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2024 BMW i4 vs 2024 BMW i5: Battle of E-Beemers
The 2024 BMW i4 competes not only with other electric vehicles but also with gas-powered M cars. It excels in performance, with models like the xDrive40 and M50 delivering 396 and 536 horsepower respectively. The i4 M50 even outperforms the M3 in ride-and-handling. The xDrive40 offers a range of 307 miles and supports fast charging up to 200 kW. However, the i4’s steering falls short. BMW’s upcoming 2024 i5 sedan, positioned between the i4 and i7, aims to blend driving pleasure with luxury. It offers two powertrain options, including a rear-drive eDrive40 with 335 horsepower and a dual-motor M60 xDrive with 590 horsepower. Competing with other premium electric cars like the Genesis Electrified G80, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Porsche Taycan, and Tesla Model S, the i5 targets eco-conscious affluent buyers.
2024 BMW i4
Battery & Charging
The 2024 i4 offers a range of electric motor options. The eDrive35 and eDrive40 models feature single rear-drive motors with 281 and 335 horsepower respectively. The xDrive e40 adds all-wheel drive with 396 horsepower. The M50 utilizes dual motors for all-wheel drive, delivering 536 horsepower. According to EPA estimates, the eDrive40 achieves around 301 miles of range, while the xDrive40 achieves 307 miles with standard 18-inch wheels or 282 miles with optional 19-inch wheels. The M50, with the same 81.5-kWh battery, has a range of 245 miles. These i4 models support 200-kW charging, providing 88 to 108 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The eDrive35 variant has a smaller 66.0 kWh battery with a range of approximately 260 miles and supports up to 180-kW charging speeds. Using a Level 2 onboard charger, the i4 can fully recharge in under 8 hours.
Pricing & Mileage
We prefer the higher-performance M50 trim with its assertive appearance, tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes. Opting for the optional 20-inch rims enhances performance but reduces the estimated range from 270 to 227 miles. For the interior, consider vernasca leather options, the Premium package, and features like adaptive LED headlights, ventilated seats, Harman Kardon sound system, and wireless charging. The EPA rates the eDrive40 with standard 18-inch wheels as the most efficient, achieving 109 MPGe city and 108 MPGe highway, while the M50 has a lower rating.
Acceleration & Features
The M50 proved its impressive acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, surpassing the rear-drive M3 Competition. The i4 offers a choice between standard 18-inch rims for the rear-wheel-drive version and optional 19-inch wheels. In contrast, the all-wheel-drive M50 provides options of 19 or 20-inch wheels, along with adaptive dampers and a variable-ratio steering system. Initially equipped with iDrive 8 infotainment and connectivity software, the i4 received an upgrade to iDrive 8.5 through an over-the-air update. The system features a 14.9-inch touchscreen integrated with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, offering advanced voice commands, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
2024 BMW i5
Battery & Charging Options
There are two i5 models available, the first of which is the 335-hp eDrive40 that drives the back wheels with a single electric motor. A second electric motor is fitted to the front axle of a hotter M60 xDrive model for a total of 590 horsepower. An 84.3-kWh battery pack is located under the i5’s floorboards. BMW can provide the eDrive40 model with 295 miles of range between charges. The dual-motor M60 model is less efficient and has an estimated 256-mile range on a single charge. The car’s battery pack can be connected to DC fast-charging stations. And it is claimed that this connection can charge the battery pack from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. Speaking of charging, each brand-new BMW i5 will have three years’ worth of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America charging stations.
Price & Mileage
If your priority is to maximize range, the eDrive40 variant of the i5 will be your go-to choice. With its single electric motor powering the rear wheels, it offers a longer cruising distance compared to the more performance-focused M60 model. However, for those of us who appreciate a thrilling driving experience, sacrificing a bit of range for more power and better cornering grip is a trade-off we’re willing to make. In terms of pricing, the 2024 BMW i5 starts at $67,795, providing an enticing entry point into the world of electric luxury sedans. The M60, with its dual motors and increased performance, commands a higher price tag, reaching up to $85,095. As for the official fuel economy ratings from the EPA, they have not yet been published for the 2024 i5.
Acceleration & Features
The most powerful of the two powertrains allows the BMW i5 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.7 seconds. A massive, curving panel featuring a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system dominates the i5’s dashboard. The most recent BMW iDrive 8.5 interface is straightforward to use and, if necessary, can get updates over the air. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation are included as standard on all models. A Harman/Kardon audio system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot are all included. A head-up display is an optional feature.
Difference between 2024 BMW i4 VS 2024 BMW i5
| BMW i4 | BMW i5 | |
| Dimensions | 188.5 in x 72.9 in x 57.0 in | 199.2 in x 74.8 in x 59.3 in |
| Motor | synchronous AC | permanent-magnet AC |
| Power Figures | 536 hp & 586 lb-ft | 590 hp & 586 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.3 sec | 3.7 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 8.0 sec | NA |
| Top-Speed | 11.7 sec | 130 mph |
| Airbags | 8 Airbags | 6 Airbags |