BMW i4 eDrive35 vs BMW i5

Side-by-Side Specs

Charging Speed

The BMW i5 has the higher published DC charging figure at 206 kW, which is roughly 14% higher than the BMW i4 eDrive35 at 180 kW. In practice, that figure only tells part of the story. The charging curve, battery temperature, and state of charge all affect how quickly your car actually charges.

For the published fast-charge window, the BMW i5 is listed at about 29 minutes, which is 2 minutes quicker than the BMW i4 eDrive35 at 31 minutes. On a road trip, that difference adds up over multiple stops.

Range and Efficiency

The BMW i5 has a WLTP rated range of approximately 580 km, which is roughly 66 km more than the BMW i4 eDrive35 at approximately 514 km. WLTP is a standardized lab test. Expect your actual range to be lower, varying with speed, weather, terrain, and driving style.

Efficiency matters more than battery size for daily driving costs. The BMW i4 eDrive35 consumes 154 Wh/km, compared to 173 Wh/km for the BMW i5. That means the BMW i4 eDrive35 uses less energy per kilometer, which translates to lower charging costs and fewer charging stops on longer drives.

A more efficient car does not always mean more range. Battery size plays a role too. The BMW i5 has approximately 81.2 kWh of useable battery , while the BMW i4 eDrive35 has approximately 67.1 kWh.

Which One Should You Choose?

If fast charging is your priority, the BMW i5 has the higher published DC figure (up to 206 kW) and the shorter published charge time at approximately 29 minutes. For long road trips, published stop time matters more than the headline kW number alone.

For AC charging (home wallboxes, workplace chargers, and public street chargers), the BMW i5 supports up to 11 kW (22 kW optional), compared to up to 11 kW for the BMW i4 eDrive35. In Europe, many public chargers are 22 kW AC, so this difference can matter at those locations if the higher AC figure is fitted on the car you buy.

If you mostly charge at home or at work and care more about daily driving costs, the BMW i4 eDrive35 is the more efficient choice at 154 Wh/km. Lower consumption means lower electricity bills over time.

For maximum range between charges, the BMW i5 has a WLTP rated range of approximately 580 km, which is roughly 66 km more. Both are capable EVs. The best choice depends on how you charge and how far you drive.