Video: 2024 BMW i5: Zippy and Refined

The i5 slots above the all electric i4 Sedan in terms of size and price and competes against the likes of other luxury EV Sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Tesla Model S. The i5 comes in two flavors, the base rear wheel drive, eDrive40, and the all-wheel drive i5 M60. I tested the base model and there's a lot to like from its refined road manners and polished cabin to its cutting edge tech and competitive EV range. Here are two things I like and two things that need work about the new 2024 BMW i5. First in the likes column, step inside the i5 to check out one of the most interesting and opulent cabins on the market. It dazzles literally, thanks to its standard BMW interaction bar with touch function and lighting effects. The crystal like dash and door trim light up with different ambient lighting modes and the effect is unique and striking. It's not just pretty either. It encompasses functions like touch sensitive panels for controlling ventilation and air conditioning and for activating the hazard lights. The rest of the cabin is also lovely with high quality materials and a premium looking design. Two other cabin features add to the visual drama, the available sky lounge roof, which is a gigantic glass roof that adds an area and spacious vibe. And the BMW curve display infotainment system. The system combines a large information screen behind the steering wheel with an even larger center touchscreen and merges them into a single digital high resolution unit. At first glance, the system looks fancy and modern, which sometimes translates to confusing and fussy in terms of usability, but is easy to use. It does a lot of things well. The layout is straightforward, the screens are customizable. Touch response time is quick, and the menu structure makes sense. The i5's drivability is a close second in the likes column. In the power department, it's potent and seamlessly delivered. The i5 eDrive40 uses an electric motor at the rear axle good for 335 horsepower and 295 pounds feet of torque. A boost mode function delivers a little bit more oomph. In terms of ride and handling, the i5 delivers comfortable, refined, and near flawless road manners. An air suspension helps keep the ride serene and tone down impact harshness from bumps in the road. Direct linear steering with natural feedback contributes to a dynamic connected to the road feel, and a tight turning circle makes for super maneuverability. The i5 handles like a smaller car than its mid-size dimensions suggest. It also has competitive electric range. According to the EPA, it's good for 295 miles of range per charge, which is around the same as the EQE Sedans range, but less than the Model S's. On the dislike side, I'll start with the smaller one, literally the backseat. For 2024, the 5 Series grew in size, which translates to more passenger space, and the i5 shares the nearly same dimensions as the gas powered 5 Series. While the backseat is roomy enough for two adults, the problem is the middle spot. It's unusable due to a big floor hump and turns this mid-size sedan into a four seater. The second issue is a bigger one. While power is consistently strong and fluid, the i5's brakes are anything but. Some EVs and hybrids struggle with natural feeling regenerative braking systems, which captures braking energy and sends it to the battery and the i5 is one of them. The biggest problem is the default adaptive recuperation mode, which uses navigation data and information from driver assistance systems to automatically adjust how much power is recuperated according to traffic situations and driving patterns it detects. What this meant for me was uneven, unpredictable braking feel and response and some annoying lurchiness from my passengers. I'm sure that with time the system and I would've figured each other out. In the meantime, I instead opted for one of three more straightforward regen braking modes that alter the strength of the system, high, medium, and low. There's also a one pedal braking mode that works all the way down to a stop. This mode can be easily enabled via the B mode on the shifter. The others are buried in a screen so they're tougher to access on the go. The 2024 BMW i5 starts at around $68,000, about $10,000 more than a base 5 Series, but less than the Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan and the Tesla Model S. And unfortunately, none of these EVs are currently eligible for any federal tax credits. While there are a couple of things I don't like about the i5, the pros far outweigh the cons. Overall, the 2024 BMW i5 delivers a just right blend of luxury, performance, and efficiency with few compromises. (bright music)