts range. Full-LED exterior lighting is standard.
BMW
BMW
Interior
The cabin is also as per the 5 Series and is commendably roomy for a midsizer. The seats are upholstered in Veganza leatherette, but an extended Merino leather package is available for $2,450. You can choose from various woods or aluminum for the trim. Dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a garage-door opener, rain-sensing wipers, a glass moonroof (a Sky Lounge panoramic roof is optional), an Interactive Bar with ambient lighting, and heated power front seats are all standard.
The BMW Curved Display comprises a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen behind one glass pane, and system features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
BMW
Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2027 BMW i5’s price is unchanged from last year:
| Trim Level | Trim Name | MSRP |
| Base | i5 eDrive40 | $67,100 |
| Best Value | i5 xDrive40 | $70,100 |
| Top | i5 M60 xDrive | $84,100 |
The xDrive40 is still the best buy, asking only $3K over the base eDrive40 trim for dual-motor AWD and 54 hp/140 lb-ft more.
2027 BMW i5 Key Specs
Powertrain Options
| Model | Motor / Drive | HP | Torque | Transmission |
| i5 eDrive40 | Single motor, RWD | 335 hp | 295 lb-ft | Single-speed automatic |
| i5 xDrive40 | Dual motor, AWD | 389 hp | 435 lb-ft | Single-speed automatic |
| i5 M60 xDrive | Dual motor, AWD | 593 hp | 586 lb-ft | Single-speed automatic |
Performance and 0-60 MPH
| 0-60 MPH | Top Speed | |
| eDrive40 | 5.4 seconds | 120 MPH |
| xDrive40 | 4.9 seconds | 130 MPH |
| M60 xDrive | 3.7 seconds | 143 MPH |
Efficiency and Charging (MPGe)
| Model | City | Highway | Combined | Range | Battery Size |
| i5 eDrive40 | 120 | 113 | 116 | 328 mi | 84.3 kWh |
| i5 xDrive40 | 101 | 98 | 100 | 283 mi | 84.3 kWh |
| i5 M60 xDrive | 100* | 98* | 99* | 277* mi | 84.3 kWh |
The figures above are for 19-inch wheels. Larger wheels reduce range.
*2026 EPA numbers; 2027 numbers were not yet available at the time of writing
The maximum charging speed is 205 kW, which can fill the battery from 10-80% in around half an hour.
Dimensions
| Specification | Detail |
| Length | 199.2 in |
| Width (w/o mirrors) | 74.8 in |
| Height | 59.3 – 59.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 117.9 in |
| Seating | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 17.3 cu-ft |
| Battery (usable) | 84.3 kWh |
| Max DC Charging | 205 kW |
| Curb Weight | 4,881 – 5,225 lbs |
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| EV Battery Warranty | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Standard BMW Curved Display with dual screens
- Complimentary maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles
- Tesla Supercharger access
- Comfortable and sporty
Cons:
- Many controls are touchscreen-only
- M60 range maxes out at 277 miles
- No frunk
Verdict
With a maximum range now approaching 330 miles, BMW has been improving the i5 continuously, but our favourite trim, the xDrive40, does take a 45-mile hit. The touchscreen-heavy controls can also be seen as a negative, but the good driving dynamics expected of a BMW are present and accounted for, and NACS charging is now standard, broadening the i5’s appeal.
BMW
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor