BMW Updates Models for Spring With More EV Range and Faster PHEV Charging
BMW is updating several of its most popular vehicles this spring, with more range for its EVs, faster charging for its PHEVs, and even a new model for the small coupe crowd. Elsewhere, BMW is adding new paint color options, features, and interior trim choices across its lineup. Most critically, it ...
Now might be the best time to buy a new BMW EV or PHEV
BMW is updating several of its most popular vehicles this spring, with more range for its EVs, faster charging for its PHEVs, and even a new model for the small coupe crowd. Elsewhere, BMW is adding new paint color options, features, and interior trim choices across its lineup.
Most critically, it doesn’t appear that the faster charging or added range affects BMW’s pricing. Options and trim are paid upgrades, and BMW often changes the pricing of its paint colors as market demand ebbs, so it’s hard to pinpoint what its new color choices might cost (or not) at the time of your purchase. BMW
The BMW i5 gets a slight range boost
The BMW i5 eDrive40 and xDrive40 now have “a number of technical advances” that increase overall range. Here’s how it breaks down:
-i5 eDrive40 (19 in. wheels) - 310 mi (up 5%)
-i5 eDrive40 (20 in. wheels) - 300 mi (up 8%)
-i5 eDrive40 (21 in. wheels) - 278 mi (up 3%)
-i5 xDrive40 (19 in. wheels) - 278 mi (up 5%)
-i5 xDrive40 (20 in. wheels) - 272 mi (up 4%)
-i5 xDrive40 (21 in. wheels) - 259 mi (up 4%)
BMW claims the improvements are largely due to the use of silicon carbide semiconductor components in the power electronics (SiC inverters) along with optimized wheel bearings that reduce friction and rolling resistance. This is likely why it mentions wheel sizing in its range estimates for new i5s. The new 2026 BMW iX xDrive60 now has 364 miles when fitted with 20-inch Aero wheels on summer tires, a seven percent increase from previous estimates.
A new BMW 2 Series
With the same 2.0-liter, 241-hp TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine found in the BMW 228 xDrive, the all-new 228 Gran Coupe is a two-wheel-drive variant that can sprint from 0 to 60 in 6.1 seconds. The new 228 Gran Coupe will start at $39,600 and will ship in mid-2025. BMW
Some BMW PHEVs get faster charging
A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) doesn’t have the benefits of DC fast charging, but BMW has still improved charging for its hybrids to help you reach full capacity faster. The 550e xDrive, X5 xDrive50e, and M5 PHEVs now charge at 11kW, up from the previous rate of 7.4kW. BMW hasn’t said how much faster this should charge its hybrids, but it’s a significant boost nonetheless.
Other upgrades and improvements from BMW
BMW/Fabian Kirchbauer Photography
BMW also added a new Seal & Drive Tire Kit that lets you quickly seal a tire on the go, and all 5 Series BMWs can now be ordered in the company’s Frozen Portimao Blue metallic paint. 5 Series sedans get the exclusive choice between Dark Violet/Atlas Grey and Taupe/Atlas Grey leather, while all new M5s also have Dark Violet/Black Merino leather and Taupe/Deep Lagoon Merino leather interior options.
Tanzanite Blue metallic paint is a new option for the X6 xDrive40i, and Parking Assistant Professional is now a standard option for the X7 xDrive40i. When subscribed to BMW Digital Premium, all BMWs with Operating System 9 will have YouTube as an option. The older BMW Operating System 8.5 will get a new Maps interface.
Final thoughts
BMW increased the range of its EVs without adding battery mass, which might be the real story in all of this. While a single-digit uptick in the range isn’t headline-grabbing, the fact that BMW is starting to find its footing with how it enhances battery performance is a subtle but huge win.
