BMW i5 M60 test drive: for adherents of tradition, for fans of innovation

This material required a lot of preparation in terms of technology, there are a lot of nuances and my own opinions. But now, at the end of May, I can say for sure: this red BMW i5 M60 sedan is the most impressive car/electric vehicle I have held in my hands since the spring of 2024, and perhaps since the beginning of 2024. Why is that? I’ll tell you all about it.

Design: an ideal for those who adhere to tradition

The BMW i5 electric vehicle in particular and the new generation BMW 5 Series G60 sedan in general are very large. You probably won’t even realize how big it is at first glance. The length exceeds the 5-meter mark and I still remember the days when the BMW 7 Series sedan in the E38 body was shorter. Or the height – more than 1.5 meters: this is almost the level of modern crossovers! The body width is close to two meters; it’s also a lot.

The BMW 5-series G60 sedan is very large. However, it looks like a toned heavyweight boxer: athletic body and muscles in their places, a long hood as a signature of a noble family, thin roof pillars with the signature Hofmeister curve and the “5” behind. And the front end with an imitation of a radiator grille and a visually pointed nose. As if it were a shark’s nose, which was flaunted by the BMW E12 and BMW E28 5 Series: do you remember them?

The BMW 5-series G60 sedan is the eighth incarnation of the “five”, if we count from the BMW E12 generation in 1972. It seems that the newcomer respects its own half-century of history – the design has many characteristic BMW elements: a long hood and a short front overhang, a curve in the rear roof pillar, L-shaped headlights. The signature dual headlights (or headlight rings) have finally turned into barely noticeable features, but the headlight housings themselves, combined with the grille, visually create the impression of a pointed nose. This design hides the impressive dimensions of the BMW i5: length – 5.06 meters; width – 1.9 meters; height – 1.515 meters; wheelbase – 2.995 meters. Compared to its predecessor, the BMW 5 Series sedan has added 124 mm in total length, but only 20 mm in wheelbase. The body height has also increased by 49 mm. However, what usually goes unnoticed is that the ride height (the so-called hip-point) has also increased – plus 35 mm for the driver and even plus 49 mm for the rear passengers. The impression is that the entire body has been raised slightly above the road, which is further emphasized by the glossy black sill plates and the rear bumper insert.

Does a significant increase in size affect the increase in interior space? According to the branded diagrams, in most cases there is more space, even if it’s not much, just a few millimeters. However, speaking in general, it is very spacious inside. Not only the overall dimensions, but also the rather high position of the driver and passengers contribute to the feeling of spaciousness. By the way, the floor level is also quite high due to the battery being located below (in fact, the black side plates around the perimeter of the body indicated this); but thanks to the increased roof height and seating, there is still enough headroom.

The most interesting thing about the cabin is not even the amount of space, but the design of the front panel. The two BMW Curved Display displays (12.3-inch and 14.9-inch) are connected and slightly curved, the ventilation deflectors are carefully hidden and turned into small slots, the center console has a pair of “crystal” elements – a transmission shifter and a round joystick for controlling the multimedia system. And the most interesting element of the cabin is the BMW Interaction Bar: translucent panels with a crystalline structure that can be illuminated in different colors depending on the selected driving mode or the activation of the hazard warning light. These panels also have touch controls for controlling the intensity of air flow through the ventilation deflectors. A real highlight of the cabin and a great solution – aesthetic and practical at the same time!

For rear passengers, such entertainment and practical elements are no longer provided. But in other respects, everything is fine: a sufficient supply of space has already been noted, plus a successful tilt of the seat back, separate climate control, mounts on the backs of the front seats for a tablet, additional USB ports, ventilation deflectors in the center pillars, attractive decorative speaker grilles… Everything is done so that you immediately feel like a high-end car, a real premium business sedan. But everything is done in such a way as not to cross the boundaries of the BMW 7 Series and never to doubt that the main person is behind the wheel.

Cool interior: the design is clearly from the 2020s and gives a feeling of “modern techno”, and high-quality materials and attention to pleasant details make you feel cozy. There is plenty of space: plenty of legroom and width; plenty of air above the head, even if the seat and floor are somewhat high, but the roof height saves the day. The 490-liter trunk with a hidden niche and an electric lid is responsible for practicality. There is no additional trunk in front, but there is a tunnel in the legs of the rear passengers – and here we move on to the nuances of the design.

