BMW's current electric models and what sets them apart

BMW makes five main electric vehicles you can buy today: the i3, i4, i5, i7, and iX. Each one is built from the ground up as electric, not converted from a gas model — which means the battery sits low in the floor, the cabin is roomier than a comparable gas BMW, and the weight is distributed differently. The i3 is the smallest and least expensive; the i7 and iX are the largest and most expensive. The i4 and i5 are sedans that sit in the middle.

What makes BMW electrics different from, say, a Tesla or Chevy Bolt, is the charging network BMW includes with purchase and the interior technology. Every new BMW electric comes with access to ChargeNow, which connects you to over 400,000 public charging stations across North America and Europe. The infotainment system is built around a large touchscreen and voice commands, and many models offer a head-up display that projects speed and navigation onto the windshield.

Key Takeaways

  • BMW's i3, i4, i5, i7, and iX are all-electric vehicles, not hybrids, and each is designed as electric from the start rather than adapted from a gas platform.
  • Range varies by model: the i3 offers around 200 miles per charge, while the i7 and iX can exceed 300 miles depending on battery size and driving conditions.
  • All new BMW electrics include access to ChargeNow, a network of over 400,000 public charging stations, and most support fast charging that can add 100 miles in 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Price starts around $45,000 for the i3 and rises to over $100,000 for the iX M60, so the model you choose depends on your budget and whether you need a sedan or SUV body style.

Range and battery options for each model

The i3 comes with a single battery option that delivers roughly 200 miles of range on a full charge. It is the smallest and lightest BMW electric, which is why it goes the farthest on a smaller battery. If you drive mostly in the city or have a short commute, the i3 range is usually enough; if you regularly take long trips, you will spend more time charging or need a larger model.

The i4 offers two battery sizes. The standard battery gives around 260 miles of range; the larger battery pushes that to roughly 300 miles. The i5 sedan is newer and comes in a similar range: the standard battery is around 260 miles, and the larger battery reaches about 300 miles. Both the i4 and i5 are practical for daily driving and occasional road trips, since you can charge overnight at home and use public fast chargers for longer journeys.

The i7 and iX are the largest models and have the biggest batteries. The i7 sedan can reach 300 to 330 miles depending on the battery, while the iX SUV ranges from 300 to 380 miles. These numbers assume highway driving under normal conditions; real-world range drops in cold weather, at highway speeds above 65 mph, or with a full load of passengers and cargo. BMW estimates range loss of 20 to 30 percent in winter.

Charging at home and on the road

Most BMW electric owners install a Level 2 charger at home, which plugs into a 240-volt outlet (the same kind used for electric dryers). A Level 2 charger adds 20 to 30 miles of range per hour, so overnight charging fully replenishes the battery. Installation typically costs $500 to $2,000 depending on your home's electrical panel and how far the charger is from the panel. Some utilities offer rebates for installation.

On the road, BMW electrics use DC fast charging, which is much quicker. A 30-minute fast charge can add 100 to 150 miles of range, depending on the charger's power and the model. The i3 charges more slowly than the larger models because its battery is smaller; the i7 and iX charge fastest. ChargeNow, which comes with your purchase, shows you nearby chargers on the in-car map and can reserve a spot at some stations.

Charging speed also depends on the charger's power output, measured in kilowatts (kW). Most public chargers are 50 kW; newer fast chargers are 150 kW or higher. BMW electrics can accept different charging speeds, so a 350 kW charger will charge faster than a 50 kW one, but the battery itself has a limit on how much power it can accept at once. The i7 and iX accept higher power than the i3, which is another reason they charge faster in real life.

Price, trim levels, and what comes standard

The i3 starts around $45,000 before incentives. The i4 begins near $60,000. The i5 starts around $65,000. The i7 begins around $85,000, and the iX starts near $85,000 as well. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices and do not include destination charges, taxes, or dealer markups, which vary by location. Prices also change yearly, so check BMW's website or a dealer for current figures.

