2026 BMW i5 Redesign, Specs, Price

2026 BMW i5 Redesign, Specs, Price – Unlike the traditional BMW 5 Series, which provides mild-hybrid gasoline or plug-in hybrid power (the latter will have a “e” at the end of the model number), the i5 is completely electric, regardless of whether you choose the base eDrive 40 version or the high-performance M60 xDrive.

The Mercedes EQE saloon and the less well-known Genesis Electrified G80 are direct competitors of the high-end i5 M60, even if the price of the left-hand drive Tesla Model S is comparable if it is provided by your neighborhood Tesla dealer. The cost of the i5 is similar to that of other electric SUVs, such the Audi Q8 e-tron and BMW iX. If you want to save money, the Genesis Electricifed GV70 or the even more affordable BMW iX3 are viable choices. 2026 BMW i5 Redesign

2026 BMW i5 Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

The i5 is more conservative than other of the German brand’s more controversial recent models, yet design is always subjective (particularly the BMW XM). Although it seems more bloated than the previous generation’s BMW 5 Series, the i5 is a bigger car.

The standard M Sport specification features the most traditional grille in matt gray, however the M Sport Pro and M60 variants additionally have a black-trimmed grille. The fact that the M Sport and M Sport Pro models still retain grille slats may seem odd to some given the M60 vehicles’ slender noses.

Except for Sport Edition vehicles, which sport the model-exclusive Phytonic Blue metallic, Alpine White is the standard color for all trim levels. Then there are three pricey “Individual” color selections and nine metallic alternatives. With the M60 model, you can select one of the nine metallic alternatives for free, but considering the device’s almost six-figure price tag, this isn’t a substantial savings.

The interior is similar to the larger BMW i7 thanks to the BMW Interaction Bar, which divides the dashboard in half, and the two massive curving screens that combine into one above the grille. A few inputs determine the color of this bar. For instance, it turns from blue to red when the temperature of the climate control system is increased, or it flashes red when the dangers are activated.

The i5 hides its air vents in connection to the temperature control mechanism. Instead, the air is scattered throughout to avoid annoying gusts of wind from hitting your face. Even while the entertainment system is meant to make driving more enjoyable, it is not necessary to use it to change the direction of the air flow, particularly when driving.

We have found the Mercedes EQE’s cabin to be a little lacking because of its blatantly cheap plastics, despite the fact that it is significantly less opulent than the i5. Nothing could be farther off from reality, considering how beautiful the i5’s interior appears. To make the already stunning Veganza leather replacement seat trim even more striking, Genuine BMW Individual Merino leather might be added. The Crafted Clarity controls replace the gear selection, iDrive wheel, volume wheel, and start/stop button with crystals to further push the boat out. Inlays are an additional choice; some of the alternatives to open-pore wood are really beautiful.

Two possibilities for improving the on-board electronics are the electronics Pack and the Technology Pack Pro, which projects a head-up display onto the windshield. Your speed, the current speed limit, and sat-nav directions—which include which lane you should be in—are among the helpful details this display offers.

A few oddities do exist, though, including the single left paddle behind the steering wheel. It facilitates the use of the car’s Boost mode, which enhances power at the flex of your right foot and improves performance during short bursts. The widescreen infotainment system has the latest version of its operating system loaded. It appears to be a step forward over the brand’s early OS 8 attempts since it restores the center console’s intuitive click wheel. The visuals are rather clear, and the QuickSelect tabs could provide access to more hidden features.

The outstanding 12-speaker, 205-watt Harman Kardon sound system may be upgraded to an 18-speaker, 655-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system (which comes with the M60) if you are a true music lover. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the main phone compatibilities, and there are two wireless charging stations in front of the gear lever.

