The 2024 i5 comes in two flavors: a base rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40 and an all-wheel-drive i5 M60 xDrive; for this review, I drove an eDrive40.

In most ways, the i5 delivers comfortable, refined and nearly flawless road manners. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard, but my test car was equipped with larger 21-inch wheels; even so, ride quality was a high point, with a rear load-leveling air suspension standard.

If that sounds boring, the i5 isn’t. Direct, linear steering with natural feedback contributes to a dynamic, connected-to-the-road feel, and a tight turning circle makes for super maneuverability. This BMW handles like a smaller car than its mid-size dimensions suggest.

Power is another plus. From a stop, acceleration is potent and seamlessly delivered. The RWD i5 eDrive40 uses an electric motor at the rear axle for maximum power output of 335 horsepower and maximum torque of 295 pounds-feet. A Boost Mode function delivers a bit more oomph, but don’t get too excited: A tap of the Boost paddle near the steering wheel unlocks just 22 more pounds-feet of torque. It’s a nice little lift, but it’s wimpy compared with the Genesis Electrified GV70’s pin-you-to-your-seat blast of boost power.

While the i5’s power is consistently strong and fluid, its brakes are anything but; they’ll take some getting used to. The culprit is the car’s regenerative braking system, which captures energy that’s usually lost during braking and sends it to the battery. Some EVs and hybrids struggle with natural-feeling regen systems, and the i5 is one of them. The biggest problem is the car’s default “adaptive recuperation” mode, which uses navigation data and information from the car’s driver-assist systems to automatically adjust how much power is recuperated based on the traffic situation. What this meant for me was uneven, unpredictable braking feel and response.

An example: In one situation, taking my foot off the accelerator produced the drama-free deceleration I expected, yet just a few minutes later, deceleration felt disconnected and lurchy (prompting frequent apologies to my passengers). This was annoying and uncomfortable, though I’m sure that with time, the system and I could’ve figured each other out.

The verdict
The BMW 5 Series is known for its refined road manners and polished cabin, and the all-electric 2024 i5 levels up with a premium driving experience, cutting-edge tech and maximum efficiency.

Versus the competition
The i5 is more opulent, affordable and comfortable — in terms of both drivability and usability — than rivals from Tesla and Mercedes Benz.

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