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

Slotting into the center of the lineup, the 2026 BMW i5 takes every little thing drivers count on from the 5 Collection — 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 Collection extra interesting with out elevating the worth. It’s extra vary, extra fashion, 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.

Probably 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 evaluate (not obtainable within the US, sadly) showcased the mannequin’s unimaginable 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, rising 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 count on 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 house or Stage 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 p.c in about half an hour.

Inside and Cargo Area

The 2026 BMW i5 will get a slight revision inside, too. From March 2025, all fashions get a Harman Kardon sound system as customary, in addition to added lumbar help. Gloss black switchgear adorns the door panels, which is a pleasant transfer upmarket. Unlucky in regards to the fingerprints, although. Lastly, revised ambient lighting seems with the Interplay Bar, which encompasses a crystalline design. There’s additionally a rad new Atlas Gray/Darkish Violet upholstery scheme that wasn’t obtainable final yr. And a decidedly much less rad however equally new Taupe/Atlas Gray inside. Each new colour schemes solely are available in Merino leather-based (necessary: 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 toes of trunk area, and Veganza artificial leather-based comes customary. Prolonged Merino Leather-based is a $2,450 upcharge. The Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof is simply $600 as a standalone choice, which we predict 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 necessary observe is to not skip out on the non-compulsory four-zone automated local weather management for those who care about rear seat consolation. It’s the most effective $650 you’ll ever spend.

2026 i5 Know-how and Connectivity

Commonplace tech is powerful, 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, trendy cockpit. The Premium Bundle is a really helpful 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 listing 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 Collection sibling. Commonplace options embrace Frontal Collision Warning, Lively Blind Spot Detection, Lane Protecting Assistant, and BMW Help. Need a 360-degree digital camera or self-parking powers? These and different driver aids are locked behind the Premium Bundle, which additionally contains adaptive cruise management with Cease & Go. For these wanting extra autonomy, the $2,500 Driving Help Skilled Bundle provides Lively Driving Assistant Professional for partially automated driving and Freeway Assistant with the brand new Lively Lane Change perform. The latter allows lane modifications with only a look on the facet 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 if you’d like 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 good center floor between the i4 and prime canine i7 and, whereas costly, is an effective worth for the phase.

2026 BMW i5: Our Take

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

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