To the delight of Tesla drivers, AirConsole enables the playing of video games on the 14.9-inch screen. To pass the time while the car charges, you may use your smartphone as a joystick to play an arcade-style game on the center display. 2026 BMW i5 Redesign

2026 BMW i5 Specs

Engine & Performance

Our favorite i5 model is the single electric motor eDrive40, which comes in Sport Edition, M Sport, or M Sport Pro variants. It generates 400 Nm of torque and 335 horsepower. Given those numbers, you would assume that its 6.0-second 0-62 mph sprint is a tad low, but remember that this is no lightweight. This executive saloon has a weight of 2,205 pounds. We still think that most people will find its initial acceleration off the line to be adequate, even if you’ll notice that this burst quickly diminishes as you approach highway speeds.

The twin motor M60 xDrive lessens this problem. With 593 horsepower, a powerful 795 Nm of torque, and additional four-wheel drive grip, it is an all-wheel drive model. The M60 can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds if the “Boost” mode paddle on the steering wheel is activated before to starting.

Regardless of what its maker claims, the basic i5 is definitely not as competent of handling as a BMW 3 Series or BMW i4. In typical BMW fashion, it feels suitably restrained and offers adequate traction. We felt the steering was quicker and sharper than the current 5 Series, although lacking the speed, precision, and satisfyingly progressive weight sense of the Audi e-tron GT. It appears that comfort was given more consideration in the i5’s design than pure driving enjoyment.

Positively, it offers a fantastic ride and, because to its superb body control, is rather stable at high speeds. The Mercedes EQE, however, appears to speed around curves. By installing the Adjustable Suspension Professional for M Sport and M Sport Pro models or the Adaptive Suspension Professional Pro for M60 variations, you can receive adjustable suspension. This allows you to maximize the ride on rough sections of the trip or tighten up on a twisty B road.

You could also gain from “integral active” four-wheel steering by choosing this option, which reduces turning circles and makes parking at low speeds easier. It makes the car’s turn into a curve sharper at greater speeds. The Pro version’s active roll control technology makes the i5 look more agile and maintains its balance when navigating tight turns on M60 cars. We weren’t sure if this technology could make the M60 appear nimble because it weights 2,305 kg. However, this saloon has significantly better handling than other big electric saloons since it performs a wonderful job of concealing its weight in turns.

Unlike many of its rivals, the i5 does not have paddles behind the steering wheel to control the strength of the regenerative braking. The speed at which you slow down after releasing the accelerator isn’t strong enough to offer a one-pedal driving mode, like the less costly iX3, even if the gearbox can be converted to B-mode regenerative braking.

Because of its silent electric drivetrain and acoustic glass, which both lower outside noise levels, the i5 is a very upmarket place to be. Below 30 mph, road noise is almost imperceptible; nevertheless, at higher speeds, you are adequately shielded from the sound of tires bouncing off the tarmac or wind blowing over the car.

2026 BMW i5 Fuel Economy

Our investigation leads us to believe that the eDrive40’s real range will be closer to 300 miles than its 350-mile claim. According to the 3.1 miles/kWh efficiency estimate we got from an M60 model during our Audi e-tron GT vs. 2026 BMW i5 dual test, this kind should only need to be recharged after 250 miles. We think you’ll be able to drive even longer between charges with the Mercedes EQE thanks to its larger 89kWh battery pack and improved aerodynamics.

The B-mode regenerative braking option, which is accessible via the gearlever we already covered, is one helpful onboard feature. The car slows down as the accelerator is depressed, increasing energy storage and recharging the primary battery pack. A heat pump is also included as standard, providing a more efficient way to warm the cabin on cold mornings. We recommend against utilizing larger wheel sizes since they increase rolling resistance and decrease range.

A high peak charging speed of 205kW could allow for a 10-80% top-up (from around 35 miles to well over 280 miles of residual range in an eDrive40 model, depending on driving conditions and ambient temperature) in roughly 30 minutes. That is several minutes faster than the EQE, which has a larger battery pack and a slower maximum charging speed of 170kW.

Most buyers are expected to take advantage of the chance to install a 7kW wall box charger at home and charge the i5 using less expensive overnight power expenses. Recharging a dead battery in this way will take about thirteen hours. The entry-level Sport Edition comes with the £1,200 AC Charging Professional option, which increases the AC charging capacity to 22kW and helps reduce the charging time to little over four hours. Because a 22kW charger is twice as expensive as a 7kW charger and requires a three-phase electrical supply to function, we doubt many families would buy one despite its convenience.

