For over 50 years, the BMW 5 Series has come to represent three key things: status, performance and perhaps most importantly, driving pleasure. These values are not mutually exclusive, and BMW insists that they hold true whether a combustion engine or battery powers your car.

That principle defines BMW’s current strategy of offering the same models with different powertrains—catering to various markets and customer preferences. This contrasts with archrival Mercedes-Benz, which has introduced a separate lineup of EQ BEV models.

Therefore, in not discounting the talent, and technological prowess of the new (G60) 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 - is it first and foremost a great 5 Series?

Overview

In Malaysia, the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 (i5 40e) is essentially one of three variants in the new (G60) BMW 5 Series lineup:

• BMW 520i: RM 359,700
• BMW i5 eDrive40: RM 420,100
• BMW i5 M60: RM 499,100

All prices include the five-year extended warranty package.

As the all-electric sibling in the 5 Series lineup, the i5 eDrive40 carries the same design language as the rest of the 5 Series range.

The i5 40e variant features a rear-mounted electric motor producing 340 PS and 430 Nm of torque, enabling a (claimed) 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.0 seconds. With an 83.9 kWh battery (gross), it boasts a WLTP-certified range of up to 582 km.

Charging-wise, the Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i5 enables AC charging with an output of up to 11 kW. DC fast charging is rated at up to 205 kW.

In terms of dimensions, the BMW i5 eDrive40 measures 5,060 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,995 mm. This represents an increase of 97 mm in length, 32 mm in width, 36 mm in height, and 20 mm in wheelbase compared to its (G30) predecessor. Boot space is rated at 490 litres.

It also gets the new vertical LED DRLs, the famed M Sport Package and the M high gloss Shadowline package with gloss black trims and 20-inch BMW Individual 954 wheels. Meanwhile, the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear setup equipped with an adaptive suspension system and rear-axle steering ensure agility and comfort levels.

Inside, the BMW i5 eDrive40 features a curved display stretching across the dashboard, integrating a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It runs on BMW’s latest Operating System 8.5, offering a seamless user experience with advanced features like Proactive Care and an interior roof camera for added functionality and security.

In terms of advanced driver-assistance systems, the BMW i5 eDrive40 features the Driving Assistance Professional package, which includes features like Distance Control with Stop and Go, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Speed Limit Assist, and advanced navigation guidance.

Exterior

BMW's "clear and reduced" design language—first introduced on the 7 Series—has proven divisive, and the i5’s styling follows in that tradition, though undeniably, it looks better in the flesh than in pictures.

Despite being larger in every way than its predecessor, with a longer 2,995 mm wheelbase, the design maintains a certain tautness and proportion that belies its bulk.

Love it or hate it, the i5 eDrive40, like all its forebears, still commands attention on the road.

Interior

The interior of the i5 eDrive40 marks a significant shift toward modern minimalism. A seamless curved display spans the top of the dashboard, housing a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen.

Running BMW's Operating System 8.5, the system has been redesigned with vertically arranged icons on the driver’s side, making it intuitive and easy to use once you're familiar with it. The amount of physical buttons has been dramatically reduced, creating a clean, uncluttered look.

One highlight is the optional BMW Interaction Bar, a backlit crystalline surface that extends across the dashboard and onto the door panels, integrating touch-sensitive controls for functions like climate control and lighting. It does add a futuristic touch to the interior, though whether you like using it will depend on individual preference.

The Malaysian-spec i5 eDrive40 is fitted with 'vegan-based' Individual Merino leather upholstery. Despite its 'origins', the seats are comfortable and well-textured, though they fall short of the plushness you’d find in a Lexus. On a long three-hour driving stint, and I found the seating position and overall comfort to be commendable. The only minor drawback is a slight offset in the driving position, which doesn’t cause discomfort but is noticeable.

One of the more impressive aspects of the interior is the sound system. BMW has rarely been known for offering standout audio systems, but the Bowers & Wilkins 18-speaker setup in the i5 eDrive40 is exceptional. Delivering 655 Watts of sound, it rivals the best in this segment, offering deep bass and clear highs that work beautifully regardless of the music genre.

However, not everything inside the i5 is perfect. Some of the plastics, particularly on the lower part of the door cards and around the centre console, feel cheap and out of place in a car with a price tag of over RM 400k.

