BMW i5 Debuts In eDrive40 And Spicy M60 Flavors

[Domenick]

The 2024 BMW i5 has just debuted. It sits on the CLAR platform, which allows it to be produced in both battery and internal combustion versions.
The electric version comes in two trims:

• eDrive40 - single motor RWD (335 HP and 295 lb-ft, 317 lb-ft with Sport Boost or Launch Control function activated) 0-60 mph in 5.7, top speed limited to 125 MPH
• M60 - dual motor AWD (590 HP and 549 lb-ft, 605 lb-ft with M Sport Boost or M Launch Control function activated) 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, top speed 143 MPH

Battery holds 84.3 kWh (usable)
Range: for 295 miles in i5 eDrive40 (19-inch wheels) or 256 miles for the i5 M60 xDrive.

Charging: AC charging at up to 11 kW
DC fast charging at up to 205 kW - 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes
Comes with Plug&Charge and two years of free 30-minute Electrify America sessions
Features battery conditioning for fast charging when using navigation
Adaptive or selectable regen with 3 levels
Heat pump cools/heats battery and interior

BMW i5 has 50:50 weight distribution and suspension features double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle - M60 xDrive features standard Adaptive M Suspension Professional

Manufactured at Plant Dingolfing, US price is $67,795 for the i5 eDrive40 and $85,095 for the i5 M60 xDrive (including $995 shipping).

 

[insightman]

In an early report Car and Driver suggested the single-motor i5 would weigh a commendable 4,100 lbs. However, Car Buzz reports a substantially greater gravitational handicap: "As far as curb weight goes, the i5 eDrive40 weighs in at 4,916 pounds while the top-spec M60xDrive is 5,247 lbs."

I'm so glad BMW didn't put an 84.3-kWh battery in my MINI Cooper SE!

 

[Domenick]

In an early report Car and Driver suggested the single-motor i5 would weigh a commendable 4,100 lbs. However, Car Buzz reports a substantially greater gravitational handicap: "As far as curb weight goes, the i5 eDrive40 weighs in at 4,916 pounds while the top-spec M60xDrive is 5,247 lbs."

I'm so glad BMW didn't put an 84.3-kWh battery in my MINI Cooper SE!

The i4, which is also on the CLAR platform is a bit porky as well (especially when compared with Model 3), but it drives lighter and many people preferred the BMW's dynamics despite it heavier weight, which really surprised me. In case anyone's interested, here's a link to any interesting weight comparison with the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3.
I do look forward to seeing lighter electric BMWs, though.