The next-generation BMW 5 Series is entering market availability globally, including the new i5 EV. The US will see the i5 Sedan arrive for sale in just a matter of weeks, before October’s end. It’s unclear if the eDrive 40 and M60 xDrive will both be available at launch, but BMW’s release would seem to imply “yes.”
The first i5s rolled off the assembly line in Dingolfing, Germany, back in July, with the car curiously making its global market debut in Korea. Now, global availability is imminent, with Germany (October 21) and the US (October 28) being the next in line. Other markets will be waiting a month or so longer, with the larger worldwide launch starting on November 25. Models include the i5 eDrive 40 and the performance i5 M60 xDrive, which makes over 600 hp and reportedly can shuffle to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
While Electrek has yet to have a go in the all-new i5 (hi, BMW!), early drives of the car have been pretty positive overall. The new BMW OS 8.5 allegedly brings some usability and practicality improvements (e.g., easier access to climate controls with fewer taps), and more changes to the operating system will be coming over the air to owners down the line.
Teaser shot of the BMW 5 Series Touring (wagon)
The new 5 Series Touring (wagon, estate — choose your regional vocab) will launch in spring 2024 in ICE and electrified trims, though it sounds like there will be no US launch. BMW says the 5 Series Touring will be available in Europe, Taiwan, and Japan.
BMW has chosen a philosophy of platform marriage for its current crop of “next-generation” vehicles, meaning the ICE and BEV 5 Series largely look and feel quite similar — but they use totally different drivetrains. Some customers enjoy knowing that their electrified vehicle features a distinct design language and bespoke platform. Still, there are likely many who would like a “normal car” that just so happens to be electrified. Now, this all gets rather philosophical kind of quickly when you ask which version of the car is primarily driving platform and technology decisions, and if the designer would have made an EV from the ground up that looks basically like the “shared” car anyway. But for BMW’s electric portfolio, I think the visual reaction boils down to “kidney grilles, why?” (Because that’s My Brand, presumably.)
Pricing for the eDrive 40 will start at a hair under $68,000 in the US with delivery, and the performance M40 xDrive will be closer to $85,000. That, of course, doesn’t include any options. A fully loaded M40 xDrive (big wheels, leather interior, wood trim, executive package) tops out at $97,395 delivered. Both cars look well-equipped in standard trim, however, so loading them up is by no means necessary.
Like the Mercedes EQE, Model S, and Lucid Air, the BMW i5 slots into the new(-ish) “big mid-size sedan” market — it’s actually within an inch of the Tesla for total length, though about an inch-and-a-half longer by wheelbase. With a starting price of around $68,000, it does slightly undercut Tesla, but for a car that’s much slower and lower on range.
But the population of buyers cross-shopping an i5 and Model S is probably pretty small — BMW is a brand that commands loyalty, with its driver-focused reputation and very visible “yes, I am driving a BMW” visual branding. (See: Kidney grilles on an electric car.)
It will be interesting to see how sales go for BMW in an increasingly crossover-crazy luxury vehicle space – there’s no doubt the 5 Series is part of the shrinking pie that is the sedan market (especially in America). But it’s also a legendary nameplate, and one that buyers often repeatedly return to over the course of multiple generations. It’s hard to say that about a Mercedes E-Class.
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Save space and gain utility in your commute with Aventon’s Sinch 2 folding e-bike while at its $1,399 low
As part of its ongoing Labor Day Sale running through September 3, Aventon is still offering folks the chance to hop aboard its Sinch 2 Folding e-bike at $1,399 shipped. Missing out on this deal means you’ll likely be paying $1,699 when it reverts to its full price, which we’ve mostly seen dropping to $1,499 over the last year, though its been more regularly falling back to the $1,399 low since the launch of its upgraded Sinch 2.5 descendant. You’re looking at a $300 markdown while the sale lasts, giving you another opportunity to score the brand’s most popular space-saving model at the best tracked price.
