2026 BMW i5 eDrive40 Sedan (21 inch Wheels) Review

By Peter Tran, EditorUpdated September 2, 2026MethodologySources: NHTSA, EPA, EIA
67
out of 100
B
#38 of 115 sedans · class median 63
Reliability77
25% of overall
Efficiency61
25% of overall
Economics64
50% of overall

What drives the score

Reliability77/100

NHTSA recall rate0.0 campaigns/yr 88

0 recall campaigns across 1 model year on record.

Documented owner issuesNot yet curated 60

No curated issue list yet — scored neutrally rather than assumed clean.

Battery degradation1.6% / yr 75

Brand-level curve — no model-specific dataset yet.

Efficiency61/100

EPA efficiency3.01 mi/kWh 66

Miles per kWh vs other sedans. Drives every cost figure on this site.

EPA range278 mi 62

Rated combined range. Expect 20-30% less in freezing weather.

Fast-charge speed74 mi / 10 min 51

Peak 205 kW, derated to a realistic 10-80% average.

Economics64/100

Energy cost per mile7.7¢/mi 66

80% home at 17¢/kWh, 20% public DC at 48¢/kWh (US averages).

Fuel savings vs gas rival$818/yr 52

Against the BMW 5 Series (540i) (27 MPG) at $3.92/gal, 12,000 mi/yr.

Battery value at risk$177/yr 74

Pack capacity lost each year, valued at $132/kWh replacement cost.

Road-trip charging cost$15.93 / 100 mi 66

Cost of 100 miles bought entirely at public DC fast chargers.

Ownership numbers at a glance

Energy cost per mile
7.7¢
Annual energy cost (12k mi)
$924
Fuel savings vs gas rival
$818/yr
Fast-charge speed
74 mi per 10 min
Battery value lost per year
$177
NHTSA recall campaigns
0

Assumes 12,000 mi/yr, 80% home charging at $0.17/kWh and public DC at $0.48/kWh, gas at $3.92/gal. Scoring model v1.0.

Charging cost in your ZIP5-year cost of ownershipReal-world range

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