BMW is expanding its North American lineup with two new additions to the i5 and 5-Series sedan lineups
January 30, 2024 at 18:01
It’s a new year, and BMW has a quartet of updates planned for its lineup in the coming months. These updates encompass the introduction of new models in the i5 and 5-Series lineups.
The 2025 BMW i5 xDrive40 Goes Into Production In March
When BMW introduced the all-electric version of the 5-Series, the i5, it showed off an entry level mode with a single motor called the i5 eDrive40, and a high-performance model with two motors, the i5 M60. In March, it will split the difference between these models with the i5 xDrive40.
advertisement scroll to continue
More: BMW Drivers Will Soon Be Able To Change Lanes With Eye Activation
The new addition to the i5 range will get a pair of motors located at the front and rear axles that combine to deliver 389 hp (290 kW/394 PS) and 435 lb-ft (590 Nm) of torque. That’s 54 more horses (40 kW/55 PS) than the base i5 eDrive 40, and around 200 hp (149 kW/203 PS) less than the i5 M60.
Thanks to its twin motors, the i5 xDrive 40 will be capable of reaching 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds. This is half a second quicker than the single-motor variant and 1.5 seconds slower than the highest-performance model.
2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 shown
BMW has not yet revealed how far the new model will be able to go on a single charge, but we would expect it to land somewhere between the i5 M60’s 256 miles (412 km) of range, and the i5 eDrive40’s 295 miles (475 km) of range. The automaker does say that the model will sit on an 84.3 kWh battery back that can charge at speeds of up to 205 kW at DC fast-charging stations, meaning it can go from 10 to 80 percent state of charge in just 30 minutes.
More: This Is The 2025 BMW i5 Touring Before You’re Meant To See It
BMW says that the i5 xDrive40 will go into production in March, and prices will start at $71,09, including a $995 destination charge.
2025 BMW 550e xDrive PHEV Arriving in July
A little later in the year, BMW will start producing the plug-in hybrid variant of the new 5-Series, the 550e xDrive PHEV. Its powertrain will be based around a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, and an electric motor will be hidden within its eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Together, they’ll generate a total of 483 hp (360 kW/490 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.
That power will be sent to all four wheel, allowing the sedan to reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in as little as 4.0 seconds, and to hit a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). BMW has previously indicated that it expects the model to be able to go around 30 miles (48 km) per charge, and to reach a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h) on electric power alone.
BMW says it will offer more information about pricing, a more precise range estimate, and other details closer to its production launch, in July.