As the name implies, Aventon’s Sinch 2 e-bike is the brand’s second-generation evolution of its space-saving folding legacy commuter, which is a handy convenience for folks that have limited storage space. It’s been given a 500W rear hub motor (that peaks at 1,056Wh) paired with a 672Wh battery to provide you with up to 55 miles of pedal-assisted travel (four levels supported by a torque sensor) at up to 20 MPH top speeds.
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There’s added utility alongside commuting needs with its stock features, which include a rear cargo rack for grocery and errand running, as well as the integrated front and rear lighting that sport turn signal functionality, an 8-speed derailleur, fenders to go over both 20 by 4-inch tires, an LCD smart “easy read” display, and more.
Bring home Autel’s MaxiCharger 40A level 2 EV charging station that comes with an RFID security card for $399
Through its official Amazon storefront, Autel is offering its MaxiCharger 40A Level 2 EV Charger at $399 shipped in black or white colorways. This at-home charging station usually fetches $470 at full price, though we’ve regularly been seeing it drop to $399 for Prime members, with today’s deal opening up to non-members, as well. While we have seen it fall to $373 (back during October’s Prime Day event) and the one-time $352 low during Memorial Day sales, you’re still looking at a solid $71 markdown that lands it at the third-lowest overall price we have tracked and the second-best price of 2025.
Make up to 300 cuts with EGO’s 56V 18-inch cordless chainsaw and a 5.0Ah battery at a new $249 low
Amazon is now offering its best rate yet on the EGO Power+ 56V 18-inch Cordless Chainsaw with 5.0Ah battery at $249 shipped. This cordless tool usually fetches $399 outside of discounts, which we’ve seen go as low as $300, though that rate hasn’t reappeared since first popping up in the October 2024 Prime Day event. In 2025 things have only dropped between $349 and $329 regularly and as low as $320 during July’s Prime Day event, with the deal we’re seeing here today coming in as a larger-than-ever 38% markdown that slashes $150 off the going rate for the lowest price we have tracked.
Keep up to five devices running with UGREEN’s Nexode 48,000mAh 300W power bank at $102 + more
By way of its official Amazon storefront, UGREEN is offering its Nexode 48,000mAh Portable Charger/Power Bank Station at $101.99 shipped. You’d normally have to pay $170 for this larger charging solution at full price, though Prime members have been getting the opportunity to grab it at $120 and $113 rates over the last few months, alongside occasional dips lower to $107 and $102 – the latter of which is what we saw it priced at for July’s Prime Day event. You’re looking at a 40% markdown here, which cuts $68 off the going rate for the second-best price we have tracked – just $2 above the one-time low we saw at the end of March.
Through the rest of the day you can score Fremo’s 6.2-pound TP300 power station at a new $150 low
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Fremo TP300 Portable Power Station at $149.99 shipped. This unit normally goes for $270 at full price, which is similar to what you’d be paying for Bluetti’s latest Elite 30 V2 power station that currently goes for $299 for non-Prime members. Over the year, we’ve seen discounts take the costs down as low as $160, primarily in these one-day-only Best Buy sales. You’re looking at a larger-than-ever 44% markdown for the rest of the day, giving you $120 in savings on a compact backup power solution as it lands at a new all-time low price.
Navee GT3 Max Smart Electric Scooter (code SCHOOL15): $561 (Reg. $750)
Best new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
Tesla’s sales have surged to unprecedented levels in Turkey, where the American automaker delivered nearly as many vehicles last month as it did across the entire European market.
It occurred because Tesla managed to take advantage of a loophole that has now been patched.
Turkey has a consumption tax rate (ÖTV) that varies depending on the type of car.
Earlier this year, they reduced the tax rate to 10% for EVs with a power output of less than 160 kW.
The American automaker software-locked the base Model Y RWD to just 160 kW of power to qualify for the lower tax rate. This significantly reduced the price and resulted in a surge of orders.
Tesla delivered 8,730 Model Y vehicles in Turkey in August, which was roughly equivalent to the total it delivered in a whole previous year in the country and comparable to about Tesla’s entire sales in Europe last month, following an approximately 40% decrease in sales.
