Charging is possible by using a regular wall plug or a charging station. Public charging is always done through a charging station. How fast the EV can charge depends on the charging station (EVSE) used and the maximum charging capacity of the EV. The table below shows all possible options for charging the BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan. Each option shows how fast the battery can be charged from empty to full.
Europe
Charging an EV in Europe differs by country. Some European countries primarily use 1-phase connections to the grid, while other countries are almost exclusively using a 3-phase connection. The table below shows all possible ways the BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan can be charged, but some modes of charging might not be widely available in certain countries.
Type 2 (Mennekes - IEC 62196)
Charging Point
Max. Power
Power
Time
Rate
Standard 11.0 kW On-Board Charger
Wall Plug (2.3 kW)
230V / 1x10A
2.3 kW
41h45m
11 km/h
1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)
230V / 1x16A
3.7 kW
26 hours
18 km/h
1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)
230V / 1x32A
7.4 kW
13 hours
35 km/h
3-phase 16A (11 kW)
400V / 3x16A
11 kW
8h45m
52 km/h
3-phase 32A (22 kW)
400V / 3x16A
11 kW †
8h45m
52 km/h
Optional 22.0kW On-Board Charger
Wall Plug (2.3 kW)
230V / 1x10A
2.3 kW
41h45m
11 km/h
1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)
230V / 1x16A
3.7 kW
26 hours
18 km/h
1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)
230V / 1x32A
7.4 kW
13 hours
35 km/h
3-phase 16A (11 kW)
400V / 3x16A
11 kW
8h45m
52 km/h
3-phase 32A (22 kW)
400V / 3x32A
22 kW †
4h30m
100 km/h
† = Limited by on-board charger, vehicle cannot charge faster.
Fast Charging (10 -> 80%)
Rapid charging enables longer journeys by adding as much range as possible in the shortest amount of time. Charging power will decrease significantly after 80% state-of-charge has been reached. A typical rapid charge therefore rarely exceeds 80% SoC. The rapid charge rate of an EV depends on the charger used and the maximum charging power the EV can handle. The table below shows all details for rapid charging the BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan.
Max. Power: maximum power provided by charge point
Avg. Power: average power provided by charge point over a session from 10% to 80%
Time: time needed to charge from 10% to 80%
Rate: average charging speed over a session from 10% to 80%
Combined Charging System (CCS Combo 2)
Charging Point
Max. Power
Avg. Power
Time
Rate
CCS (50 kW DC)
50 kW
50 kW
72 min
260 km/h
CCS (150 kW DC)
150 kW
123 kW †
29 min
650 km/h
CCS (300 kW DC)
206 kW †
137 kW †
26 min
730 km/h
Charge Curve
Data made available by Fastned
This vehicle supports Autocharge
This vehicle does not support Plug & Charge
† = Limited by charging capabilities of vehicle
Autocharge: allows for automatic initiation of a charging session at supported CCS charging stations.
Plug & Charge: allows for automatic initiation of a charging session at supported CCS charging stations in accordance with ISO 15118.
Actual charging rates may differ from data shown due to factors like outside temperature, state of the battery and driving style.
BMW Claimed Specifications
The table below shows the claimed specifications from the manufacturer for charging the BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan. The specifications can differ from the table above for a variety of reasons. If real-world charge tests are available, these differences can be signifcant. If no real-world tests are available, the table above will be based on the manufacturer specifications as per the table below.
Max. Power: maximum charge power during charging session
Charge From: battery percentage (% SoC) where charging session is started
Charge To: battery percentage (% SoC) where charging session is ended
Time: time needed for charging session
BMW Claimed Specifications
Max. Power
Charge From
Charge To
Time
205 kW
10 %
80 %
30 min
Dimensions and Weight
Length
5060 mm
Width
1900 mm
Width with mirrors
No Data
Height
1515 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
Weight Unladen (EU) *
2355 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR)
2890 kg
Max. Payload
No Data
Cargo Volume
490 L
Cargo Volume Max
No Data
Cargo Volume Frunk
0 L
Roof Load
75 kg
Tow Hitch Possible
Yes
Towing Weight Unbraked
750 kg
Towing Weight Braked
2000 kg
Vertical Load Max
80 kg
About this Vehicle
BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan Overview
The BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan positions itself as a premium electric sedan in BMW’s i-series lineup, blending luxury, performance, and advanced electric vehicle technology for discerning drivers seeking a sophisticated alternative to gas-powered 5 Series models. Starting at around $70,100, this BMW electric sedan targets affluent professionals and tech-savvy enthusiasts who prioritize refined driving dynamics, high-end materials, and seamless EV integration in a midsize luxury package. Built on BMW’s flexible CLAR platform adapted for electrification, it features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, an 84.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, and an iconic kidney grille design with aerodynamic optimizations for efficiency.
