BMW unveils new i5 xDrive40 and iX2 eDrive20

BMW is freshening up its electric vehicle portfolio in time for the spring. As part of its ambitious plans for 2024 that include 20% increase in EV sales, the company is introducing new models to cater to an even wider customer base.

Both BMW i5 and iX2 get new powertrains, the XM gets a hybrid 50e version with a 197 hp electric motor. The diesel-powered X2 gets a mild-hybrid 48V setup as well, to improve efficiency.

The new i5 xDrive40 will slot between the existing eDrive40 and the top-of-the-range M60 (we have a review and real-life range test?). As the “x” suggests, the new i5 comes with two electric motors powering all four wheels. The combined power output is 394 hp (290 kW) and the torque stands at 435 lb-ft - that’s enough to catapult this rather substantial sedan from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds - 0.6 of a second quicker than the i5 eDrive40.

There is no change in the battery department - it is has the same 81.2 kWh usable capacity as the other i5 models. The WLTP-rated range is 334 miles, lower than the 362 miles of the eDrive 40, but above the 321 miles WLTP of the M60.

The i5 xDrive40 can be charged at home at up to 22 kW and at up to 205 kW at DC fast chargers. BMW suggests the new version can add 97 miles of range in just 10 minutes of DC charging.

In contrast, BMW iX2 gets a new entry-level model - the iX2 eDrive20. It comes with a 204 hp (150 kW) electric motor powering only the front wheels. The result is a rather leisurely sprint to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds, but the range stands at 297 miles according to WLTP calculations - that’s almost 19 miles more than the iX2 xDrive30. Both models share the same 66.5 kWh battery pack (64.8 kWh usable) with up to 130 kW DC charging support and with domestic AC charging at up to 22 kW.

Both the new iX2 eDrive20 and the i5 xDrive40 are available for orders with deliveries starting in March. The entry-level iX2 model is priced from $57,900 while the i5 starts at $88,600.

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