To attract Tesla buyers who have profited from the US brand’s unique charging network, you may use Plug&Charge with your i5. Owners may begin invoicing without continuously switching apps or payment methods if they have already set everything up using the My BMW app. They only need to drive up to an appropriate DC rapid charger.

If all of this appeals to a higher-rate taxpayer and they have the funds to drive an i5 as a company car rather than a standard gasoline or diesel vehicle, they may save a substantial amount on Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax. The M Sport Pro and M60i versions are slightly more expensive, but the difference won’t be that great. Please be aware that starting in 2025, electric cars will be subject to increased fees and will no longer be exempt from road tax or the London congestion charge in the UK.

Even while insurance will be costly due to the high list price and performance of electric cars, the base-model EQE, which is in the most expensive group 50 band, should cost more to insure than the eDrive40 M Sport vehicles in group 43. Since the M60 belongs to group 49, its insurance rate will be the highest.

It is anticipated that the i5 would be expensive. According to our experts, the eDrive40 M Sport should be worth 52% of its original purchase price after three years and 36,000 miles. That is somewhat better than the EQE and far better than the G80 Electrified, which will only be worth 44% over the same time frame. 2026 BMW i5 Redesign

2026 BMW i5 Safety Features

The BMW brand dropped in our Driver Power rankings from 16th out of 32 manufacturers in 2022 to 21st out of 32 in the most current 2023 data. The fact that newer companies—like Tesla, which placed third—are doing much better is alarming. It is expected that a new car line, such as the i5, would defy this tendency.

Fans of the 5 Series shouldn’t worry about converting to the electric version because owners of the previous generation 5 Series praised the excellent quality inside, and we think the materials used for the new i5 have significantly improved.

The i5 should be a highly safe car in 2023 because safety experts Euro NCAP rated it with the same maximum five-star rating as the 5 Series, which it is based on. It was criticized for not being able to determine whether there were children in the backseat or track the driver’s degree of attention. You shouldn’t let these stop you from buying an i5. Driver attentiveness warning systems may be really bothersome in real life, and we think parents will notice when their kids are in the rear of the car.

2026 BMW i5 Release Date & Price

The most versatile car in the range for people who appreciate functionality is the 2026 BMW i5 Touring estate. Compared to its bigger SUV rivals, the i5 Touring should be able to fly more skillfully and cover more ground on less fuel.

The four trim levels are Sport Edition, M Sport, M Sport Pro, and M60. The entry-level Sport Edition, which starts at just under £68,000, performs somewhat better than the EQE 300 Sport by just over £1000. A reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, adaptive LED lighting, veganza faux leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, Harman Kardon audio, and sat-nav are just a few of the amenities that make our favorite i5 stand out. The only thing missing is the adjustable lumbar support in the front seat, which is fairly priced when purchased separately.

M Sport is the following model, and it costs little over £74,000. It has 19-inch wheels designed specifically for M Sport, a three-spoke steering wheel, sports suspension, and a more streamlined exterior and interior. The M Sport Pro costs little more than £77,000 and has larger 20-inch alloy wheels, a black grille, and red brake calipers. The top-tier M60 is the high-performance model. The approximate cost is £98,000. It does, however, boast two electric motors, 593 horsepower, four-wheel drive (xDrive), and a strong 3.8-second 0-62 mph pace.

Conclusion

The 2026 BMW i5 is a remarkable beginning for the electric executive car market because to its 300-mile range between charges, several high-end luxuries, and elegantly designed cabin.

The i5 isn’t the cheapest EV on the market, but it’s appealing enough to make you consider the much more costly i7, and we think it will be a significant challenge to the Mercedes EQE. The 2026 BMW i5 is among the most complete options for a long-distance intelligent EV. However, we would really like to see a little improvement in the economy as a whole and a little more joy-seeking.

Note: The details included in this blog post are derived from pre-release material that was accessible when the article was written. If you want the latest information, you should check official sources or call your nearest dealership.

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