BMW Focuses Intently on Electrifying the 5-Series

• BMW is wading into its electric future rapidly, and sedans are at the forefront of its new battery-electric lineup.

• Launched late last year, BMW is adding two new variants to the 5-Series lineup for the 2025 model year, in EV and PHEV powertrains.

• Known as the 2025 BMW i5 xDrive40 and 2025 BMW 550e xDrive, BMW is exploring the avenues of electricity in its midsize sedan.

BMW's approach to electrification isn't that technically different from other manufacturers, but the results remain genuinely true to the company's roots. Instead of entirely reworking its model lineup for an electric future, BMW is installing batteries and electric motors in its legacy models and adding the letter "i" to its nameplate. Simple, right?

So far, this strategy has been fruitful for BMW. Early EV models like the sleek iX crossover and midsize i4 sedan represent the best of BMW's past with a helping of 21st-century powertrain technology. Grounded, agile, and comfortable, this incoming era of electrified BMWs could carry on the ethos just fine.

"The i5 eDrive40 cruises effortlessly and enjoys pushing the limits on the twisty coastal roads around Lisbon," Executive Editor Tom Murphy wrote late last year. "BMW wants to have at least one BEV in every major vehicle segment, and it's positioning the i5 as offering the comfort of the 7-Series and the agility of the 3-Series."

Previously offered in two trim levels (i5 eDrive40 at $67,795 or i5 M60 xDrive at $85,095), the BMW i5 sedan is about to get even more capable for prospective EV sedan buyers. Building on the success of the i5 eDrive40, BMW will now offer an xDrive variant of the base model i5, known as the 2025 BMW i5 xDrive40.

Featuring the same 84.3-kWh battery as the single motor variant, the xDrive40 uses fifth-generation electric drive units at the front and rear axles. Power numbers are up incrementally as well, coming in at 389 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque. That's up from the single motor, i5 eDrive40 power figures of 335 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

DC fast charging is available at speeds up to 205 kW and the xDrive variant will sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, down 0.5 seconds thanks to increased all-wheel traction. Production for the new xDrive model will begin in March with deliveries at its $71,095 base MSRP starting shortly after.

Beyond the third addition to the i5 lineup, BMW is working to electrify its internal-combustion models, too. Introducing the 2025 BMW 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid, BMW aims to offer an increase in power by way of already-developed drivetrain technology, and with no penalty on efficiency.

Pairing a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder with a fifth-generation electric motor integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, the 550e xDrive produces a healthy 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. BMW says the 550e xDrive will sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, achieving a top speed of 155 mph or 87 mph in electric mode.

Pricing, all-electric range, and production timeline for the 2025 BMW 550e xDrive will be announced at a later date, though we suspect the top-of-the-line 5-Series will crest $75,000. Regardless of propulsion choice, BMW says the 5-Series will benefit from additional semi-autonomous driving features as well.

Known as the Highway Assistant, this SAE Level 2 technology is optional, though opting for it will allow for hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph. There are, of course, caveats to this ability, namely if driving conditions and speed limits allow.

First launched in the 2024 BMW 5-Series, Active Lane Change with eye activation returns for 2025 model year units. If the vehicle suggests an available lane change, it will first confirm that the driver has physically looked into the sideview mirror before executing it.

iX models will get this tech in March while X5, X6 (except X5/6 M Competition models), and X7 units will get it come April.

Should BMW electrify compact models like the 2-Series? Why or why not? Please share your thoughts below.