DecodedCars2025 BMW i5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 295 mi · 10 h on 240 V
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2025 BMW i5 is a compact car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 295 miles and takes about 10 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2025
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2024 i5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2024; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2024 i5 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i5 eDrive40 Sedan (19 inch Wheels) EV | 250 kW EESM | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 295 mi · 32.2089 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| i5 eDrive40 Sedan (20 inch Wheels) EV | 250 kW EESM | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 278 mi · 34.2082 kWh/100mi | – | $750 | – |
| i5 eDrive40 Sedan (21 inch Wheels) EV | 250 kW EESM | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 271 mi · 35.2736 kWh/100mi | – | $800 | – |
| i5 xDrive40 Sedan (19 inch Wheels) EV | 190 and 230 kW EESM | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 266 mi · 36.1443 kWh/100mi | – | $800 | – |
| i5 xDrive40 Sedan (20 inch Wheels) EV | 192 and 250 kW EESM | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 262 mi · 36.2955 kWh/100mi | – | $800 | – |
| i5 M60 xDrive Sedan (19 inch Wheels) EV | 190 and 230 kW EESM | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 253 mi · 37.5255 kWh/100mi | – | $850 | – |
| i5 M60 xDrive Sedan (20 inch Wheels) EV | 190 and 230 kW EESM | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 250 mi · 38.2436 kWh/100mi | – | $850 | – |
| i5 xDrive40 Sedan (21 inch Wheels) EV | 192 and 250 kW EESM | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 248 mi · 38.8179 kWh/100mi | – | $850 | – |
| i5 M60 xDrive Sedan (21 inch Wheels) EV | 190 and 230 kW EESM | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 239 mi · 40.1239 kWh/100mi | – | $900 | – |
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
28.6 MPG2025 Compact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2025 BMW i5.
Similar 2025 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 BMW i5 (this car) | 295 mi | Not rated | 5 |
| 2025 BMW 3 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi A4 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Volvo S60 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Porsche Taycan | 318 mi | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (5)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module · Jul 1, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V422000 · 428 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
- Risk
- A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 21, 2026. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 24V739 or 24V104 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Electrical System › Wiring · Feb 19, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V096000 · 58,713 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 M5 Sportswagon, 2025-2026 M5, 2024-2025 750e xDrive, 2025-2026 550e xDrive, 2023-2025 I7, 2023-2025 7 Series, 2024-2026 i5, and 5 Series vehicles. The electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning system may become damaged during replacement of the cabin air filter.
- Risk
- A damaged wiring harness can short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the air conditioning systemâs electrical wiring harness and add a retaining strap/bracket to the harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 13, 2026.
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm · Sep 25, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V714000 · 982 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2025 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive, 2024-2025 i5 eDrive40, i5 M60 xDrive, 2025 i5 xDrive40, 2024 740i xDrive, 760i xDrive, 750e xDrive, i7 eDrive50, i7 xDrive60, and i7 M70 xDrive vehicles. The steering spindle may break requiring a greater steering effort to control the vehicle.
- Risk
- A sudden increase in required steering effort increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the steering spindle's double universal joint, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 22, 2024. Owners may contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) › Control Module · Sep 18, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V697000 · 309 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S) vehicles. Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models. The welds in the servomotor of the integrated brake control module may break, causing a loss of power brake assist and rear brake function. In addition, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system may not function.
- Risk
- A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2024. Owners can contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module · Feb 12, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V104000 · 266,716 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
- Risk
- A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735.
Not every 2025 BMW i5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
8Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
16,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2025 BMW i5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 16,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 295 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 BMW i5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other i5 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →