2026 BMW i5 Provides Extra Vary, New Options, and Frozen Portimao Blue

Slotting into the guts of the lineup, the 2026 BMW i5 takes the whole lot drivers anticipate from the 5 Sequence — consolation, know-how, and efficiency — and provides electrification. For 2026, the i5 will get significant updates: extra driving vary, new inside options, and a hanging Frozen Portimao Blue paint choice. It isn’t a full refresh, however the enhancements make BMW’s electrical 5 Sequence extra interesting with out elevating the worth. It’s extra vary, extra model, and the identical worth — what’s to not like?

2026 BMW i5 Electrical Motor and Efficiency

The 2026 BMW i5 returns with the identical three fashions it had final yr. On the entry degree, we’ve the rear-wheel drive i5 eDrive40. It will get 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, finishing the zero to 60 mph sprint in 5.7 seconds. Including xDrive additionally will get you a small energy bump. The 2026 BMW i5 xDrive40 makes 389 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque. It’s a bit faster and shaves half a second from the zero to 60 mph time.

Essentially the most performance-centric mannequin of the i5 is the 2026 BMW i5 M60. Just like the xDrive40 mannequin, it makes use of twin motors and all-wheel drive. However right here, the powertrain is juiced as much as 590 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. It’s sufficient to dispatch the identical zero to 60 mph dash in 3.7 seconds. Our M60 xDrive Touring evaluation (not out there within the US, sadly) showcased the mannequin’s unbelievable pace and spectacular suspension.

2026 BMW i5 Charging and Vary

Though energy figures stay unchanged, vary improves for the usual 2026 BMW i5. Vary for the usual i5 eDrive40 will increase to a BMW-estimated 278-310 miles, growing from final yr’s estimate of between 271 and 295 miles. xDrive fashions could make it between 259 and 278 miles on a full cost, a rise of at most 12 miles. The M60’s vary estimates are unchanged from final yr, so anticipate between 239 and 253 miles of vary. The change in vary comes from new silicon carbide semiconductors and, apparently, revised wheel bearings. When it comes time to plug in, the i5 helps as much as 11 kW on AC energy for residence or Degree 2 setups, whereas DC quick charging tops out at 205 kW. That isn’t class-leading, however it’s nonetheless fast sufficient to revive the battery from 10 to 80 % in about half an hour.

Inside and Cargo House

The 2026 BMW i5 will get a slight revision inside, too. From March 2025, all fashions get a Harman Kardon sound system as normal, in addition to added lumbar assist. Gloss black switchgear adorns the door panels, which is a pleasant transfer upmarket. Unlucky concerning the fingerprints, although. Lastly, revised ambient lighting seems with the Interplay Bar, which incorporates a crystalline design. There’s additionally a rad new Atlas Gray/Darkish Violet upholstery scheme that wasn’t out there final yr. And a decidedly much less rad however equally new Taupe/Atlas Gray inside. Each new colour schemes solely are available Merino leather-based (vital: not Prolonged leather-based).

In some methods, although, the BMW i5 stays just about the identical because it was final yr. It has 17.3 cubic ft of trunk house, and Veganza artificial leather-based comes normal. Prolonged Merino Leather-based is a $2,450 upcharge. The Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof is simply $600 as a standalone choice, which we expect is a greater worth than the facility and rear sunshades that price the identical. Ventilated seats are $500 extra, as are rear heated seats. One other vital observe is to not skip out on the elective four-zone computerized local weather management if you happen to care about rear seat consolation. It’s the very best $650 you’ll ever spend.

2026 i5 Know-how and Connectivity

Normal tech is strong, with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, MyBMW app integration, and pure voice instructions that sync seamlessly along with your smartphone. On the coronary heart of all of it is BMW’s iDrive 8.5 system, which drives a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 14.9-inch central show for a clear, fashionable cockpit. The Premium Package deal is a advisable add, bringing an inside digital camera and a crisp head-up show to the combo. Going Premium additionally provides a handful of driver aids, which we record within the subsequent part.

Security and Driver Help Options

The 2026 BMW i5 carries over the total suite of driver-assistance tech from its gas-powered 5 Sequence sibling. Normal options embody Frontal Collision Warning, Energetic Blind Spot Detection, Lane Conserving Assistant, and BMW Help. Desire a 360-degree digital camera or self-parking powers? These and different driver aids are locked behind the Premium Package deal, which additionally contains adaptive cruise management with Cease & Go. For these wanting extra autonomy, the $2,500 Driving Help Skilled Package deal provides Energetic Driving Assistant Professional for partially automated driving and Freeway Assistant with the brand new Energetic Lane Change perform. The latter allows lane adjustments with only a look on the aspect mirror.

2026 BMW i5 Pricing

Extremely, BMW i5 pricing holds static yr over yr. The i5 eDrive40 begins at $67,100. It’s one other $3,000 in order for you xDrive and the additional energy. In the meantime, the M60 instructions $84,100. The closest rivals are nonetheless possible the Lucid Air, which begins within the mid-$70k space, and the Genesis Electrified G80, which begins at round $76,000. The i5 is a superb center floor between the i4 and high canine i7 and, whereas costly, is an effective worth for the section.

2026 BMW i5: Our Take

Not a lot to complain about right here; the i5 beneficial properties a bunch of vary and beneficial properties a little bit of polish on the within. What’s to not love? Contemplating the extra gear and choices — with no change to MSRP from final yr — we expect the i5 stays a must-drive for anybody severe about stepping into an EV at this worth level.

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