What sets the BMW i5 xDrive40 apart is its xDrive AWD system, delivering instant torque and superior traction, paired with air suspension for a plush yet sporty ride. In the competitive EV specs landscape, this model matters as BMW’s flagship electric sedan, offering up to 278 miles of range while upholding the brand’s heritage of engineering excellence. The i5 xDrive40 review highlights its role in accelerating EV adoption among luxury buyers, with features like wireless charging, heated seats, and advanced driver aids making it a standout electric vehicle range contender against Tesla and Mercedes rivals.
BMW i5 xDrive40 Performance and Driving Experience
The BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan delivers thrilling acceleration with its dual electric motors producing seamless power, hitting 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds thanks to 389 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system intelligently distributes power between axles for precise handling, enhanced by double wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear air springs, and regenerative braking. Real-world driving impressions reveal a balanced chassis that excels on winding roads, with electric power steering providing sharp feedback and minimal body roll, though its 5,187-pound curb weight demands respect in corners.
Specification
Value
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
5.2 sec
Top Speed
130 mph / 210 km/h
Power Output
389 hp / 289 kW
Torque
435 lb-ft / 590 Nm
BMW i5 xDrive40 Range and Battery Specifications
Equipped with an 84.3 kWh lithium-ion traction battery, the BMW i5 xDrive40 boasts an official range of up to 278 miles under ideal conditions, though real-world figures often hover around 250-260 miles depending on factors like cold weather, aggressive driving, or highway speeds. Its energy efficiency shines at approximately 90-100 Wh/mi, benefiting from aerodynamic design and the xDrive40’s optimized powertrain. The BMW i5 xDrive40 WLTP range edges out some rivals, but real-world range varies with terrain and climate control use, making it ideal for daily commutes and moderate road trips.
BMW i5 xDrive40 battery specs include run-down protection and an 11 kW onboard charger, ensuring reliable performance in diverse conditions.
Range Metric
Value
WLTP Range
278 miles / 448 km
EPA Range
259 miles / 417 km
Real-World Range
250 miles / 402 km
Battery Capacity
84.3 kWh (usable)
BMW i5 xDrive40 Charging Times and Options
The BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan supports versatile charging, with Level 2 AC at 11 kW fully replenishing the battery in about 10 hours from a 240V outlet—perfect for overnight home charging. DC fast charging peaks at up to 205 kW, achieving 10-80% in just 30 minutes on compatible networks like Electrify America or BMW’s public stations. Practical scenarios include quick top-ups during errands or long-haul sessions, with compatibility for CCS connectors ensuring broad access.
Charging Method
Time
Speed
Level 1 (120V)
24 hours
~1.4 kW
Level 2 (240V/7kW)
12 hours
~7 kW
Level 2 (240V/11kW)
10 hours
~11 kW
DC Fast Charge (10-80%)
30 min
up to 205 kW
BMW i5 xDrive40 vs Competitors
In the BMW i5 xDrive40 vs Tesla Model 3, the BMW edges out with superior interior luxury and handling, though Tesla offers longer range and Supercharger access; against the Mercedes EQE, the i5 provides sportier dynamics and AWD standard, while the EQE emphasizes ride comfort. Compared to the Audi e-tron GT, the i5 xDrive40 comparison favors BMW’s value at $70,100 MSRP with similar power but better everyday usability over the Audi’s higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BMW i5 xDrive40 delivers around 250 miles in real-world conditions, factoring in mixed driving, weather, and loads—slightly below its 278-mile WLTP but competitive for a luxury AWD sedan.
Level 2 charging at 11 kW takes about 10 hours for a full charge, while DC fast charging hits 10-80% in 30 minutes at up to 205 kW, ideal for road trips.
The BMW i5 xDrive40 is exclusively all-wheel drive (AWD) via its dual-motor xDrive system, providing superior traction and stability over RWD variants like the eDrive40.
BMW’s IconicSounds Electric generates synthetic engine sounds inside the cabin for immersive driving feedback, enhancing the premium experience without external noise.
The i5 xDrive40 offers 389 hp and luxury build quality versus the Model 3’s efficiency focus, with BMW winning on ride refinement but trailing in charging network and base price.
Yes, with pros like 5.2-second 0-60, 278-mile range, and premium features; cons include hefty weight and higher cost, making it excellent for luxury EV buyers.> The BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan is a premium AWD electric sedan from BMW with 389 hp, up to 278 miles WLTP range, and an 84.3 kWh battery, excelling in luxury handling and fast charging. Ideal for those wanting Tesla-beating refinement with xDrive traction and advanced tech, it starts at $70,100 for superior daily driving.
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