What's New for the 2025 BMW 5 Series? A Look at the 550e PHEV, i5 xDrive40, and High-Tech Updates

The 2025 BMW 5 Series expands its electrified lineup with two significant new models: the powerful 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid and the all-wheel-drive i5 xDrive40 electric sedan, alongside the rollout of an innovative semi-autonomous driving feature. This strategy underscores BMW's commitment to offering a diverse range of powertrains to suit different buyer needs, from performance-oriented PHEVs to practical EVs.

What is the 2025 BMW 550e xDrive PHEV? Positioned as a high-performance hybrid, the 2025 BMW 550e xDrive combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. This pairing generates a substantial total system output of 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. For context, this output approaches the power of a twin-turbo V-8 but adds the benefit of all-electric driving. BMW estimates the 550e will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.0 seconds, addressing concerns that electrification compromises performance. While the all-electric driving range has not been officially released, production is scheduled to begin in July 2024, with pricing and range details expected closer to that date.

How Does the 2025 BMW i5 xDrive40 Fit into the Electric Lineup? The i5 xDrive40 serves as a new middle ground in BMW's electric sedan offerings. It slots between the rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40 (335 hp) and the high-performance i5 M60 (593 hp). This new variant features dual electric motors, providing standard all-wheel drive and a combined output of 389 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque. It utilizes the same 84.3-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack as other i5 models. Based on this, its range is anticipated to be closer to the eDrive40's EPA-estimated 295 miles than the M60's 256 miles. A key advantage is its DC fast-charging capability of up to 205 kW, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. The i5 xDrive40 starts at $71,095 (including destination), with sales beginning in spring 2024.

What is BMW's Active Lane Change with Eye Activation? Building on the Highway Assistant semi-autonomous hands-free driving system introduced in the 2024 5 Series, Active Lane Change with eye activation is a new convenience feature. When Highway Assistant is active, the system can suggest a lane change based on traffic and cruise control settings. To execute the maneuver, the driver simply needs to look at the corresponding side mirror; the car will then activate the turn signal and change lanes automatically. This technology will also be added to the X5 and X6 SUVs (starting March 2024) and the X7 (starting April 2024). For customers uncertain about switching to an EV, BMW is introducing an E-Mobility Analysis function in the My BMW app, which analyzes personal driving habits to recommend the most suitable electric BMW model.

Conclusion: A Broader Portfolio for an Electrified Future The 2025 updates make the BMW 5 Series family more versatile than ever. Key takeaways for buyers include:

• The 550e xDrive PHEV offers a compelling blend of V-8-like power with electric-only capability for shorter trips.
• The i5 xDrive40 provides a balanced EV option with the added security and performance of all-wheel drive at a mid-range price point.
• The expansion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like the eye-activated lane change enhances highway driving comfort and safety. Based on our assessment experience, BMW's multi-pronged approach effectively caters to a wide spectrum of consumers navigating the transition to electrification.