Each model comes in multiple trim levels, usually labeled Standard, Luxury, and M Sport (or similar names that vary by model). Higher trims add features like leather seats, panoramic sunroofs, upgraded audio systems, and more advanced driver-information technology. The M60 variant of the i7 and iX is the performance version, with a second motor that makes the vehicle all-wheel drive and adds horsepower.

All BMW electrics come standard with the infotainment system, wireless phone charging, and access to ChargeNow. Many include driver-information features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information. Heated seats and steering wheels are common on higher trims. Sunroofs, upgraded leather, and premium audio systems are typically paid options or included in higher trim levels.

Performance and driving experience

BMW electrics accelerate faster than their gas counterparts because electric motors deliver maximum torque when ready. The i3 feels quick off the line; the i4 and i5 feel sporty; the i7 and iX feel powerful and smooth. The M60 versions of the i7 and iX are the quickest, with dual motors and 0-to-60 times around 4 seconds or less.

Regenerative braking is standard on all models. When you lift off the accelerator or brake, the motor slows the car and captures energy to recharge the battery. This means you use the friction brakes less often, and the car slows more gradually than a gas car would. Many drivers find this one-pedal driving style intuitive after a few days; others prefer to use the brake pedal normally. You can adjust how strong the regenerative braking feels through the infotainment menu.

The ride is quiet because there is no engine noise. Road and wind noise are more noticeable than in a gas BMW, but the cabin is still quieter overall. The low center of gravity (because the battery is in the floor) makes the car feel stable and planted in corners, even though it is heavier than a comparable gas model.

Maintenance and long-term ownership costs

Electric BMWs have fewer moving parts than gas models, so routine maintenance is simpler. There is no oil to change, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, and no timing belt. You still need tire rotations, brake fluid checks, and cabin air filter replacements, but these happen less often than in a gas car. Brake pads last much longer because regenerative braking does most of the stopping.

The battery is warrantied for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and BMW covers defects in the battery cells and the charging system. Battery degradation is gradual; most owners see 5 to 10 percent capacity loss over the first five years. Replacing a battery out of warranty is expensive — $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the model — but this is rare in the first decade of ownership.

Electricity costs less than gasoline. Charging at home typically costs $3 to $5 per 100 miles, depending on your local electricity rate. Public fast charging costs more, usually $10 to $20 per 100 miles, but is still cheaper than gas in most regions. Over the life of the vehicle, fuel savings can offset the higher purchase price compared to a gas BMW.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to charge a BMW electric from empty to full?

At home with a Level 2 charger, a full charge takes 8 to 12 hours depending on the model and battery size. The i3 charges faster (around 6 to 8 hours) because its battery is smaller. On a DC fast charger, you can add 100 to 150 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, but charging slows down as the battery gets fuller to protect the battery's health.

Can I tow a trailer with a BMW electric?

The i4 and i5 sedans cannot tow. The i7 sedan can tow up to 4,000 pounds. The iX SUV can tow up to 4,400 pounds. Towing reduces range by 20 to 30 percent because the extra weight requires more energy. Check the owner's manual for the specific towing capacity of your model and year.

What happens to the battery in cold weather?

Cold reduces range by 20 to 30 percent because the battery chemistry slows down and the car uses energy to heat the cabin and battery. Preconditioning — warming the battery and cabin while plugged in — helps recover some of that range. Most BMW electrics let you schedule preconditioning through the app before you leave home.

Do I need to plug in every night?

No. Plug in when your battery is low or when you need a full charge for a long trip. If you drive less than 100 miles per day, you might charge only two or three times per week. Leaving the battery at a partial charge (like 80 percent) between trips is actually better for long-term battery health than charging to 100 percent every day.

Which BMW electric is best for a long road trip?

The i7 or iX are the best choices because they have the longest range (300 to 380 miles) and the fastest charging. The i4 and i5 work for road trips too, but you will stop to charge more often. Plan your route using the in-car navigation or a trip planner like A Better Route Planner, which shows charging stations and wait times along your path.