Background
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport (G60) marked an important turning point in the history of the BMW 5 Series, as the eighth-generation model introduced a fully electric 5 Series Sedan for the first time. Unveiled in 2023, the G60 generation offered the i5 alongside combustion-engined versions of the 5 Series. The traditional character of BMW’s executive saloon was therefore retained while the powertrain moved fully into the electric era.
The first fully electric 5 Series
The i5 was the first fully electric model in more than 50 years of 5 Series history. BMW retained the traditional proportions of the model family, including a long bonnet, clearly defined passenger compartment and classic saloon body. At the same time, the G60 grew significantly compared with its predecessor and introduced a new-generation digital interior, the BMW Curved Display and more advanced driver assistance systems.
Rear-wheel drive and 340 hp
The BMW i5 eDrive40 uses fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and a single electric motor mounted at the rear axle. In normal operation, system output is 313 hp or 230 kW, while My Mode SPORT increases maximum output to 340 hp or 250 kW. Maximum torque reaches 430 Nm with Sport Boost or Launch Control. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, preserving one of BMW’s most traditional engineering characteristics.
6.0 seconds and 193 km/h
The BMW i5 eDrive40 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 193 km/h. Although the eDrive40 is not intended to deliver the same level of outright performance as the i5 M60 xDrive, its rear-wheel-drive layout and powerful electric motor still give it a distinctly sporting character.
81.2 kWh battery
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery has a usable net capacity of 81.2 kWh. According to the original factory figures, the i5 eDrive40 offered a WLTP driving range of up to 582 kilometres, depending on specification. Maximum DC charging power is 205 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes under suitable conditions.
M Sport
The M Sport package gives the i5 eDrive40 a more sporting appearance and chassis set-up. It includes M-specific exterior and interior elements, an M steering wheel, Shadowline exterior trim and sports suspension. On the i5 eDrive40, the M Sport package also enables the Boost paddle on the steering wheel, providing rapid access to maximum electric drive performance.
Built in Dingolfing
Production of the BMW i5 began on 21 July 2023 at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany. Fully electric and combustion-engined versions of the 5 Series are produced on the same manufacturing lines. The i5 became the third fully electric BMW to enter series production at Dingolfing after the iX and i7.
Model in the collection
The BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport (G60) in my collection was produced by Minichamps and represents a 2024 car. It is a limited-edition model, with a total production run of 336 examples. Based on its exterior details, the scale model represents an i5 eDrive40 fitted with the M Sport package.
Technical data in brief
Model debut: 2023
Production started: July 2023
Production location: BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, Germany
Body style: four-door fully electric sedan
Powertrain: single rear-mounted electric motor
Motor type: electrically excited synchronous motor
System output: 313 hp / 230 kW
Maximum output in Sport mode: 340 hp / 250 kW
Maximum torque: 430 Nm
Battery net capacity: 81.2 kWh
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: 6.0 seconds
Top speed: 193 km/h, electronically limited
Electric range: up to 582 km WLTP
Maximum DC charging power: 205 kW
Weight: 2,130 kg DIN
Production: model remains in production
Special feature: rear-wheel-drive version of the first fully electric 5 Series, fitted with the M Sport package
Photo of the real car, BMW Tomić dealership in Croatia. Photo: Sten-Patrick Kreek