Review of the BMW i5 Saloon

The BMW i5 Saloon is another one of BMW’s addition to the luxury electric vehicle (EV) market, seamlessly blending performance, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology. It’s clear from the moment you set eyes on the i5 that this isn’t just an electrified version of an existing model. The i5 embodies the future of motoring, offering British drivers an eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing the premium feel BMW is known for.

Rivals to the BMW i5 Saloon include the Tesla Model S, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Audi e-tron GT and Polestar 2.

Our BMW i5 Saloon review covers:

• Distinctive, modern design with clean lines
• Luxurious and spacious cabin that feels premium
• Generous 490-litre boot space
• Up to 357 miles of all-electric driving range
• Three trim levels are available: Sport Edition, M Sport and M Sport Pro

Pros:

• Luxurious interior
• Impressive electric range
• Cutting-edge technology

Cons:

• Heavy handling
• Higher price point
• Limited boot space compared to rivals

The exterior of the BMW i5 blends futuristic design with practicality it’s both striking and sophisticated. BMW has kept the classic kidney grille design, although now mostly for aesthetics, as the i5’s electric powertrain doesn’t require as much airflow. The car's sharp lines and smooth curves give it a bold and aerodynamic look, enhancing performance while retaining a premium feel. From its slim LED headlights to its clean rear design, the i5 exudes a sense of modernity that will turn heads on British roads.

When it comes to practicality, the BMW i5 Saloon ticks all the boxes for modern drivers. Whether you're using it for family trips, business commutes, or weekend getaways, the i5 offers plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The car’s large rear seats provide ample legroom, making it a comfortable ride even for taller adults. The door openings are wide, ensuring easy access for everyone, including child seats, which makes it a great choice for families. On the tech side, the i5 includes intelligent driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and parking sensors, helping to make city driving and parking in tight UK spaces a breeze.

For a luxury saloon, the BMW i5 offers decent boot space. With a 490-litre boot, it provides plenty of room for everyday items like shopping bags, suitcases, or even sports equipment. While not as large as some of its rivals, it’s more than sufficient for most drivers' needs. The rear seats can be folded down to expand the storage space, making it practical for larger loads or longer trips where extra luggage might be needed.

The BMW i5 Saloon continues BMW’s tradition of luxurious interiors, enhanced by cutting-edge technology and high-quality materials. Every inch of the cabin is designed to provide comfort and convenience, making it a superb choice for both daily commutes and long-distance journeys across the UK.

The BMW i5 Saloon delivers a luxurious, tech-driven interior with high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology. Inside, you'll find soft leather upholstery, sustainable trims, and BMW's impressive iDrive 8 infotainment system, featuring a 14.9-inch curved display paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected on the go.

Heated seats come as standard across all trims, ensuring comfort for both front and rear passengers. The spacious cabin and intuitive layout make the i5 a perfect companion for UK drivers.

The BMW i5 Saloon is available in three distinct trim levels: Sport Edition, M Sport and M Sport Pro.

Sport Edition

The Sport Edition trim offers a fantastic entry point into the BMW i5 range, providing a blend of style and essential features that most drivers will appreciate. Key features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights with high-beam assist
• iDrive 8 infotainment system with the 14.9-inch curved display
• Heated front seats and dual-zone climate control
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and sports seats
• Parking Assistant with reversing camera

M Sport

For those looking for a sportier edge, the M Sport trim brings more aggressive styling and enhanced performance options. Key features include:

• 19-inch M light alloy wheels
• M aerodynamic body kit for a sharper, more aggressive appearance
• Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery, blending sportiness with luxury
• Adaptive suspension for a smoother ride, especially on UK roads
• Additional M Sport interior details, such as an M leather steering wheel and illuminated M door sills

M Sport Pro

The M Sport Pro is the top-tier trim, offering the ultimate in luxury and technology for those who want the best of everything. Key features include:

• 20-inch M light alloy wheels
• Harman Kardon surround sound system for an immersive audio experience
• M adaptive suspension and M Sport brakes for enhanced handling
• Additional Shadowline exterior detailing and upgraded interior trims
• Electric glass sunroof and adaptive LED headlights

The BMW i5 comes with two electric powertrain options, each offering a different level of power and range to suit different driving needs. The eDrive40 model is perfect for everyday driving, offering a powerful 340bhp electric motor that delivers instant torque for quick acceleration. This model can go from 0 to 62mph in just 6 seconds, making it responsive and agile for city driving or long motorway stretches.

For those seeking more thrilling performance, the M60 xDrive model is the range-topper, featuring an impressive 601bhp. This all-wheel-drive version is equipped with dual electric motors, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds, rivalling many high-performance sports cars. The M60 xDrive also benefits from M-tuned adaptive suspension and M Sport brakes, ensuring sharper handling and precise control on UK roads.

Both models feature BMW's latest electric technology, offering instant power delivery with zero emissions, making them ideal for navigating urban areas or taking longer trips across the UK.

The BMW i5 provides a smooth and engaging driving experience, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and electric powertrains. The instant torque from the electric motors means acceleration is smooth and rapid, making overtaking and merging into traffic effortless. The near-silent operation of the electric powertrain also adds a sense of tranquillity, particularly on motorway journeys where cabin noise is kept to a minimum.

UK drivers will appreciate the i5’s adaptability. The adaptive suspension in the M60 xDrive adjusts to the road conditions, providing a comfortable ride on uneven surfaces while offering enhanced cornering capabilities when needed. Whether you’re navigating winding country roads or cruising along the M25, the i5 feels composed and responsive.

The inclusion of advanced driver assistance systems further enhances the driving experience. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and parking assistance come as standard, making long-distance driving or city manoeuvring more effortless.

The BMW i5 Saloon is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £66,790.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £625.37.

If you're considering leasing a BMW i5 Saloon, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a BMW i5 Saloon can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.