BMW i5 Touring eDrive40

Overview

The BMW i5 Touring eDrive40 storms into the premium electric estate market, offering a compelling blend of practicality, luxury, and that classic BMW driving flair. As the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive option, this wagon is all about sophisticated daily driving with ample space for the family and their kit. While its production run was brief (2024-2025), it aimed to be a key player for those wanting an electric executive load-lugger. In the European market, expect to find nearly-new examples around the €66,900 mark, delivering a premium experience without the all-wheel-drive price tag of its siblings.

What's New for 2025?

For the 2025 model year, the i5 Touring eDrive40 essentially *is* the new kid on the block, marking BMW's much-anticipated entry into the full-size electric wagon segment. This model brought the sleek design and advanced tech of the i5 saloon to a more versatile estate body style. Key introductions for this variant included its specific rear-wheel-drive powertrain configuration, balancing efficiency with traditional BMW dynamics. It represents a fresh option for European buyers seeking a large, luxurious electric estate with impressive range and cutting-edge features from the get-go in its short production window.

Design & Exterior

The i5 Touring eDrive40 boasts a sleek, modern design that’s unmistakably BMW, but with a practical wagon twist. It stretches out to an impressive 5060 mm in length, with a width of 1900 mm and a height of 1515 mm, giving it serious road presence. Up front, you get the contemporary BMW face, likely with striking LED headlights and an illuminated kidney grille option. The eDrive40 trim typically features aerodynamically optimised wheels, and its elongated roofline flows elegantly into a versatile tailgate, making it both a looker and a hauler.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the i5 Touring eDrive40, and you're greeted by BMW's latest cabin philosophy – high-quality materials, a minimalist dashboard dominated by the stunning Curved Display, and a truly premium ambiance. Passenger space is generous for five occupants. Tech-wise, it’s packed with BMW's Operating System 8.5 or 9, featuring crisp graphics, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Cargo is where this wagon shines: a hefty 570 litres in the boot, expanding to a massive 1700 litres with the rear seats folded. Unlike some EVs, there's no frunk here for extra bits.

Performance & Driving Experience

The i5 Touring eDrive40 delivers that signature smooth BMW power, even in this single-motor RWD setup. With 250 kW and 430 Nm of torque from its Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, it scoots from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 6.1 seconds. Top speed is capped at 193 km/h. Expect a refined and comfortable ride, perfect for long-distance cruising, but with enough agility to make twisty roads enjoyable. The rear-wheel-drive layout offers a balanced feel, and various regenerative braking modes allow for one-pedal driving or coasting, tailoring the experience to your preference.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powered by an 81.2 kWh usable battery, the i5 Touring eDrive40 offers a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 455 km, which is plenty for most journeys. Its efficiency is rated at a decent 5.6 km/kWh. For charging, it sports a CCS Type 2 port. AC charging is handled by a standard 11 kW on-board unit, meaning a full top-up takes roughly 7.5 hours. An optional 22 kW AC charger halves that. When you hit a DC fast charger, it can suck up juice at up to 206 kW, zapping the battery from 10-80% in about 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The BMW i5 Touring eDrive40 comes well-equipped to protect its occupants, backed by an excellent 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Standard kit typically includes crucial driver aids like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and speed limit assist. Buyers could often enhance this with optional packages, adding features such as adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality, lane keeping assist with active side collision protection, and advanced parking assistance systems, making both long schleps and tight city manoeuvres a doddle.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Owners of the BMW i5 Touring eDrive40 in Europe are typically covered by a comprehensive vehicle warranty, often for 2 or 3 years with unlimited kilometres, depending on the specific market. Crucially, the high-voltage battery pack usually comes with an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, whichever comes first, guaranteeing a certain level of capacity retention. BMW's electric powertrains are designed for longevity with minimal maintenance. While specific complimentary maintenance packages vary by country, the overall reliability of BMW's electric components is generally considered strong.