The same can be said for the flimsy-feeling wiper and light stalks, as well as the plasticky power window switches. These small but noticeable issues take away from the overall ambience of the interior. Additionally, the haptic lock/unlock buttons require more pressure than expected to operate, which detracts from the functionality the rest of the switchgear provides.

Driving Experience

The ultimate question: does the i5 40e deliver the iconic 5 Series driving experience? The short answer is yes.

BMW has perfected the art of making an electric car feel as intuitive and enjoyable as its internal combustion counterparts. The i5 eDrive40 is a masterclass in power modulation. Every throttle input is carefully metered, providing a smooth and natural driving experience that won’t alienate even first-time EV drivers.

The car feels like it "shrink-wraps" around you as soon as you hit the road, which is a hallmark of any BMW in my opinion.

Performance-wise, the i5 40e packs a punch. With 340 PS and 430 Nm of torque, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a tested 5.67 seconds, besting even BMW’s official claim of 6.0 seconds, during our test, so it's plenty quick. 

On the road though, the car feels light and neutral, making it easy to drive even in congested traffic or on winding roads, add to this the rear wheel steering. The brakes are superb too, delivering excellent feedback and force when needed. Even under hard braking, the car remains composed, pulling up to 1.0 G to bring the car to a full stop.

Switching to 'Sport' mode sharpens things up—the steering becomes tighter, and the suspension and power delivery feel more responsive. While it may not be as exhilarating as engaging Sports modes in older internal combustion models, it still manages to enhance the driving experience without feeling like a gimmick.

I say this because I'm not exactly sure what the ‘Relax’, ‘Expressive’ and ‘Digital Art’ modes do besides put on a light show.

As for the suspension, it’s well-tuned for a car of the i5’s size and weight. Despite the 20-inch wheels and sports springs that come with the M Sport package, the ride remains supple even on poorly patched roads. Compared to its main rival, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line, the i5 40e handles larger bumps with more composure and feels surefooted on washboard-type highway surfaces.

Through faster corners, the i5 40e works hard to maintain grip and stability. It corners relatively flat but can’t fully hide its mass during quick directional changes or under heavy braking in tight bends. While it remains impressive, there's only so much you can do to fight the laws of physics with a vehicle this heavy.

In terms of overall efficiency, during our typical energy consumption test, starting with 80 percent SOC, we covered a test distance of 111.3 km with a nice 50/50 split between highway and inner-city travel.

Requiring 21.59 kWh to recharge to 80 percent SOC, the i5 40e delivered an average energy efficiency of 19.39 kWh/100 km, which is impressive for a car of its size and power levels. Note, that the car was also driven through heavy rain during the test distance, so the numbers could have been slightly better as well.

Where the driving experience slightly falters again is cabin refinement. Road noise from the footwells starts creeping in past 90 km/h, particularly on rough, concrete surfaces. However, on smoother roads, the i5 40e maintains decent refinement levels, delivering the quiet and composed ride you’d expect at most times.

Separately, the steering, while accurate, feels a bit too light, especially given the car’s rapid acceleration. I would prefer a bit more heft to instil greater confidence at higher speeds. These minor issues slightly detract from an otherwise great driving experience.

Conclusion

So yes, the BMW i5 eDrive40 delivers on the essential promise of a 5 Series: it provides a fantastic driving experience and stands out against its closest rival, the Mercedes-Benz EQE, in terms of ride comfort, on-road dynamism, and powertrain calibration.

Also if consider the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line's RM 429k price tag, the i5 40e is a tad cheaper too. However, the EQE does offer a bigger battery, longer driving range and better overall refinement.

Where the i5 falls short is in some of the interior materials. Cheap plastics in critical touchpoints—especially for a car over RM 400k—are hard to overlook. While cutting costs is understandable in certain areas, it feels more noticeable in the i5 eDrive40 than it would in other cars.

Then perhaps at the end of the day, the old saying holds true, the same as it did 20 years ago: if you want luxury and refinement, get the Mercedes. But if you love to drive—whether it's electric or not—get the BMW.

Also read: Electric 5 Series is here, from RM 419,800: BMW i5 eDrive40 launched in Malaysia; 340 PS/430 Nm, 582 km

Also read: Review: 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 - Who says all EVs drive the same?