Year-to-date, Tesla’s sales have now surpassed both previous full years combined:
However, Turkey has now patched the loophole. In July, the government announced that it would raise the base tax rate to 25% by the end of the month, but buyers could still take advantage of the tax rate if they had an invoice before then.
This resulted in a surge in demand for Tesla vehicles in Turkey, as evident in the August delivery results.
The demand was pulled forward, and Tesla is likely going to see sales slow down for the rest of the year.
That said, Tesla should still see demand settle higher than in previous years, as the OTV previously was as high as 60%.
Electrek’s Take
There has always been a strong demand for Tesla and electric vehicles in Turkey.
Back before Tesla officially entered the market, local EV enthusiasts were privately importing Tesla vehicles.
In the picture above, local early Tesla adopters in Turkey were begging the automaker to establish local service and Superchargers to support the community.
I believe there’s strong demand for Tesla vehicles in Turkey, but this specific surge is due to Tesla finding a loophole in the tax incentive, and the loophole has now been patched.
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The Kia vehicles we see on the road today are a drastic upgrade from its older models. After a major rebrand, including a new logo, name, and a bunch of sleek EVs, Kia is winning over buyers.
Kia revamps the brand with new EVs, designs, and more
It’s no longer Kia Motors. Now, it’s just Kia. The South Korean automaker rebranded in 2021 with a new name, logo, and stylish new vehicle designs. However, the new “Kia” is much more than just an updated logo.
Kia is transitioning from just another traditional automaker to a full-on mobility company. The South Korean automaker introduced a series of new low-cost electric vehicles that are already winning over buyers in nearly every pocket of the globe.
After selling nearly 254,000 vehicles globally last month, Kia said the “robust sales” were driven by steady demand for new EVs and hybrids.
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After delivering the first models in late 2024, the Kia EV3 has quickly become a top-selling EV in several markets. In the first half of 2025, it was the most popular retail EV in the UK and ranked sixth in all of Europe.
Kia EV6 (right), EV3 (middle), and EV9 (right) Source: Kia
With the new EV4, EV5, and PV5 launching in new markets, Kia expects the run to gain momentum going into the end of the year.
Kia opened orders for the PV5, its first electric van, and EV4, its first EV sedan and hatchback, earlier this year. On Monday, it announced prices for the EV5, its Sportage-sized electric SUV, will start at £39,295 ($53,000) in the UK.
Kia EV4 models during safety testing in Europe (Source: Kia UK)
The Sportage is Kia’s global, European, and UK-wide best-selling vehicle, so many see the EV5 being what could be the brand’s biggest hit yet.
It’s already helped turn around Kia’s business in China. As it arrives in new markets, the EV5 is expected to be Kia’s top-selling EV in many of them, including Canada.
Kia EV5 (Source: Kia)
Kia is already coming off back-to-back annual sales records in Canada, but with new EVs launching, including the EV5, it expects to top it next year.
Although it has four new electric vehicles on deck, Elias El-Achhab, the vice president and chief operating officer of Kia Canada, said (via The Star), “the EV5 is the one we’re most excited about.” The compact SUV segment accounts for over one-third of all cars sold in Canada, making the EV5 a cornerstone of Kia’s growth plans.
Kia EV5 interior (Source: Kia UK)
The electric SUV will be exclusively sold in Canada in the North American market, not the US. Since it’s imported from Korea, Kia would take a significant hit from Trump’s auto tariffs if it were to sell it in the US.
In Canada, Kia expects it “to be our largest volume EV next year, and eventually our number one volume vehicle,” El-Achhab said.
Although prices have yet to be revealed, El-Achhab promises the EV5 will be “priced comparably to many of its combustion-engine equivalents but will be better equipped.”
When asked about rising car costs due to the tariffs, El-Achhab explained that “the volatility isn’t good for anyone,” but Kia is flexible enough to adjust its production accordingly. Even if Kia gets a bigger piece of the sales pie, “the pie will shrink, debt levels will go up,” Kia Canada’s vice president added, “We’d prefer not having to face that situation.”
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