# BMW i5 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the BMW i5 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-i5

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2024
- **Ideal trim**: eDrive40 M Sport
- **Target mileage**: 15,000–30,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £38,995

## Why this model

The BMW i5 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a premium, executive electric saloon that combines luxury, cutting-edge technology, and a genuinely engaging driving experience. It's essentially an electric 5 Series, offering a spacious, high-quality interior and a comfortable ride, making it perfect for long journeys or daily commutes. Being a newer model, you'll benefit from the latest EV tech and a strong warranty, though it does mean you're buying into a car that has seen significant initial depreciation.

## What you should pay

The used EV market has seen some significant price adjustments recently, and premium models like the i5, despite being relatively new, are not immune. A 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport, which would have cost around £70,000 new, is projected to be available for around £38,995 by early 2026. This represents a substantial depreciation of over 40% in just two years, making it an attractive proposition for buyers looking to get into a high-end EV at a much more accessible price point. This steep initial drop means you're letting the first owner take the biggest hit.

## Which trim to buy

The eDrive40 M Sport trim is our top pick for value. It offers a fantastic balance of performance (340 hp is plenty for most), range (up to 361 miles WLTP, with liquid-cooled 81.2kWh battery and active thermal management for good battery health), and a sporty aesthetic without the significant price jump of the M60. You get all the essential luxury features, the more aggressive M Sport styling, and a comfortable yet dynamic ride. The M60 is great for outright performance, but the eDrive40 M Sport delivers the core i5 experience for a much more sensible price on the used market.

## What to check before you buy

- As a very new model, specific common faults are not widely reported yet. However, for any used EV, always check the battery health certificate if available.
- Ensure all advanced tech features (iDrive 8.5, driver assistance systems) are fully functional.
- Check for software glitches, which can sometimes be present in new, highly digital cars.
- Inspect tyres for uneven wear, especially on powerful EVs, as they can be heavy and put stress on tyres.

## Running costs

Running an i5 can be very cost-effective, especially if you can charge at home. With a real-world efficiency of about 3.5 mi/kWh: If you're on a standard home electricity rate (around 24.5p/kWh), it'll cost you about 7.1p per mile, which is roughly £705 per year for 10,000 miles. However, if you switch to a smart EV tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 9p/kWh overnight), your costs drop significantly to about 2.6p per mile, or just £259 per year for 10,000 miles – a saving of around £446 annually! Public rapid chargers are much more expensive (20-24.3p/mile), so try to avoid relying on them. Road tax for EVs is free until April 2025, after which it will be £195 per year. Insurance for a premium EV like the i5 will be higher than average, so get quotes specific to your circumstances.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 340 hp (eDrive40)
- **Mpg**: N/A
- **Reliability Score**: As a new model, long-term reliability data is still emerging, but BMW generally offers good build quality. Early indications are positive.
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2023)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| eDrive40 Sport Edition | £67,000 | £36,000 | BMW Curved Display; Sport seats; 19-inch alloy wheels |
| eDrive40 M Sport | £70,000 | £38,995 | M Sport styling package; M Sport suspension; 20-inch M light alloy wheels |
| M60 xDrive | £98,000 | £58,800 | Dual-motor all-wheel drive; 601 hp; Adaptive M Suspension Professional |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £38,995 | 0% |
| 2027 | £34,700 | 11% |
| 2028 | £30,900 | 21% |
| 2029 | £27,500 | 29% |
| 2030 | £24,500 | 37% |

Buying a 2024 BMW i5 in early 2026 puts you in a sweet spot where the initial, steepest depreciation has already occurred. The car will have lost a significant chunk of its new value, meaning you're getting a nearly new, high-tech luxury EV for a much more palatable price. While it will continue to depreciate, the rate should slow down considerably compared to its first two years on the road.

Total value lost since new: 65%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [BMW i4](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-i4.md)
- [Mercedes-Benz EQE](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/mercedes-eqe.md)
- [Tesla Model S](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/tesla-model-s.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.