Technology: for fans of innovation

To begin with, a few words about the BMW 5-series G60 in general. It has a load-bearing body, provides for the installation of an internal combustion engine in the front, rear or all-wheel drive, and independent wheel suspensions: 2-link front and 5-link rear. Now for more details. For example, the suspension can be conventional or M-sport; pneumatic cylinders are offered for the rear wheels (maintaining the body level when loading), a wheel steering mechanism is offered (up to four degrees, reducing the turning diameter by 0.6 meters relative to the base figure of 11.7 meters); a body roll reduction system is available, and much more. Depending on the version of the BMW 5 Series G60, the various chassis components mentioned above can be included in the list of standard equipment or offered as an option. What’s even more interesting, however, is that the BMW 5 Series G60 is a multi-energy vehicle: that is, it uses a variety of powertrains. Gasoline and diesel 4- or 6-cylinder engines are understandable and expected, and an electrified PHEV hybrid was also found on the previous generation of the Five. But this is the first time a full-fledged BMW i5 electric car has appeared.

This story began a year ago, with the debut of the BMW i5 eDrive40 and BMW i5 M60; then in the winter and spring of 2024, a new version of the BMW i5 xDrive40 and a station wagon with the Touring designation appeared, and the electric car itself reached the Ukrainian market. The basis of any version of the BMW i5 is the BMW 5-series G60 platform, which explains the overall body proportions, chassis layout, tunnel, suspension schemes and design, etc. Although it is clear that electric vehicles have a distinctive feature in the form of a battery. Moreover, all versions of the BMW i5 use the same 400-volt Li-Ion NMC battery from Samsung with a capacity of 81.2 kWh.

But the type of drive, power, and capabilities of these electric vehicles differ. The BMW i5 eDrive40 sedan offers rear-wheel drive and one electric motor: 250 kW or 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque. It has a claimed range of 497-582 km (WLTP) depending on the selected driving mode. Interestingly, a version of the BMW i5 xDrive40 has already been released – and despite the common index “40”, this electric vehicle is distinguished not only by all-wheel drive but also by slightly increased power. However, it is clear that it is the BMW i5 M60 electric car that offers the most now – it has all-wheel drive and two electric motors: the total power reaches 442 kW or 601 hp and a maximum of 820 Nm of torque in SPORT or BOOST modes. This provides acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and 230 km/h top speed. However, you have to pay with a reduced power reserve: 455-516 (WLTP) is promised.

And besides the general figures, there are many more interesting details. For example, the use of the “Gen.5” electric drive according to BMW’s internal classification. This means more efficient electric motors (synchronous electric motor with rotor excitation windings), enhanced battery temperature control capabilities (important during charging to prevent battery overheating), and improved repair capabilities with repair at the level of small components (affects the cost of repair for the owner). It is also interesting about the electric motors in general: it is stated that both produce maximum torque in the range of 0-5000 rpm and maximum power in the range of 0-8000 rpm; electric motor gearboxes have different gear ratios – 9.374 for the rear and 8.774 for the front. Thus, the distribution of electric power between the two motors and their speeds can be flexibly controlled. This, in turn, allows for flexible control of the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles.

The general design is straightforward: battery up front, one or two electric motors, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive; plus all BMW i5 versions have rear air suspension. However, there are a lot of nuances and interesting details! Especially in the case of the BMW i5 M60: not only two electric motors with maximum power, but also increased recovery capabilities, Professional adaptive suspension and M Sport brakes. Even the charging capabilities differ from AC charging stations – for example, for the BMW i5 M60, a built-in 22 kW charger is already included in the equipment list, but other versions of the BMW i5 will only receive it as an option (11 kW is supported as standard). Although the DC charging capabilities are the same: the BMW i5 electric vehicle can receive a maximum of 205 kW, the charging power curve drops off after that.

Behind the wheel: stunning dynamics, superior comfort

In principle – but the main thing is already written in the subtitle. The BMW i5 M60 electric car is remembered for its excellent acceleration dynamics: with results of 3.8-4 seconds to the qualifying “hundred”, it is one of the absolute record holders of my own measurements. Moreover, the BMW i5 M60 sedan starts as if it were launching from a catapult – while the first second or two passes, the driver and passengers only realize the acceleration dynamics. It seems that in these moments, the BMW i5 M60 electric car overtakes the speed of nerve impulses in the human brain.

