Beginning with March 2025 production, BMW is launching a series of incremental updates improving efficiency for the i5 eDrive40 and xDrive40 with some notable new technology. Does it to enough to stay competitive? Let’s take a look.
The BMW i5 eDrive40 and xDrive40 both get an upgrade thanks to revised inverters using silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor tech and improved wheel bearings. Together, these contribute to modest range increases:
i5 eDrive40:
- 19-inch wheels: 310 miles (+5%)
- 20-inch wheels: 300 miles (+8%)
- 21-inch wheels: 278 miles (+3%)
i5 xDrive40:
- 19-inch wheels: 278 miles (+5%)
- 20-inch wheels: 272 miles (+4%)
- 21-inch wheels: 259 miles (+4%)
How It Stacks Up: i5 vs. the Competition
While these gains are welcome, they’re not game-changing—especially in a segment where range is still a top-line spec. Let’s take a look.
| Model | EPA-estimated Range (approx) | Notable Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| BMW i5 eDrive40 | 300–310 mi | New SiC inverter tech, classic BMW driving dynamics |
| Audi A6 e-tron (est.) | ~300 mi (TBD) | Not yet on sale; dual-motor expected with sleek fastback design |
| Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ | 305 mi | Rear-drive, soft ride, tech-forward interior, less sporty feel |
| Lucid Air Pure RWD | 410 mi | Exceptional range, minimalist interior, limited brand familiarity |
| Tesla Model S Dual Motor | 405 mi | Strong efficiency, wide charging network, aging interior design |
Range Perspective:
The i5’s updated range figures are competitive with Audi and Mercedes in the mid-size luxury EV class, but still lag Lucid and Tesla, both of which remain the benchmarks for outright electric range. Tesla continues to dominate in charging infrastructure and efficiency, while Lucid delivers impressive numbers thanks to ultra-low drag coefficients and proprietary drivetrain architecture.
Drive Experience:
That said, BMW retains an edge where driving dynamics are concerned. Early reviews consistently note the i5’s balanced chassis and steering feel—something that can’t be said for the more isolation-focused EQE or the clinical efficiency of Tesla’s Model S. Audi’s A6 e-tron is a bit of a wildcard for now, with final specs still unconfirmed.
Our Take
BMW’s spring 2025 updates are clearly evolutionary and don’t even fall under the category of an LCI (mid-cycle refresh). The range improvements for the i5 are technically sound and will likely be appreciated by existing owners and new buyers alike. Still, from a purely spec-sheet perspective, the i5 continues to trail Lucid and Tesla on efficiency and range, while largely matching Audi and Mercedes in more traditional luxury benchmarks.
That said, for buyers who prioritize how a car drives rather than just how far it drives, the i5 remains one of the more engaging options in the premium EV space. BMW’s strategy appears focused on refining the formula rather than redefining it—and in a segment where rapid change is the norm, that measured approach might appeal to more than a few.