2026 BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan (20 inch Wheels) Review

By Peter Tran, EditorUpdated September 2, 2026MethodologySources: NHTSA, EPA, EIA
63
out of 100
B-
#57 of 115 sedans · class median 63
Reliability77
25% of overall
Efficiency56
25% of overall
Economics59
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.

Efficiency56/100

EPA efficiency2.87 mi/kWh 60

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

EPA range272 mi 58

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

Fast-charge speed71 mi / 10 min 47

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

Economics59/100

Energy cost per mile8.1¢/mi 60

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

Fuel savings vs gas rival$773/yr 45

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$16.71 / 100 mi 60

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

Ownership numbers at a glance

Energy cost per mile
8.1¢
Annual energy cost (12k mi)
$969
Fuel savings vs gas rival
$773/yr
Fast-charge speed
71 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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