This luxurious electric car makes much more sense as a used buy

I recently tested a petrol, plug-in hybrid and electric BMW 5 Series head-to-head to see which one is the cheapest to run, and one of the conclusions I came to was that the electric i5 doesn’t make a huge amount of sense unless you’re getting it as a company car.

Despite it being around 11 pence per mile cheaper in fuel (providing you use cheap home charging) the £22,000 price gap between the i5 and the petrol-powered 520i means you’ll have to drive the EV almost 200,000 miles to recoup the difference. Company car drivers will make most of that back in tax savings, but for private buyers the i5 doesn’t make a huge amount of sense.

That is unless you have a look around on the used market, because I’ve found a 2025 BMW i5 with just 2,800 miles on the clock for £53,700. That’s over £24,000 less than it cost new, and it comes within spitting distance of a new 520i.

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.

The one I’ve found is an eDrive 40, just like the one I tested. It has a 340hp motor driving the rear wheels, and a claimed range of 374 miles. My testing showed a real-world range of 328 miles, so not too far off.

Having someone else take the massive hit in depreciation means you can enjoy the dirt-cheap running costs for a whole lot less. Plus, the i5 is more relaxing to drive than the 520i thanks to the lack of an engine whirring away all the time. It’s not as much fun, though, thanks to the added weight of the batteries.

Used BMW i5 alternatives

Of course, you don’t have to buy a BMW i5 if you want a posh EV. Here are three great alternatives to consider.

Mercedes EQE

The Mercedes EQE offers much better range than the i5, with some models claiming to do up to 428 miles on a charge. It’s also packed with tech and super comfortable on the motorway, but the interior isn’t as well-made as the BMW’s and the rear seats aren’t that spacious.

I found a 2024 Mercedes EQE 350 with just over 2,000 miles on the clock for £49,000, which is a whopping £40,000 less than it would’ve cost when new.

Porsche Taycan

The BMW i5 is pretty fun to drive, but for an electric B-road blast you can’t really beat the Porsche Taycan. It may not be quite as nimble as its petrol-powered sports cars, but it still hides its weight really well and you get a lovely interior, too.

Just over £51,000 will buy you a 2023 Taycan 4S with 21,500 miles on the clock, a saving of £40,000 compared to a new one.

Polestar 4

If you’re after something which stands out, the sci-fi Polestar 4 could be right up your alley. The lack of a rear window makes it look like nothing else on the road, although that does of course impact visibility, and it has a fabulous interior.

I’ve spotted a 2025 Polestar 4 Long Range Dual Motor with 3,300 miles on the clock for £49,800, more than £15,000 less than it would’ve cost when new.

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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