Mat’s Car of the Day: a used BMW i5 is a luxury saloon for Kia money
Car changing is a big deal
Mat Watson has found a cracking deal on a used BMW i5 through Carwow, and it’s the ballistically fast M60 version as well. Here’s why he thinks this is a car worth considering.
The BMW i5 is a fantastic electric car, but it is rather expensive. This is why I’d recommend buying one second hand, because depreciation hits big, luxurious EVs pretty hard.
I’ve found a great deal on a second hand i5 which could save you 50% over the cost of a brand new one.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Used BMW i5 deals
There are currently loads of used BMW i5s for sale on Carwow, with prices starting from as little as £30,000. It’s this M60 version which caught my eye, though.
It’s a 2024 model with just under 12,000 miles on the clock, and it’s finished in a smart grey paint job. The price? It’s up for £49,400. The equivalent new car would set you back almost £100,000.
It’s also about the same price as a mid-spec Kia EV6 – for a 601hp German saloon which is faster than a BMW M2, and will do 319 miles on a charge.
That’s horrible news for the person who bought the car new, but their pain is your gain because you are getting a bit of a bargain.
Why should you buy a BMW i5?
So why is the BMW i5 one of my favourite electric cars? Here are three reasons.
1. The interior is excellent
I reckon the BMW i5 has one of the best interiors in the business. Not only does it look really modern and high-tech, with a massive, responsive touchscreen and clever ambient lighting, it feels just as luxurious as you’d expect from a car at this price point. I reckon it’s much posher inside than a Mercedes EQE.
2. It’s a comfortable cruiser
For long-distance driving, the BMW i5 is a delight. The cabin is near-silent at 70mph, and it soaks up the bumps and undulations of British motorways really well. You could cover serious miles in this car without fatigue.
3. Rapid performance
Even the basic i5 with a single rear motor feels quick enough, but the 601hp M60 version rivals sports cars on pace. It’ll do 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds, a fraction quicker than a BMW M2 and about the same as an Audi RS3. Not bad in a heavy lump like this, but that does lead me onto the downsides.
Three annoying things about the BMW i5
1. It’s really heavy
At over two tonnes, the BMW i5 is a pretty hefty motor, and this becomes apparent when you hit a twisty road. It handles very well when you consider the weight, but it’s still not as agile as you might think for a BMW.
2. The range isn’t the best
The BMW i5 can do up to 382 miles on a charge, dropping to 319 miles in the M60 (or 330 miles in the latest version). That’s not bad, but a Mercedes EQE can do almost 430 miles and the Audi A6 e-tron has up to 465 miles of range.
3. Boot space is down on the petrol 5 Series
The i5’s 490-litre boot is pretty big, but the petrol 5 Series has 520 litres of space. You also get over 500 litres of space in an Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, so the i5 isn’t quite as practical as some alternatives.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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