As it integrates 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains into a lineup that already includes plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, BMW is juggling quite the diverse approach to electrification. For the 2025 model year, the automaker is adding a PHEV option to the 5 Series family, as well as a third powertrain offering for the all-electric i5.
Related: 2024 BMW 5 Series: New Electric Version, Updated Engines, Futuristic Tech
550e xDrive PHEV
To create the new 2025 550e xDrive PHEV, BMW combined its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with an electric motor nestled into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Total system output is 483 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet of torque; for context, the twin-turbo V-8 in the 2024 X5 SUV makes 523 hp and 553 pounds-feet but is not capable of electric travel. The 550e will be, but BMW isn’t saying what its range will be yet. For those still concerned that an electrified future will be boring, BMW does say that the 550e will hit 60 mph from rest in about four seconds flat. Production will start in July; pricing, range and other details will be available closer to that date.
i5 xDrive40
The 2025 i5 xDrive40 doesn’t exactly split the difference between the 335-hp, rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40 and 593-hp, all-wheel-drive i5 M60, but it lands somewhere in the vast gulf between them. Electric motors front and rear give this newest i5 AWD and combine for 389 hp and 435 pounds-feet of torque, improvements of 54 hp and 140 pounds-feet over the rear-drive eDrive40.
BMW hasn’t yet announced range for this, either, but with the same 84.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack here as in the rest of the i5 line, expect the xDrive40 to land closer to the 2024 eDrive40’s EPA-estimated maximum of 295 miles than the M60’s 256 miles. Capable of DC fast charging at up to 205 kilowatts, the xDrive40 can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. Sales will start in the spring with pricing from $71,095 (including $995 destination).
If Looks Could … Change Lanes?
The 2024 5 Series introduced Active Lane Change with eye activation to BMW’s Highway Assistant semi-autonomous hands-free driving system. When operating in hands-free mode, BMW says the function suggests lane changes based on the adaptive cruise control setting and traffic conditions; all the driver needs to do to initiate the lane change is look at the appropriate side mirror; the car will then signal and execute the lane change. X5 and X6 SUVs (except M Competition models) will get this system starting with March production; the X7 will follow in April.
And for buyers still not convinced an EV fits their needs, a new E-Mobility Analysis function in the My BMW app will scrutinize their driving behavior and suggest the electric BMW that best suits them.
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