The 2025 BMW i5 eDrive40 rolls in as the slick, entry-level exec saloon in BMW's electric 5 Series lineup. It’s all about blending that classic Bimmer driving joy with zero-emission cruising, aiming to give rivals a proper headache. This rear-wheel-drive machine promises a taste of premium electric motoring, focused on efficiency and a balanced performance. With a new price tag around €70,200 in Europe, it positions itself as a compelling option for those wanting a sophisticated EV experience without necessarily needing the all-out poke of pricier trims. It's a sharp contender in the premium electric sedan game!
For the 2025 model year, the i5 eDrive40 solidifies its spot as the accessible gateway to the electric 5 Series experience. While the i5 range itself is fresh, 2025 sees BMW refining its offerings. Expect the latest iDrive 8.5 software bringing smoother interactions and potentially new connected services. Some markets will see the awesome Highway Assistant with active lane change activated by just looking! Plus, as BMW often does, look out for fresh paint choices and alloy wheel designs to keep things spicy. This eDrive40 trim itself is a key part of the 2025 story.
The i5 eDrive40 is a proper looker, sporting a modern take on BMW's iconic sedan silhouette. Up front, the kidney grille can be optioned with illumination for extra road presence, flanked by sleek, standard LED headlights. It’s got that athletic stance, stretching 5060 mm in length, 1900 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and standing 1515 mm tall, making it a substantial yet elegant machine. The eDrive40 trim often comes with distinctive aero-optimised wheels, usually 19-inchers, contributing to its slippery profile. It’s unmistakably a Bimmer, just future-proofed.
Step inside the i5 eDrive40 and you're greeted by BMW's stunning Curved Display, merging a 12.3-inch driver display with a 14.9-inch touchscreen running the slick iDrive 8.5 system. Quality is top-notch, with standard "Veganza" vegan upholstery feeling plush. Passenger space is generous for five. Boot space is a practical 490 litres, expanding to 785 litres with the seats folded down. Sadly, no frunk for your charging cables here. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep you connected. It’s a proper tech-laden exec express!
This eDrive40 is no slouch, hitting 0-100 km/h in a brisk 6.0 seconds! Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) at the rear axle churns out a healthy 250 kW and 400 Nm of torque, delivering that classic, engaging rear-wheel-drive Bimmer feel. It’s not just about straight-line poke; the ride is beautifully judged, balancing comfort with agility. Multiple regenerative braking modes, including an adaptive setting, allow for efficient cruising and even one-pedal driving if that’s your jam. It’s a smooth operator with a playful side.
Juice for the i5 eDrive40 comes from an 81.2 kWh usable battery, giving a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 489 km – pretty decent for everyday adventures and a bit of motorway munching! It sips energy at about 6.02 km/kWh. For charging, its CCS Type 2 port handles AC charging up to 11 kW standard (a full top-up in about 8.25 hours), with a 22 kW optional upgrade (around 4.25 hours). Find a potent DC charger, and it’ll guzzle up to 206 kW, zapping from 10-80% in roughly 30 minutes.
BMW doesn't skimp on safety, and the i5 eDrive40 benefits from this, having scored a top-notch 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. Standard kit usually includes essentials like front collision warning and lane departure warning. For the full suite of clever clogs tech, you'll likely be looking at the optional Driving Assistant Professional pack. This typically adds adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane centering, and blind-spot monitoring, making long journeys a doddle. Parking Assistant features are also usually available to help squeeze it into tight spots.
Owning an i5 eDrive40 comes with decent peace of mind. In Europe, BMW typically offers a 3-year, unlimited-kilometre basic vehicle warranty, though this can vary slightly by country. Crucially, the high-voltage battery is covered for a robust 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. The electric powertrain components are generally covered under the main vehicle warranty. BMW also offers Service Inclusive packages, which can cover routine maintenance for a fixed period, and their electric vehicles are building a solid reputation for reliability.
BMW i5 eDrive40 (2023-2025) 