What is also striking is the ease with which such phenomenal results can be achieved. And it’s not about the characteristics of electric motors that produce torque and power in the first few revolutions, it’s not about linear acceleration. It’s about the driver’s understanding of what needs to be done to get the best result. I remember how I had to select algorithms for starting and driving modes on many cars to get the best dynamics. I remember having to do this on one electric car in an effort to get the promised four seconds. But in the case of the BMW i5 M60, everything is incredibly easy: here’s the red BOOST button, here’s the pedal – pow! – and you’re the best at starting from a standstill. And the BMW i5 M60 electric car does it again and again and again; and then does it again. What are we talking about? In recent months, we have seen several electric cars, and it was interesting to measure their dynamics. And here’s the thing: with a full or almost full battery charge, everything is fine; but as the battery level decreases, the dynamics also decreases. However, not in the case of BMW! Below you will see two measurements: the first was made with the battery charged at more than 90%, and the second was made with the battery charged at about 35%; the BOOST function was even activated at 8% battery charge – the BMW i5 M60 electric car is always ready, a true M-breed!

Although you wouldn’t know it from the way the suspension works. Instead of stiffness, there’s good comfort, soft ride, and excellent bump damping. It seems as if the rear air suspension works first in the style of a comfortable and respectable BMW i5 business sedan, and only then does something about the sporty character of the M60 version… For example, this “something” is perfectly manifested in the variable MY MODES modes – it really is not just a change in driving modes, but also in moods in general: The responses of the electric drive, the design of the displays and the interior, the acceleration/recovery indication on the projection display, the acceleration sound, the weight of the steering wheel, even the panoramic roof curtain opens/closes or the side support of the seats is additionally clamped in sport mode.

Which is logical: after all, the BMW i5 M60 electric car demonstrates some noticeable body roll even in sport mode (remember the height?); but even in sport mode, it does not lose good comfort. It’s not just the suspension, but also the steering wheel. Usually, the steering wheel is light, in sport mode it becomes only slightly heavier, but it invariably makes 2.4-2.5 revolutions from stop to stop. Moreover, you can control the sedan not only with the steering wheel, but also by redistributing traction: from barely noticeable wear in a steep bend to a small skid under traction thanks to the powerful rear electric motor. This is how electric vehicles with all-wheel drive and this typical linear power/torque delivery from the electric motor bring new sensations not only in terms of straight-line dynamics, but also in terms of cornering. And the gentler the bends, the higher the speed, the better the BMW i5 M60 feels; however, the sharper the turn in a tight low-speed bend, the greater the sense of the dimensions and weight (2305 kg) of a large sedan. Driving the BMW i5 M60 electric car on a winding road is not easy, either literally or figuratively; but it is definitely very interesting and really “fun”.

Under the hood, there’s only a plastic cover with the M logo; but it gets more interesting underneath: the front electric motor is hidden somewhere, and additional amplifier pipes are visible. MY MODES modes affect many parameters of the electric car, even the seat or the projection display. The best results in terms of dynamics (3.8-4 seconds) can be obtained in SPORT mode, and the best range is achieved in EFFICIENT mode. The driver’s display immediately calculates the range for different conditions and modes: large numbers indicate the range in the current state; smaller numbers indicate the potential range in the most dynamic or most economical driving mode. If you get tired of playing around with MY MODES, you can simply press the BOOST paddle switch: this activates full power for 10 seconds, regardless of the current mode.

Finally, a few words about energy consumption and range. In the city, on average, you can count on 23-25 kWh per 100 km (the minimum is about 20, but the maximum reaches 27-30); that is, on average, you can drive 320-350 km, potentially reach 400+ km, and a minimum of 200-250 km – but they will definitely be fun and dynamic. On the highway, when driving at a speed of about 100 km/h, energy consumption is 21-22 kWh per 100 km of road; at a speed of 70 km/h, you can get 17 kWh; at a speed of 130 km/h, energy consumption increases to 27-28 kWh; that is, on average, you can drive about 400 km on the highway (plus or minus 70-100 km), but this is subject to full use of the battery charge – but usually owners leave 10-15-20% of the charge.

The EFFICIENT mode helps to achieve maximum mileage, with additional and rather strict settings: the maximum speed is limited to 90 km/h, the air conditioning and seat heating are turned off, and the available power and dynamics are reduced. However, even in this mode, if you press the accelerator pedal hard, the electric car can jump the speed limit – for example, this is necessary for intense overtaking. Recuperation is triggered in adaptive mode or maximum B-mode, which is activated by a selector on the center console. Although personally, I would add an additional paddle switch under the steering wheel (as is done for BOOST mode). Recuperation on a long descent can add +1-2 km to the range.

Cost: how much does the BMW i5 electric car cost and what are the competitors

It is clear that the BMW i5 sedan is the electric incarnation of the BMW 5 Series, which can be found in different versions and at different prices. However, for now we will focus on the BMW i5 electric car, because there is something to tell you about it in terms of equipment and price.

The range is opened by the BMW i5 eDrive 40 electric car, which offers one electric motor (250 kW or 340 hp) and rear-wheel drive, and its electric vehicle equipment includes the following: 19-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, dual-zone climate control, rearview camera, reverse parking assist with route memory, automatic parking system, BMW Live Cockpit Plus with a 12.3-inch color driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen center display, etc. The cost of the BMW i5 eDrive40 – from 61100 euros or about $66 thousand.

The next step is the BMW i5xDrive40, which already offers two electric motors (290 kW or 394 hp) and all-wheel drive, as well as an expanded list of equipment – for example, the Professional adaptive suspension and active steering system have been added. The cost of the BMW i5 xDrive40 – from 64700 euros or almost $70 thousand.

The maximum variant is the BMW i5 M60 – also with two electric motors and all-wheel drive, but with increased power (442 kW or 601 hp.) and expanded equipment: 19-inch Double Spoke Style 935 M alloy wheels, M Sport package (front and rear bumper inserts, side sill plates), Iconic Glow and Welcome Light Carpet contour lighting, BMW M sports 3-spoke steering wheel and dark fabric ceiling trim, full power front seats with memory settings, separate 4-zone climate control, 22 kW fast charging preparation, BMW Iconic Sounds Electric system with a variety of sounds for different driving modes, Harman Kardon HiFi audio, etc. The cost of the BMW i5 M60 is from 88600 euros or about $96 thousand.

The BMW i5 M60 electric car is not only the sportiest version of the BMW i5, but also the most luxurious: decorative lighting and various M-details inside and out, large displays and 4-zone climate control. Although there is room to roam: these attractive BMW Interaction Bar panels are an option, instead of the Harman Kardon audio system (which is already a dream for many cars), you can order Bowers & Wilkins with 17 speakers and a 7-band equalizer. In general, options can significantly increase the final price tag: Adaptive M-suspension with active tilt/roll stabilization (3814 euros), panoramic glass roof (1516 euros), front seat ventilation (837 euros), adaptive LED headlights (651 euros), Driving Assistant driver assistance packages (725 euros) or DrivingAssistant Plus (930 euros) or Driving Assistant Professional (2279 euros), BMW Individual interior trim with Merino leather (2047 euros), Ambient Light lighting including colored BMW Interaction Bar panels (525 euros) – and now the cost of the BMW i5 M60 electric car has reached the mark of about 100,000 euros. It is worth noting that there is also a BMW i5 Touring electric car with a station wagon body, which is 1000 euros more expensive than the sedan in similar versions.

A few words about competitors. First, it is worth noting the main original rival from the stable of the three-beam star – the Mercedes EQE: it offers a wider range of versions, can travel more, but is even heavier and inferior in overall dimensions. The most important difference, however, is the very concept of the two electric vehicles: while the BMW i5 demonstrates maximum adherence to the BMW 5-series lineup, the Mercedes EQE is clearly different from the traditional Mercedes E-class.

The second competitor is also a German electric car – the new Porsche Taycan and the related Audi e-tron GT. In these cases, there are gains in technology (such as the 800-volt architecture and 2-speed gearbox for the rear electric motor), and larger batteries can provide a longer range. However, the BMW i5 electric car offers more interior space and can provide good driving comfort.

Finally, the third competitor is, of course, the Tesla Model S: thanks to periodic updates, this electric car is still as good as more modern models in terms of power, dynamics, range, etc. However, the interior of the electric car feels old, lacks a wide range of different versions and options, etc. There are actually more competitors. However, even those already mentioned do not promise the BMW i5 electric car an easy market walk. So…